As the first week of the LPL second stage intra-group matches nears its end, IG played their third game on the last match day against WE, the weakest team in the Summit Group. IG predictably won 2:0 with ease. NIP, also from the Perseverance Group, has already won two matches, and their defeat to IG was a full BO3. On the other hand, WE has suffered four consecutive losses, unable to win any game up to now.

Another match featured a showdown between Top Esports and JD Gaming. Both teams have been performing well recently, crushing AL with 2:0 victories. Initially, it was expected that their clash would be a full BO3, but Top Esports continued their strong performance and shut out JD Gaming completely. After roster changes, Top Esports indeed feels different. Now, Tian and "哥哥" can step up to share the pressure with Cream, and the young top laner is also performing well, showing promising potential.

Seeing Top Esports' current form, fans should feel reassured for now. Previously, there were calls to replace Tian, but no one dares to say that now because he truly carries. One must admire JKL's ability to support his teammates. Feng Yue was underwhelming in the first stage, but now, as long as he plays a soft support, stands behind "哥哥" in team fights, and provides shields and protection, he seems to have a chance to earn a second-tier spot this stage.

With both Top Esports and IG winning their matches, they have simultaneously achieved three consecutive victories. IG leads the standings with a 3-0 record, while Top Esports ranks second with 3-1. BLG, having played fewer matches, sits third with 2-0. Compared to the first stage, the Summit Group landscape in the LPL this stage has truly shifted. At the end of the transfer period, few expected these two teams to perform well, but after just one week, Top Esports and IG are leading the standings.

Currently in the Summit Group, only two teams have yet to secure their first win: WE at 0-4 and WBG at 0-2. WE's bottom position was anticipated, but WBG's failure to win any match is truly surprising. Last stage, WBG was third in the playoffs, nearly reaching the Pioneer Tournament. After changing their support during the transfer period, their performance plummeted. They were shut out by struggling AL and later lost to the Perseverance team NIP.

WBG's next match is against BLG, and unless something unexpected happens, they are likely to start 0-3. AL shares a similar predicament. As last year's "Little King," with no roster changes, AL has been shut out twice consecutively, which is quite perplexing. It seems the lane-swap version truly benefited AL the most. Now, with lane-focused play, their top and bottom lanes are consistently breached, leaving their mid and jungle duo unable to function.

Fortunately, AL's next match is against WE, so they shouldn't falter there. Hopefully, AL can regain some form from facing WE. JD Gaming this stage also seems off. Tabe's drafting against AL was particularly sharp, but against other teams, it falters. Being shut out by Top Esports is hard to explain. Perhaps Tabe needs some advice: stop copying BLG's strategies, as JD Gaming can't execute them well.

NIP, a Perseverance team, unexpectedly ranks in the top four, exceeding expectations. Assum and Zhuo have been particularly strong in lane recently, even dominating Zhao. With further磨合, NIP might truly compete with the top teams. Among the teams that performed well in the first stage, only BLG remains strong. The others have encountered various issues, with AL's problems being the most severe and hardest to resolve.

Conclusion:

Compared to WBG, IG and Top Esports' roster changes have proven effective reinforcements. As a returning player, Hang honestly isn't someone I want to criticize, but his recent performances have been truly perplexing. It feels like any substitute support wouldn't be this underwhelming. His first-tier recognition last year likely benefited from "哥哥's" influence. It's uncertain whether his form will improve later.

So, do you think AL and WBG can still fight back into the top four?

Feel free to leave your comments and discuss!