First impressions from the Premier League: Can Man City only lose from now on?

bdixlivetvAugust 21, 2024


The Premier League The season is in full swing, the first match day is over, but be careful: first impressions can be deceptive.

Aston Villa lost 5-1 at Newcastle United on the opening day of last season, but finished the season in fourth place, securing a surprising place in the Champions LeagueWith this in mind, it would be wise not to draw hasty conclusions from the first shots of this season.

It’s tempting to say that perhaps not much has changed over the summer. Last year’s top four all won at their first attempt.

Manchester CityChampions of the last four seasons, seemed as calm as ever and wiped Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Those of us who are wondering whether the upcoming hearing of 115 financial allegations And the doubts about Pep Guardiola’s future City’s performances were not convincing enough, however. City remain the clear favorites to win the league, and new signing Savinho looked like a dangerous option on the flanks on Sunday.

Chelsea have eight goalkeepers in their squad and can’t seem to find a decent one. Robert Sanchez was largely to blame for City’s second goal, which the former Blue Mateo KovacicCoach Enzo Maresca, in his first job as head coach in the top flight, has 43 players to get used to his methodical approach and from what we have seen, it could take some time.

Meanwhile, it is said Liverpool Players enjoy working under new coach Arne Slot. This was evident in the preparation and in a dominant second half at Ipswich Townwhere excellent preparation is Diogo Jota He scored early and was a contender for the best goal of the season. Trent Alexander ArnoldThe majestic pass of is worth a special mention.

Slot showed that he can also be ruthless by bringing in a young defender Jarell Quansah at halftime because he had problems with Liam Delap. Ibrahima Konate this problem solved. Liverpool could get much closer to City and arsenal this time. The squad is strong and Slot’s arrival seems to have breathed new life into things. No new signings have been made yet, but a defensive midfielder is expected to join before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Arsenal had a routine home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. There is nothing new to learn and still no recognised striker to sign, which is hardly a problem as they scored 91 goals last season with Kai Havertz at the top. Spurred on by two near-wins in the title race, this could be the Gunners’ year. Mikel Merino out of SpainThe European champion is an expected new signing from Real Sociedad to strengthen the midfield mix.

Manchester UnitedThe best deal so far is Bruno Fernandes To sign a new contractTimes are changing at Old Trafford under a new regime: last season they would have played the opening game against Fulham; this time they found a way to win.

Three new defenders have been added to give United a more solid look, helped by the return of the sorely missed Lisandro Martinez. United can climb into the top four, supported by a game-changing winger in Alejandro Garnacha and the suggestions from Fernandes. Casemiro also looks sharper and fitter.

Based on the extraordinary game at Leicester Citylittle has changed with Tottenham HotspurThey continue to entertain but also frustrate, managing to draw a game in which they could have led at least 6-0 without any missed chances. When Leicester went through the timeless Jamie VardySpurs have lost their former menace. They will be fun to watch, but they seem to lack character and leadership on the field.

Aston Villa started with an excellent win in West Ham UnitedThey have strengthened well, but the demands of an extended Champions League season could prevent a repeat of their top-four finish. Jacob Ramseyfully fit again, is a Villa player to keep an eye on and could Ollie Watkins threaten Harry KanePlace in the England Team?

Newcastle did well Southampton with ten men and Joelinton looked like a real powerhouse apart from his goal. A leaky defence was a big problem for Eddie Howe last season, but that could be fixed if his club can find the last few million to take on England’s Marc Guéhi out of Crystal Palace this week. All previous bids have been rejected.

Who will be relegated? Last season it was the three promoted teams: Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United. This year’s trio of Ipswich, Leicester (who may deduct points) and Southampton will likely face a tough fight.

Of those three, the Saints can be quite supple, as they showed in the first half hour at Newcastle, and they may have the best chance of survival.

A surprise? Possibly West Ham, despite their home defeat to Villa. The Hammers have made some big market transactions and could finish in the top six.

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