Wild Times in the EPL

Defending holders Chelsea in a free-fall? Manchester United on top with no thanks to Wayne Rooney? Liverpool sliding down toward the relegation zone? It seems as though the record setting winter weather isn't the only oddity in England this year.

Chelsea opened up their title defense with back to back 6-0 stompings of West Brom and Wigan en route to a five win start this season, however, things seem to be going backwards these days. Ancelotti is feeling the pressure as they've slipped to 5th in the tables (a spot out of UEFA Champions League qualification) with their latest defeat suffered today at 17th place Wolverhampton. What seemed like the strongest lineup in the Premiership could be looking for some outside help in the January transfer window. Or will Didier Drogba be able to put the club on his back? Either way, things will have to change quickly at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have shown they are in top shape (and improving) at the top of the table. Dimitir Berbatov is having himself the year of his career, already all but locking up the goal of the season with his overhead volley. Chicharito Hernandez has proven to be the signing of the season while Wayne Rooney continues his World Cup misfortune. History has shown Sir Alex manages to ramp up his team in the second half of the season, so it may be tough to catch these fantastic footballers anytime soon.

And what of Liverpool?! The once strong club, always a mainstay of the top four, are in complete disarray. Hodgson has only picked up where Rafa's woes left off. Torres seems confused out there on the pitch, only finding the goal 6 times in 17 starts so far this season. Captain Gerrard's status seems to consistently be in question but is it really injury or is his pride the only thing hurting? For the sake of normalcy, I hope this team can put together a strong second half and at the very least, make a push for top 10.

With all this craziness, at least it's comforting to know that Jose Mourinho is still pompously proclaiming himself the greatest coach in club football. Somethings never change.