Ian Darke's early Premier League takeaways: Reason to doubt Liverpool repeat? Chelsea as title contenders?

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Only three gameweeks have been played in the Premier League season so far, and already some observers are handing the title to Liverpool.

Liverpool have needed late goals to beat Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal and avoid dropping points, but their frightening firepower is unmistakable when you look at the goal-scoring potential of Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and, of course, last season's Premier League Golden Boot winner, Mohamed Salah.

Mohamed Salah (left) and Liverpool struck an early blow in the title race with a 1-0 win over Riccardo Calafiori and Arsenal, but twists in the tale await. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

If the Reds have a concern, it's a shortage of defensive cover after the signing of England defender Marc Guéhi fell through on deadline day.



The early outlook is grim: No team has lost two of its first three games and been crowned champions since Manchester United in the first Premier League season of 1992-93.

It is a rebuilt side over the past few windows, but one so far lacking the near-invincible look of Guardiola's six title-winning outfits.

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Across Manchester, United's soap opera goes on.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur's new manager, Thomas Frank, made a sensational start with a smart display at European champions Paris Saint-Germain, a home win over Burnley and a victory at Manchester City.

Whether Tottenham's squad is deep enough to cope with the demands of the Premier League and Champions League is open for debate.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa are off to a worrying start -- they've yet to score and look porous at the back.