Why Chelsea aren’t European contenders, Tottenham aren’t ‘back’… and Brighton and Bournemouth are in a title race: What you should believe and what’s just a mirage after 10 Premier League games – and the proof behind it

Daily Mail Sport's James Sharpe analyzes underlying Premier League data 10 games into the season to determine which teams are genuine contenders. The writer argues that Brighton and Bournemouth possess the underlying numbers to challenge near the top behind leaders Arsenal. In contrast, Sharpe contends that fifth-place Chelsea and Tottenham are significantly overperforming their poor underlying metrics, making their current form unsustainable.

Sharpe notes that Arsenal's league-best defense is driving their title charge despite declining attacking numbers. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest's strong defensive metrics suggest they should rise from the relegation zone, while Manchester United and Newcastle face serious tactical and structural problems based on their expected goals data.