Top 10 Surprises of the EPL Season So Far

With the English Premier League season underway, there have been many expected results, upsets and surprises so far. Some coaches are in their first year with a club, while others have already been fired. Some are exceeding expectations, and others are on the hot seat.

Because of teams' respective success or lack thereof during the Summer transfer window, team are either on fire or need help as soon as possible. Additionally, their transfer activity has caused some surprised within the standings. Some teams are higher than expected, while others are playing at an all-time low. Manchester United and City aren't playing their best soccer and need to string together a win streak. On the other hand, Liverpool and Arsenal are off to a fast start. Some usual and unexpected players are leading their teams to victory

The season is only seven games in for most teams, so there is plenty of time for teams to crash and burn or surge to the top of the table. More shocking events could occur as we head closer to the Winter transfer window.

For now, let's take a look at the top 10 surprises of the EPL season so far. Let me know what you think, if there's anything I missed, or any other comments.

Phil is a soccer writer for Rant Sports. Add him to your Google circles.

10. Arsenal, Liverpool Sit Atop the Standings

Before the 2013-14 EPL season began, very few people would have predicted that either Arsenal or Liverpool would be leading the league.

Despite a tough start against Aston Villa and Manchester United, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1 with their only loss against Southampton. On the other hand, Arsenal started their season off with a loss to Aston Villa, but have since gone 5-0-1 in their last six meetings. Both teams are flying high and it will be interesting to see how long they can keep it up.

9. Manchester United Sit Mid-Table

In Manchester United's first year under David Moyes, they are off to a dismal start. They've been destroyed by Manchester City 4-1 and lost to Liverpool 1-0. Additionally, they barely squeaked by Sunderland 2-1 in their last match.

In short, their season is in question and they will need to play better or else they could remain mid-table. Who predicted that?

8. David Moyes on The Hot Seat

With Manchester United sitting mid-table with 10 points and going 3-3-1, many are calling for David Moyes to be fired. Everyone needs to give the man a break. Yes, United is off to a slow start, but Moyes is no Sir Alex Ferguson. Give Moyes a chance to sign some players during the Winter transfer window. If he then fails to turn the team around, then we can seriously talk about him being fired.

7. Sunderland Sits in The Basement

Yes, it isn't shocking that Sunderland sits at the bottom of the table, but I thought they could have turned around their success this season. However, that has not been the case. They fired Paolo Di Canio after only getting one point in seven games. It will be interesting to see if they can ever escape from last place, or if they will be doomed for relegation.

6. Jozy Altidore Has Yet to Score

USMNT star Jozy Altiodre shocked many when he transferred to Sunderland this Summer. Many thought he didn't fit their system and wouldn't succeed with the club. So far, he hasn't, but I am very surprised he hasn't found the score sheet at least once. Yes, Sunderland's midfield is awful, furthering preventing Altidore's shooting skills form showing.

I wonder which will come first: Altidore's first goal or Sunderland's first win.

5. Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez Tandem Is Working Out

While Luis Suarez sat out the remainder of his 10-game suspension for biting, Daniel Sturridge has led Liverpool to success. What is more surprising is that Sturridge and Suarez have become a dynamic duo together. Personally, I thought it Suarez would have dominated the possession and play, but that has not been the case.

Can this continue to work, or will Suarez try to steal Sturridge's thunder?

4. Tottenham Spurs Have Survived Post-Gareth Bale

After Gareth Bale departed Tottenham for Real Madrid, it looked like Tottenham was doomed. However, that has not been the case and the Spurs sit in sixth place and only three points out of first-place. It looks like the Spurs will be just fine, and have money to spend come January.

3. Mesut Ozil Has Fit Arsenal's System

Manager Arsene Wenger said a big buy was coming, and it eventually did with the signing of Mesut Ozil. So far, Ozil has impressed many. In four games, Ozil has three assists.

2. Wayne Rooney Succeeding with Manchester United

It looked like Wayne Rooney would be leaving United this summer, but times have changed. Additionally, it seemed like Robin van Persie would continue leading United, but it has been Rooney is the lead role. Rooney is tied with RVP for most goals with three , but Rooney has also contributed to developing plays. He has two assists.

Rooney has been happy with his playing time and performance, which is a surprise to many.

1. Manchester City's Play Imitates a Roller Coaster

Some weeks Manchester City plays well, but other weeks they are embarrassed. They can defeat United 4-1, but can lose to Cardiff City 3-2. There season has been filled inconsistency, and it has shown that their spending alone cannot lead them to success. They need to play more consistent soccer, or else they could slip further in the standings.