To say I am a soccer fan would be an understatement.

In the last month alone, I’ve risen twice at 6 a.m. on Saturday to catch the lunchtime kickoff in Britain. I’ve attended three Sporting Kansas City games, spent hours perfecting my fantasy team, and risked computer viruses in order to livestream matches from overseas. FIFA is the only video game I consistently play, and soccer jerseys are the only articles of clothing on which I’ll spend more than $40.

See, I’m a soccer addict. A junky. A guru and a freak. It’s been that way ever since my dad taught me how to kick a ball at age 3.

Having steadfastly followed the beautiful game at the international stage for nearly a decade, no competition has captivated me more than the English Premier League. This 20-team slugfest has it all: renowned stars, jaw-dropping goals, insanely passionate fans, and nonstop drama.

So let’s take a quick glance at six of the EPL’s most prominent clubs. Just three matches into the season, each has its fair share of storylines.

Arsenal:

The Gunners haven’t won a major trophy since 2005, much to the chagrin of their north London supporters. Confidence is nearing an all-time low, as Arsenal was battered 8-2 at Manchester United on Aug. 28 in their worst loss since 1896 (yep, 105 years ago).

Reasons to hope: Manager Arsene Wenger finally spent some money on the Aug. 31 transfer deadline to bolster his squad. German international teamer Per Mertesacker and Brazilian Andre Dos Santos will shore up a defense that has been plagued by injury and inexperience.

Reasons to mope: Midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, arguably the club’s two best players, have departed for Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively. Through its first three matches, Arsenal has more red cards (3) than goals scored (1) and is 17th in the table.

Chelsea:

Andre Villas-Boas becomes Chelsea’s sixth manager in seven years. The 33-year-old Portuguese is the league’s youngest coach, but finds himself in charge of an aging squad: many key Chelsea players are on the wrong side of 30, including Didier Drogba (33), Frank Lampard (33), Nicolas Anelka (32), and Florent Malouda (31).

Reasons to hope: Despite three underwhelming performances to start the season, the west Londoners have come away with two wins and a draw. Winning ugly was Chelsea’s calling card during their back-to-back championship run from 2004-06.

Reasons to mope: Since joining the Blues in January for a British transfer record $79.5 million, striker Fernando Torres has scored just one goal in 21 appearances. The longer he continues to slump, the more pressure will mount on the Spanish star.

Liverpool:

Manager Kenny Dalglish is desperate to end the Reds’ 21-year league title drought. Since taking over as coach in January, the former Liverpool star has spent over $160 million on new players, focusing particularly on the midfield area. After week three, the unbeaten Reds are third in the table.

Reasons to hope: After drawing its opener, Liverpool enjoyed a comprehensive 2-0 victory at Arsenal and pounded Bolton at home. Midfield newcomers Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson have been instrumental thus far, registering three goals combined. Furthermore, club captain Steve Gerrard has finally recovered from a groin injury that has kept him out since March.

Reasons to mope: Former Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles, winner of the 20111 Fans’ Player of the Year award, submitted a surprise transfer request on the Aug. 31 transfer deadline, signing with rivals Chelsea.

Manchester City:

Through the first three weeks of the season, perhaps no team has made a larger splash than big-spending Manchester City. Owned by a billionaire oil tycoon since 2008, the club has gradually built a roster of top-notch players and finally looks like a real title contender.

Reasons to hope: The Sky Blues are off to a scintillating start, having won their first three matches in convincing fashion, including an emphatic 5-1 victory at Tottenham. Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero (two goals, one assist) and midfield playmaker Samir Nasri (three assists) have made immediate impacts after their summer moves from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, respectively.

Reasons to mope: Despite looking scary-good, Man City cannot claim first place at the moment. Their red-clad city rivals hold a slim advantage on goal differential.

Manchester United:

Over the last two decades, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has transformed Manchester United into the model franchise. Fresh off their record-breaking 19th English title, the Red Devils are in a familiar position after three games: top of the table.

Reasons to hope: Despite long-term injuries to veteran defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdiand, United has outscored its opponents 13-3. Glowing displays from forward Danny Welbeck, midfielder Tom Cleverly, and defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling – all under the age of 22 – have dispelled notions that the Red Devils are too young to repeat as champions.

Reasons to mope: 20-year-old goalkeeper David de Gea, signed as a replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar, has been shaky between the posts. He has arguably been at fault for two of United’s three goals conceded.

Tottenham:

Under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, Tottenham has begun to challenge Arsenal as north London’s premier club. Just like their fierce rivals, however, the Spurs have yet to register a premier league win.

Reasons to hope: On the Aug. 31 transfer deadline, Tottenham acquired Real Madrid forward Emmanuel Adebayor and English international midfielder Scott Parker. They also managed to keep star midfielder Luka Modric at the club despite the Croatian’s desire to leave for Chelsea.

Reasons to mope: The Spurs are currently dead last in the EPL table, albeit having played a game less than most teams. They opened with a 3-0 loss at Man United and followed with an embarrassing 5-1 home defeat to Man City. Redknapp himself described the club’s preseason as “terrible,” and it has certainly shown thus far.