Gameweek, one of the Premier League, showed us a glimpse of the season that we might experience. There were goals, there were saves, and there was passion and emotion as the biggest league in the world made a return after a hiatus of two-and-a-half months.
Twenty-eight goals were scored across ten games which saw seven certain results and three stalemates. Several teams also looked far from perfect, which showed the need for the addition of more players to the squad.
With the transfer market open till the end of August, clubs are still looking to sign new players to improve their prospects in the league. So, what did we learn from Gameweek One?
New season Same Old City and Erling Haaland
It took Erling Haaland a total of 184 seconds to score his first goal of the Premier League season. The Norwegian, who broke the all-time Premier League goals scoring record in his debut season, grabbed a brace against newly promoted Burnley as Manchester City ran out winners.
After winning the trophy last season, Pep Guardiola has sold experienced players such as Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, and others, such as Joao Cancelo, are close to leaving too. The Spaniard had made it clear last season that some players had lost the fire and desire to win trophies, and they will have to make way for new players who have that hunger and desire.
City have also added star defender Josko Gvardiol, midfielder Mateo Kovacic and are also chasing the signature of West Ham attacker Lucas Paqueta. These signs give the team the squad depth to fight for trophies on multiple fronts.
Arsenal ready for another title challenge
Arsenal survived a late scare from Nottingham Forest to win their first game. However, how they played for most of the game showed that they were more threatening than last season. The two goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka both showed how the Gunners can pounce even on the slightest mistake from the opponent.
After coming agonisingly close to winning the title last season, Mikel Arteta added top-quality signings such as Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Ajax’s star defender Jurrien Timber. In addition, Folarin Balogun, who scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season, has also returned from loan.
Last season, the Gunners lacked the experience that was required to handle the intensity and pressure of a close-fought Premier League title race. Now the Gunners have the experience, and with the added quality, they will surely be one of the favourites to lift the trophy come May.
Liverpool, Chelsea need signings to challenge for the title
Liverpool and Chelsea played an entertaining 1-1 draw in their first game of the season. This match came against the backdrop of the Moises Caicedo transfer saga, where both clubs were fighting for his signature. In the end, Chelsea won the race signing the Ecuadorian midfielder for a British transfer record fee of €115 million.
In the game, midfield players from both teams performed admirably; the lack of a top-quality number six was evident on both sides. Apart from that, both teams looked brilliant in other areas and are one of the favourites to finish in the top four this season.
Chelsea also have the added advantage of not being in any European competition, which means they will play fewer games than other top teams, allowing them a more extended period for their players to recover.
On the other hand, Liverpool desperately needs a number six if they want to challenge for trophies this season.
Newcastle United have arrived
After finishing fourth in the Premier League table last season, big things were expected from Newcastle United. And they have responded in style by thrashing Aston Villa 5-1. The Magpies made some smart signings over the summer by adding Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento to their ranks.
Eddie Howe has made a formidable side which conceded only 33 goals, the least in the league. And their two new signings, Tonali and Barnes, scored on their debut, with Alexander Isak adding a brace.
This Newcastle team is brilliant because they are not dependent on any single player. This allows them to play at the exact tempo, even if they lose a player to injury or suspension. And this will be the key for them in a season where the battle for the Champions League places will be the toughest in history. Newcastle United will also play in the Champions League, which will give them a clear understanding of where they stand among Europe’s elitist clubs.
Manchester United’s face same old problems
Last season, Erik Ten Hag managed a mini miracle as he took Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League. However, the club’s squad was far from perfect. This is why the club signed Mason Mount, goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Atalanata’s striker Rasmus Hojlund.
However, the first game posed more questions than answers as the Red Devils eked out an insipid 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. This after the Wolves were denied a clear penalty in the injury time.
United must improve quickly if they are to repeat their performance of the previous season.
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