The Mourinho bunch – AS Roma
League position after Matchday 7: 4th (15pts)
Top scorers: Jordan Veretout & Lorenzo Pellegrini (4 goals)
Early star: Tammy Abraham
Key man in title charge: Lorenzo Pellegrini
Jose Mourinho’s Giallorossi flew out of the gates before they fell to a shock 3-2 defeat away at Hellas Verona on Matchday 4. The loss tempered Roma’s honeymoon period under their legendary coach, and they suffered defeat in the Derby della Capitale a week later.
Nevertheless, the early signs suggest Roma will be much improved from last season, in which their porous defence undermined Paulo Fonseca’s exuberant attacking style. Mourinho’s side have conceded eight from seven to start the season, with their xGA of 1.14 ranking fifth-best in Serie A.
They’re certainly more sturdy, with Mourinho’s use of a 4-2-3-1 paying dividends. The demanding boss has got the best out of his captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has five goal contributions in six league appearances, while Tammy Abraham has embraced his move to the Eternal City.
Mourinho is at home in Italy, and there’s hope this will be his most prosperous managerial reign since he left Chelsea for the second time in 2015. However, Roma must improve on the road if they’re to sustain a title charge. Their record at the Olimpico, meanwhile, is incredible.