Pennant Fever

OK, we're eight games into the English Premier League, so this is a good time to check in on the action. So far, we have a three-way race between Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea -- pretty much as we expected. Newcastle United -- who came in 12th place last year -- are off to a surprisingly strong start, while Arsenal (who have finished in the top 4 for years and years) are currently in 10th place.

United beat Chelsea 3-1 at home on September 18. United host City on October 23. Chelsea host City on December 10. And then they'll all turn around and play each other again after the new year. The way the season is going, those games could decide the title.

Here is the top of the table (top 4 teams qualify for next year's Champions' League):

1. Man City: 7-0-1 (22 points)
2. Man Utd: 6-0-2 (20 points)
3. Chelsea: 6-1-1 (19 points)
4. Newcastle Utd: 4-0-4 (16 points)
5. Liverpool: 4-2-2 (14 points)
6. Spurs: 4-2-1 (13 points)

10. Arsenal: 3-4-1 (10 points)