European Power Rankings: Brilliant Betis mix it with the giants

Arsenal are this week’s big movers in the European Power Rankings, reflecting the increasing possibility that Mikel Arteta’s side could make a genuine run for the Premier League title.

The Gunners have broken into the top five at the expense of PSG, and are one of just three sides who boast a perfect record in Europe’s big five leagues. All of these teams have made the top 10 of the Power Rankings, which includes a surprise new entry from LaLiga. 

Here’s how they shake up, with the ranking based upon games that took place up to and including Tuesday, August 30.

10. Real Betis

Previously: N/A (new entry)

It’s time to show some respect to Real Betis, who have made a strong start in Spain. They’ve picked up all nine points available so far, a run that deserves recognition even if they’ve yet to beat a title contender. 

They ground out a 1-0 win over Osasuna last Friday, with Borja Iglesias’ goal 10 minutes from the break proving enough to get the job done. Now they get their first real test as they head to Madrid this weekend.

9. Chelsea

Previously: 9th (no change)

Thomas Tuchel’s side has made a tumultuous start to the season, but they were able to regroup with a 2-1 victory over Leicester on Saturday. A first-half red card for Conor Gallagher left the Blues in a difficult spot, but their response was positive as Raheem Sterling sealed a win with his first two goals for the club.  

Jorginho: played a part in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Leicester last Saturday

However, another defeat on Tuesday night against Southampton has left everyone at Stamford Bridge under significant pressure. 

8. Tottenham

Previously: 8th (no change)

Steady as she goes for Spurs, who continued their strong start to the season under Antonio Conte with a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest. Harry Kane provided an added bonus, bagging twice to show that he is now perfectly capable of scoring in August. 

Tottenham are looking every inch a top-four contender once again this season in what promises to be a thrilling battle for Champions League spots.

7. Barcelona

Previously: 6th (down one)

It seems harsh for Barca to drop down the standings after a 4-0 home victory but they were only playing Valladolid, who currently sit second-bottom in the LaLiga table. Robert Lewandowski doubled his goal tally for the season thanks to a brace, while Pedri and Sergi Roberto also hit the target at the weekend.

Off the field, it seems that Barca will miss out on Bernardo Silva, which is a blow given how much Xavi wanted to sign the Manchester City man.

6. PSG

Previously: 5th (down one)

PSG lost their 100% winning record in Ligue 1 on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Monaco. Christophe Galtier’s side, though, were a little luckless on this occasion. Whereas every shot seemed to find the net in a 7-1 win against Lille the previous week, the opposite occurred this time around.

PSG hit the post three times and needed a Neymar penalty to square the match after Kevin Volland’s opener.

5. Arsenal

Previously: 7th (up two)

Mikel Arteta’s men are deservedly top of the Premier League table after four matches, and are one of three clubs - alongisde Real Madrid and Betis - in Europe’s big five leagues with a perfect record.

Arsenal: still unbeaten in the Premier League largely due to Gabriel Jesus' goal-scoring form

Their mentality was tested on Saturday as they fell a goal behind to Fulham, but strikes from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel turned the match around. They are now seen as potential title contenders. 

4. Bayern Munich

Previously: 3rd (down one)

Bayern Munich remain top of the Bundesliga but dropped points on Sunday, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Borussia Monchengladbach. In truth, it was a game they deserved to win. Only a stellar performance from visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer thwarted them in a game where the reigning German champions had 33 shots, 20 of which were on target. 

Bayern’s mettle will really be tested in the Champions League, rather than the Bundesliga. 

3. Liverpool

Previously: 4th (up one)

Doubts, what doubts? Liverpool picked up their first league win of the season and are back into the top three of the Power Rankings after one of the all-time great Premier League performances - a 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth. 

Mo Salah: failed to score in a 9-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday

It’s also worth noting that Mohamed Salah wasn’t even among the scorers, meaning the Reds are clearly not just reliant on the Egyptian and Darwin Nunez for goals. Jurgen Klopp’s men will face tougher opponents than the potential whipping boys of this campaign, but the manner in which it was achieved cannot be ignored.  

2. Manchester City

Previously: 2nd (no change)

Pep Guardiola’s side showed at the weekend that their 3-3 draw against Newcastle was nothing more than an aberration, although alarm bells may have rung when Crystal Palace went 2-0 up. Eight minutes into the second half, however, Bernardo Silva kickstarted the turnaround with a goal before Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick.  

A few doubts were levelled at the Norwegian after some quiet early displays, but the Premier League and Europe better watch out if he continues like this! 

1. Real Madrid

Previously: 1st (no change)

Real Madrid remain perfect in LaLiga with three wins from three matches. They left it late to beat Espanyol away from home on Sunday, but they came away from Barcelona with maximum points thanks to a late double from talisman Karim Benzema.

The European champions have been flawless this season and there is no reason to knock them off top spot.

European Power Rankings will be updated on a weekly basis. Writer Robin Bairner will assess each team’s position based on a mixture of their most recent performances and dominance in their respective division and the Champions League.