The rivalries, the drama, the sheer brilliance, and the passionate fan bases are undeniable reasons soccer fans love the English Premier League. The opening weekend of one of the world’s leagues began last Friday with Manchester United hosting Fulham and concluded on Monday Night with former Champions Leicester City playing Tottenham Hotspurs. After the European and Conmebol Championships in the summer, most of the top players are working their way back into shape after coming back late in the pre-season. Week 1 is only one of 38 rounds of football, but first impressions can set the stage for an enthralling or disastrous season. For instance, after one game, Everton fans may start to worry after the team was embarrassed by Brighton 3-0. Brentford may feel like they can contend for a place in Europe after a 2-1 over Crystal Palace. Probably not! In this article, we will discuss five observations from the English Premier League weekend.
1. Man United starts on the front foot- Manchester United finished 31 points behind the noisy neighbors, Manchester City, who won the title last season. A part of the problem for United was their dreaded home record of 10 wins, three draws, and six losses. In fact, the team never won more than two games at home last season and was outplayed in several of these matches. However, in the opening match, United was a more cohesive unit against a tricky Fulham team. United had the better chances and should have been ahead, but was thwarted by Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The match appeared to be heading for a drab draw when new signing and substitute Joshua Zirkzee delivered a clever redirection to score the only goal. Manager Ten Hag should have appreciated the display, and his new signing right-back Noussari Mazraoui looked solid, while Matthijs De Light had a nice cameo that showcased his size and strength. After picking up 3 points, it feels like United will be starting on the front foot this season.
2. Slot and Salah show ruthlessness in Liverpool win- there were many questions looming over Liverpool after the exit of Manager Jurgen Klopp. The appointment of Arne Slot left many fans and pundits unsure of what the team would look like without the German roaming the touchlines. Liverpool had to navigate a difficult test in their opening match by facing a team in Ipswich euphorically celebrating their return to the top-flight league in 22 years. In the first half, the newly promotive was combative, had the better chances, and made Liverpool played ordinary. Klopp was a master of making changes at halftime, and Slot has followed the path of his predecessor. He made a substitution by replacing Jarell Quansah with Ibrahima Konate in the heart of the defense. Liverpool’s Salah stepped up his game and led the attack in tormenting Ipswich. Salah was a facilitator in the opening goal by feeding Diogo Jota after a brilliant Trent Alexander Arnold pass. Then, Salah turned scorer with a clinical finish to end hopes of a comeback. Slot and Salah demonstrate ruthlessness, and it will be a valuable lesson to the newly promoted team that faces Man City next week.
3. Saka starts with Messi like Stunner- Arsenal will remember the disappointment and heartbreak after failing to end their 20-year Premier League drought last season. It will fuel the players to take every match seriously this season, with the threat of Man City standing in their way. On Saturday, Arsenal made a convincing start with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wolves. The standout performer for the team was England superstar, Bukayo Sako. Sako set up Kai Haverts to score the first goal. Then, Saka delivered the second by cutting inside with his left like Lionel Messi to firing a shot like an arrow into the back of the net. Arsenal’s Manager Mikel Arteta will hope that Saka’s performance is just the start of a record-breaking year.
4. Don’t ever count out the Villains-many doubted Aston Villa’s rise into the top 4 last season led by Manager Unai Emery. However, many still doubt whether they can finish in the same position for consecutive seasons. Villa answered their critics on Saturday by defeating one of the challengers in the spot on the road at London Stadium. At 1-1, the game appeared to be heading for a tame draw, but Jhon Duran, a player heading to West Ham initially in the summer before staying put with Villa found the winner. The 79th-minute strike gave all 3 points to Emery’s men and left Juel Lopategui searching for his first win in charge of West Ham. The game also reminded the Big Six that the Villains will be in the fight for the top 4.
5. City starts with a bang despite being shorthanded- Man City is looking to win a record fifth straight Premier League title in a row. City faced a difficult assignment in playing Chelsea on the road for the opening weekend. The sky-blue entered the game missing their midfield talisman Rodri, who is nursing an injury. Guardiola also prioritized long-term ambitions by starting Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish on the bench. Despite their absence, Man City cruised to a win thanks to Erling Haaland, who scored his 91st goal in 100 games for the club. Also, former Chelsea player, Mateo Kovacic, exacted revenge on his ex-employer by scoring and dominating the midfield. As for Chelsea, it appears to be a long season for new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca with too many players on the books and trying to implement his philosophy. The situation became more awkward when Raheem Sterling’s representatives released a statement prior to the match seeking clarity for his omission from the squad. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will emerge from their rut, but Man City looked prime for another challenge.