The Premier League is back. Match of the Day, Super Sunday and Twitter complaining about BT’s commentators is a part of our weekends for the next eight months or so (except a few international breaks scattered into the schedule).
The campaign started off on Friday night and ended with a top-six clash on Sunday afternoon. Kneejerk reactions were everywhere.
So, here are five of our own takeaways from the first weekend of the Premier League season…
Naby Keita Is As Good As Expected
Anyone who saw Naby Keita play for Leipzig knew how good a player Liverpool were signing. There’s a risk with every new arrival that it doesn’t go to plan, though. Keita’s performance against West Ham went at least some way to calming the sceptics.
Liverpool were in complete control – as expected – against West Ham. Mo Salah got on the scoresheet once again, James Milner was his reliable self, and it was very much business as usual.
The main difference from last season was Keita, a natural playmaker in the middle third, an accomplished passer capable of taking opponents on.
There will be tougher challenges for the Guinean – Mark Noble and Declan Rice were simply not on his level – but this was a near-perfect start.
Sarri-Ball Is An Instant Hit
A rough start at Napoli and key players missing much of preseason suggested a sluggish first few matches for Chelsea. Maurizio Sarri’s methods take time, and he’s warned everyone of that as he looks to drastically change the style of play at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues raced out of the gates this weekend. Anything other than a victory would have been a massive upset away at Huddersfield, but the manner of the win was important as Chelsea adapt to Sarriball after two seasons of Antonio Conte 3-4-3.
N’golo Kante thrived in an advanced role, Jorginho controlled the game and Eden Hazard was devastating when he arrived off the bench (he completed six take ons in just 14 minutes).
Beating Huddersfield won’t define Chelsea’s season, but the early signs are good for Sarri’s Chelsea.
No Need To Worry About Dele
Dele Alli played a different role for Spurs last season, which resulted in plenty of criticism. Alli was midfielder rather than second striker for Spurs in 2017/18, a role he continued in for England at the World Cup.
His breakthrough was based on goals. Since then, his performance has been based on his goal scoring numbers above anything else.
With Heung-min Son on the bench, Alli played further forward again at Newcastle and scored a trademark back post header. His all-round performance was great, as he looked a threat throughout.
Adaptability is a skill, and Alli has shown he can change his role seamlessly. There’s no World Cup hangover for Dele.
Chasm In Class Already An Issue For Cardiff
Cardiff’s squad looked the weakest on paper when the window shut.
Neil Warnock’s side did nothing to question that as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth on Saturday. Cardiff were outplayed throughout, creating very little and being carved open on multiple occasions.
Warnock brought six players in over the summer, but four were from the Championship. While they could all still be successful signings, they’re simply a lower calibre of player than many signed by their rivals.
The Welsh club face Newcastle and Huddersfield next before they face Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. At least three points are required from the next two or Warnock could be under serious pressure when they host Burnley at the end of September.
Palace Can Be About More Than Zaha This Year
Keeping Wilfried Zaha was crucial for Crystal Palace this summer. Roy Hodgson’s side did that, but their opening weekend win against Fulham was about so much more than Zaha.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Patrick van Aanholt were superb from the full-back positions, getting an assist apiece.
New signings Max Meyer and Cheikou Kouyate didn’t start for Hodgson, but James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic were solid. A good team performance was rewarded with a victory against a Fulham team that have a squad capable of a top-half finish this term.
Palace’s record with and without Zaha can’t be ignored. He’s become talismanic for the Eagles, but Hodgson has plenty to work with at Selhurst Park. Saturday’s performance was a benchmark for how good Palace could be this season.
