5 Teams Across Europe that Have Exceeded Expectations After 10 Games

• There are a few clubs across Europe that are exceeding expectations in their respective leagues
• Tottenham Hotspur top the list as the North Londoners are surprise title contenders despite losing Harry Kane
• Ange Postecoglou’s side is two points clear at the top of the table after 10 games

In the early stages of any league campaign, there is bound to be a club or two that no one expected to be competing with the big guns at the top.

A case in point is Leicester City in the 2015/2016 season, as the Foxes showed early signs of being a genuine threat in the title race, but no one took notice, at least not initially.

Having just come from a gruelling relegation fight the previous season, many fans and pundits saw it as a continuation of good form by The Foxes, with expectations very high that they would eventually falter.

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That would not be the case, however, as according to ESPN, Claudio Ranieri’s side masterminded an incredible title triumph, at the expense of heavyweights that included Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

With full knowledge that so-called ‘small clubs’ that are having a decent start to the season should not be underestimated, Sports Brief now looks at some teams in Europe who are surprisingly competing with the traditional big guns for the title.

1. Tottenham Hotspur

While Spurs are not necessarily a ‘small club’, many expected them to struggle this season, particularly after the departure of Harry Kane.

This has been far from the case as the North Londoners are top of the pile after 10 games, and are the only remaining unbeaten side in the league alongside Arsenal.

2. Nice

The French club finished in ninth place last season, after a rather disappointing campaign.

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However, after letting go of some former Premier League stars including Kasper Schmeichel, Aaron Ramsey, and Ross Barkley, as cited on Transfermakt, Nice made some smart summer transfers and are now putting up a surprising fight for the Ligue 1 title.

After 10 league games, the club sit top of the table, 1 point ahead of PSG and are currently unbeaten in the division.

3. Girona

La Liga outfit Girona go into almost every top-flight season as relegation favourites.

This is not the case this season, as the Blanquivermells are currently going toe-to-toe with Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz’s side have an impressive 28 points after 11 matches, and are only behind Los Blancos on goal difference.

4. Stuttgart

The Bundesliga standings after nine matches have an interesting look to it.

Not only are the mighty Bavarians not leading, but there is also a surprise early contender in the form of Stuttgart.

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Stuttgart, who only avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, are third on the log after nine matches, four points behind Bayer Leverkusen at the top.

To put things into perspective, Die Schwaben are ahead of Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund on the log.

5. Ipswich Town

They may be a second-tier club at the moment, but Ipswich Town deserve to be on this list

Ipswich got promoted to the Championship from League One this season, but they are showing no signs of fear in the competitive division, and it almost looks like they want another promotion, this time to the Premier League.

The Blues are second on the log after 13 matches with 34 points. They could close the gap on Leicester City, who have 39 points, to 2 points if they win their game in hand.

As it stands, Ipswich and Leicester are well on course to earn automatic promotion, but the season is still young.

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Ten Hag admits he is under pressure

Sports Brief also reported on Erik ten Hag’s take on the current state of Manchester United as the gaffer admitted he was under immense pressure to perform.

The Red Devils have been struggling for form, results, and consistency across all competitions, with their latest outing ending in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

This was United's fifth league defeat in just 10 outings, with the woeful run of form leaving them sitting eighth in the Premier League standings.