The change of guard could well be a reason, but all of this was expected due to given data. Mourinho usually runs his squad into the ground and 2 years was more than enough for them to burn out (no rotation + same starting team every other match, etc). Arsenal and Man City were hit by injuries (City actually leads the PL in injuries this season), Spurs were expected to be in the top 3 after last season – Dele Alli&#x27;s emergence has just been the icing on the cake.<p>All this talk about Ranieri overlooks the fact that Pearson started their comeback last season, Leicester was all but relegated. The squad he chose was a typical PL side, physical football with little flair compared to Arsenal and Manchester City. Mahrez barely got a look in last season. The stars aligned and Pearson was booted due to the controversy and Ranieri inherited a young and able lineup good enough for a mid-table finish.<p>I also disagree on the anomaly aspect – Man City are still on track for a top 4 maybe top 3 finish, a position they&#x27;ve held since 2010. Arsenal for 4th, their designated position thanks to Wenger. Spurs a top 5 side have stepped up at the expense of a fellow London club. Man United still hanging around the top 7 as they&#x27;ve since Ferguson&#x27;s departure.<p>Leicester have been incredibly lucky and have calls gone their way, as have Spurs as well.<p>Although EPL has usually been open compared to other top leagues in Europe where you could decide the winner before the Season kicks off (Bundesliga - Bayern, Ligue 1 - PSG, La Liga - Barçelona)<p>[Disclaimer: Manchester City fan, so there might be some bias]