Why is Premier League title race close this season?

CGTN Sports Talk

After most clubs played 20 games, the Premier League is looking at a very close contest for the championship among five teams: Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur from No. 1 to No. 5. None of the five competitors are perfect. For example, Liverpool lack no passion or resolution in the forward positions, but neither Darwin Nunez nor Mohamed Salah is consistent enough as a finisher. Villa are new to the title race, so they lack the experience and the depth to stay in the game until the end, but it's already a big happy surprise for them to come so high at this stage of the season. As the reigning champions, City don't seem motivated enough to sweat to win every game. However, it's still Pep Guardiola's team with a very dominant roster. They are not to be underestimated if the team puts their minds to it. Arsenal again struggled after a great start of the season, in fact, earlier than usual this time because it's only January. They have a good lineup, except in the striker position with Kai Havertz, who somehow has unconditional trust from manager Mikel Arteta. Hotspur in fifth on the standings may not be the best championship contender due to their mediocre defense, but their sharp firepower makes probably the biggest X factor, especially to all of the four teams ahead.