This is the most compelling Premier League we've had - and it's not just because of the best ever top six

The established elite of England's top flight under-performed last season but have responded in style

Chelsea are leading but not in a one-horse race (Photo: Darren Walsh)
The current top six are the best top six in Premier League history.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all performing better this season than Leicester did last, and Manchester City and United aren’t far behind.
After 21 games last season, the eventual champions had 43 points. Each one of the top four have more than that now.
The two Manchester clubs would have been viewed as title challengers with their points a year ago, and they are fifth and sixth!
2015-16 was a season where the established elite under-performed and they have responded with renewed zest.
The title race has rarely had so many contenders and the entertainment is thrilling.
From Tottenham’s swashbuckling full backs that are stationed higher than the Shard, to Chelsea’s assassin-like ruthlessness.
We waited years for a scorpion kick goal and then two came along at once.
It’s not confined to the top six either. Andy Carroll’s clinching goal for West Ham was breathtaking, Bournemouth have provided comebacks and collapses that have been captivating.
At Hull City, Robert Snodgrass has smashed in exquisite free kicks, and Sunderland, despite their travails have unearthed a 'diamond in the rough' in Jordan Pickford, who has produced some wonderful saves.
We are treated to the odd “off the field” scandal, that stimulates debate and adds extra spice to the narrative.
In 2013-14, it was as competitive but the leaders only had 48 points, Chelsea have the highest number of points after 21 games for 10 years.
Just eight points separated Leeds and sixth placed Chelsea in 2001/02 but the points totals were a lot lower. The leaders had 41.
This campaign is an exceptional season of football and we should be proud of it.
The games between the top six are usually a measure of the quality level. Manchester United and Liverpool’s draw was absorbing without being technically brilliant.
Chelsea at Manchester City, Liverpool versus Arsenal were both great games.
Some may disagree, and argue over a lack of quality when compared to Barcelona and Real Madrid but the games are compelling. They draw you in, they fascinate you.
The perennial debate over who has the best league in the world is boring.
In my opinion, it’s pointless and silly because it’s impossible to prove because there’s so many variables that are impossible to score.
The competition is more fierce in one league, the quality is higher in another, the amount of viewers is greater in the next, and the best players are scattered between them all.
What we have in the Premier League is gripping, absorbing and competitive. It thrills and gets the heart beating faster. I love it, I bet you do too, and we should thank our lucky stars we have it.