The opening week of the Premier League saw lots of action and here is a look at some of the lessons we learned.
Arsenal still a work in progress
Unai Emery lost his first game in charge of Arsenal as the Gunners went down 2-0 to a Manchester City team that was superior in every respect. They were unlucky to start the season against a very good City side but even then they showed a number of weaknesses that they will need to work on. Their defence was very disappointing and they didn’t have much going forward either. A lot is expected from the former PSG coach and he has a herculean task of returning the Gunners to their former glory.
City’s desire still intact
The reigning champions had a pleasant pre-season and kicked off their new Premier League campaign with even more oomph. Wary of the champion’s curse, the Citizens kept their foot firmly on the pedal, sealing their first away clash of the season against Arsenal. Pep Guardiola will be very proud of Benjamin Mendy’s performance. He was very convincing in several domains and delivered an assist. It may still be too early to sound the trumpets, but the future looks rosy for the champions.
Naby Keita to rule the Premier League
Liverpool began their Premier League campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win against West Ham at Anfield. They had a very successful transfer window and they had no problem putting the Hammers away. Jurgen Klopp will be very happy with what he saw in their new signing Naby Keita. The former RB Leipzig man had an impressive outing. He was involved in the build up to the first goal and was generally effective in marshalling the midfield. If he continues on the same trajectory then he has a good chance of dominating matches for Liverpool in the future.
Good start for Richarlison
Everton might have been unlucky not to take all three points from their first match of the season against newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, they will take heart from the performance of their record signing Richarlison who scored two goals on his debut, as the Toffees drew 2-2 away despite playing much of the game with ten men. The Brazilian forward has impressed since joining the Premier League, with Watford last season and now with Everton. The future looks bright for the youngster if what we saw is anything to go by. We are set to see more from this Everton side and most definitely from their new signing in the days to come.
Wake up call for the promoted sides
The newly promoted sides were given a taste of life in the top-flight as none of them registered a win. Fulham were felled by the hands of Crystal Palace whereas Wolves could only salvage a draw against ten man Everton. The two sides did spent considerably in the transfer market but it will take time before their new acquisitions can settle. Cardiff City were handed a 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth and this is clear proof that they still have lots to do before they can settle in the Premier League.