1
Martínez fails to persuade
It’s unfair to pick one participant from Manchester United’s dire opening show beneath Erik ten Hag however Lisandro Martínez significantly struggled towards Brighton. These are, in fact, the earliest of days for the brand new centre-back however he must study quick. The diminutive Argentinian is a footballer the supervisor is aware of properly however there are query marks over his stature. There might be serial aerial bombardment this season of the sort he did not cope with towards Brighton, with Danny Welbeck rising highest above him when lacking a close-range header within the second half. Martínez may also have conceded a penalty when bundling over the identical participant in a efficiency that did nothing to recommend the 24-year-old can assist plug United’s leaky rearguard. Jamie Jackson
2
Klopp let down by senior gamers
Jürgen Klopp threw the query of whether or not Virgil van Dijk had truly dedicated a penalty-conceding foul on Aleksandar Mitrovic to the press corps. He additionally puzzled aloud whether or not Jordan Henderson had been fouled within the buildup to Mitrovic’s first objective. He nonetheless had few quibbles about escaping Craven Cottage with a degree. “It’s my duty to search out out why,” he stated. His skilled gamers had been most culpable. Mitrovic terrorised Van Dijk, Fulham’s striker additionally reintroducing these questions on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending. The complete-back flinched as Mitrovic crashed in on the again put up. Henderson struggled with Andreas Pereira and João Palhinha in midfield, Roberto Firmino flopped in assault. The optimistic was Darwin Núñez’s power reviving Liverpool after changing Firmino, aided by two former Fulham gamers in Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho. Would possibly Liverpool’s outdated guard be struggling a hangover from final season’s disappointments? A good, World Cup-truncated schedule will quickly reveal all. John Brewin
3
Metropolis hold opposition on toes
Kalvin Phillips has been proven easy methods to play in Manchester Metropolis’s midfield however not by Rodri, the person in idea forward of him within the pecking order, however by Kyle Walker. The fitting-back repeatedly wandered off the flank into house in the course of the park. He would get the ball and play quick passes to maintain Metropolis’s assaults going. The Premier League champions loved 77 per cent of possession as they eased into the brand new marketing campaign. It was one other reminder of the surprises Pep Guardiola can implement inside his ways. It’s a common sight to see full-backs crop up in irregular locations. Whereas exhibiting the staff can adapt to the arrival of Erling Haaland, figuring out that he’ll make his intelligent runs, Metropolis are always evolving on a game-by-game foundation. They’ve adjusted within the last third and can hold groups on their toes with improvements throughout the pitch. A marker has been laid down. Will Unwin
4
Martinelli may very well be back-up for Jesus
It took three months for Gabriel Martinelli to get off the mark final season however solely 20 minutes to open his account this time round. His header at Selhurst Park was properly taken and it was a reminder that, for all the thrill round Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal have one other doubtlessly explosive Brazilian ahead of their ranks. It’s straightforward to overlook Martinelli has solely simply turned 21; he tends to be deployed on the left however rotated positions with Jesus to good impact throughout the first half and there’s a robust sense his long-term future lies down the center. Whereas many Arsenal followers crave a backup centre-forward to take the load off Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, Martinelli would certainly be capable of fill that place adeptly if wanted. For now there may be loads to love concerning the instinctive relationship the Brazil teammates seem to have struck up. Nick Ames
5
Burn shines beneath stress
Sven Botman value Newcastle £35m from Lille this summer season however the a lot admired 22-year-old Dutchman was made to attend to make his debut at centre-half till stoppage time as Eddie Howe opted to stay with Dan Burn as his left-side, left-footed central defender alongside Fabian Schär. With Botman additionally left-footed the consensus was that the previous Brighton defender can be the participant to make manner however, as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday, Burn made it clear he is not going to hand over his place with out a battle. Arguably solely the midfielder Bruno Guimarães shone brighter than Burn, with the latter incomes Howe’s technical-area applause after, at one level, dispossessing Forest’s accelerating ahead Brennan Johnson with copybook timing and composure. Schär, in the meantime, broke Forest’s resistance courtesy of a surprising 25-yard shot earlier than Callum Wilson’s intelligent objective sealed victory. Louise Taylor
Antonio Conte not often appears to be like that content material with life however the Italian’s manner after Tottenham’s spectacular comeback towards Southampton was a sign of the progress remodeled the summer season. Whereas three new signings – Ivan Perisic, Clément Lenglet and Yves Bissouma – got solely late cameos, by which period Spurs have been 4-1 up. Conte is aware of {that a} bench that was lacking the suspended Richarlison but in addition included Fraser Forster and Djed Spence now has the depth to compete on all fronts. “The message was very clear that we’ve signed new gamers to enhance our squad as a result of our squad was actually poor final season and the Champions League spot was a giant achievement,” he stated. “Our first objective was to enhance the squad, not simply gamers bodily but in addition mentally. We needed the fitting gamers for my philosophy.” Ed Aarons
7
Tuchel: Sterling can carry flat forwards
A uncommon win at Goodison Park, a clear sheet plus fantastic debuts from the summer season signings Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and latterly Marc Cucurella left Thomas Tuchel content material on the opening day, though he appeared unsurprised and unperturbed by Chelsea’s lack of creativity. “We have been joking at half-time saying possibly it’s a typical Chelsea sport – we win 1-0 and Jorgi scores with a penalty,” the supervisor admitted. So it proved. Regardless of Sterling’s probing, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz have been nameless whereas 16 corners and a number of inviting free-kicks failed to hassle Everton’s injury-hit defence. “I believe Raheem will carry Kai and Mason and Pulisic up,” stated Tuchel. “As a result of the centre of our formation is within the three centre-backs and the 2 quantity sixes it’s a deep formation through which you rely closely on the 2 wing-backs. We didn’t have sufficient from the wing backs to create extra freedom for the interior gamers. From there we go.” Andy Hunter
8
It’s a brand new daybreak for Leicester
As Leicester Metropolis put together for what may very well be a brand new period, how a lot will they miss Kasper Schmeichel? Their captain of current occasions had began each opening sport of the season for over a decade earlier than his transfer to Good final week. Danny Ward, his affected person deputy for the previous 4 years, carried out properly within the 2-2 draw with Brentford, however the dynamic clearly modifications for Brendan Rodgers’ staff. Schmeichel was a really vocal and impassioned determine, and a terrific shot-stopper. However Leicester’s horrendous document at conceding from set-pieces final season signifies provides Ward has the possibility to assist the staff enhance. “He was very assured and robust and we seemed robust at set-pieces,” Rodgers stated. “He’s our No 1 goalkeeper – he’s received the No 1 shirt and [he offered] presence, command of the field [and was] excellent together with his toes.” Peter Lansley
9
Elland Street could be a fortress for Leeds
Leeds received solely 4 video games at residence within the Premier League final season, together with three towards the groups that have been relegated. They stayed up on the ultimate day and can wish to keep away from the same battle this time round. So as to take action, they might want to enhance their type at Elland Street. “The benefit of final 12 months is that we discovered some essential factors in away matches however we didn’t win sufficient at residence,” Jesse Marsch stated. A gap-day victory over Wolves, due to Rodrigo and an personal objective, provides Leeds a platform to construct on. Followers have been behind the staff from the primary minute on Saturday, giving them a lift even when Wolves took the lead. “I come out of the tunnel for the match in the present day, in fact I’m excited it’s our first match, and after 30 seconds I wish to play,” Marsch stated of the environment. “It’s superior.” Will Unwin
10
Cherries nonetheless want reinforcement
On the eve of Bournemouth’s first sport again within the prime flight, the phrases of Stuart Webber, Norwich’s sporting director, sprung to thoughts. Webber conceded he despatched Daniel Farke to battle with out a gun after being relegated with 21 factors two years in the past, although they managed solely a degree extra as they suffered the identical destiny final season regardless of spending £50m. Bournemouth have made three signings however just one, Marcus Tavernier, brother of the Rangers captain James, was match sufficient to begin their opening-day victory over Aston Villa. Tavernier hit the bottom operating with a energetic show however Scott Parker requires additional reinforcements. The Argentina centre-back Marcos Senesi, who is ready to signal from Feyenoord, will present some welcome ammunition. “We are attempting to provide the gamers we’ve got some assist to safe ourselves for a protracted season,” Parker stated. “We positively want extra gamers.” Ben Fisher
