Concerns Over Liverpool’s Defensive Frailties
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, has expressed concerns regarding his team’s defensive vulnerabilities during pre-season. These worries surfaced both before and after their Community Shield match against Crystal Palace. The absence of Ryan Gravenberch, due to family reasons, was particularly felt in midfield.
“We lost the ball far too easily in midfield on three separate occasions, and each time they launched a counterattack,” Slot commented, highlighting the issues that need addressing. While Gravenberch will again be unavailable for the upcoming match due to suspension, Slot remains optimistic that the team, which boasted the second-best defensive record in the Premier League last season, will respond positively once the competitive season commences.
He cited several factors contributing to Liverpool’s recent struggles, including “mixed teams, new players integrating, Virgil van Dijk being unwell, and Alisson’s absence.” However, he stressed that these are not excuses. “We will be 100% ready,” he affirmed, looking ahead to their opening fixture.
Ramsey’s Departure: A Sign of the Times at Aston Villa
While Alexander Isak’s absence will likely dominate discussions ahead of the match at Villa Park, Newcastle’s acquisition of Jacob Ramsey adds another layer of intrigue. Villa’s decision to sell Ramsey, a product of their academy since the age of six, provides them with the financial flexibility to strengthen their squad after a relatively quiet summer. The sale also brings in a reported £40 million profit.
However, it also underscores the harsh realities of modern football finance, particularly the constraints imposed by Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). These regulations have influenced Newcastle’s transfer dealings as well, with players like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh joining Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.
Unai Emery, the Villa manager, is known to be a great admirer of Ramsey, who was expected to feature prominently in the team. Ultimately, financial considerations prevailed. Ramsey, a 24-year-old, fulfilled his dream of playing for his boyhood club. While the start of a new season often evokes a sense of romanticism, Ramsey’s imminent departure serves as a stark reminder that football is, first and foremost, a business.
De Cuyper’s Promising Start at Brighton
Brighton completed their summer transfer business early, and it appears that Maxim De Cuyper has seamlessly integrated into the team. The Belgian left-back, signed from Club Brugge for £17.3 million on a five-year contract, has impressed during pre-season, contributing to the team’s unbeaten run.
De Cuyper marked last week’s 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg with a goal and has quickly established a strong understanding with Kaoru Mitoma on the left flank. Manager Fabian Hürzeler believes Brighton may have unearthed another gem. “I’m very impressed because he integrated as a person quite quickly, and that’s something I don’t see that often in the football business,” Hürzeler stated.
Wilson Aims to Spoil Sunderland’s Homecoming
Sunderland have sold all 38,000 of their season tickets, and the 49,000-capacity Stadium of Light is expected to be full for the visit of West Ham. After an eight-year absence from the Premier League, including a spell in League One, Sunderland are back in the top flight. They have bolstered their squad with 11 summer signings, five of whom are aged 21 or under, for a total expenditure exceeding £132 million.
While integrating these new faces into a cohesive team will test Régis Le Bris’ coaching abilities, Sunderland fans have reason to fear one particular West Ham player: Callum Wilson. The former Newcastle and England striker, now part of Graham Potter’s squad, would relish the opportunity to score the winning goal against his old rivals.
Tottenham’s Latest Era Begins
Tottenham are embarking on yet another “new era,” and there’s a growing sense that Thomas Frank is the right manager at the right time. He seems capable of inspiring both individual players and the team as a whole, while also possessing the tactical acumen to find innovative solutions.
However, as evidenced by their performance against Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham have a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Their match against Burnley is precisely the kind of fixture they have traditionally struggled to win. Frank can buy himself time with good results, but ultimately, he must create a team that plays dominant football.
Trafford’s Opportunity at Manchester City
How different will Manchester City look at Molineux? Despite finishing last season strongly, Pep Guardiola’s side recognised the need for reinforcements after a relatively inactive summer transfer window. They have added six new players, and it remains to be seen whether James Trafford will be preferred to Ederson in goal.
The decision regarding the goalkeeping position feels particularly significant. Trafford has been given the No. 1 shirt, but what if Ederson, a key figure in City’s six Premier League title triumphs, remains at the club? City have not denied interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential replacement for the Brazilian, who has just 12 months left on his contract. Trafford is expected to start against Wolves, and a strong debut could provide Guardiola with a definitive answer.
Chelsea’s Striking Options After Jackson’s Suspension
Nicolas Jackson’s suspension would have presented Chelsea with a major problem last season, given their lack of adequate cover for the striker. However, their attacking depth has been significantly strengthened this summer. Liam Delap and João Pedro have joined the club and are competing for a starting role when Crystal Palace visit Stamford Bridge.
Both forwards performed well during Chelsea’s successful Club World Cup campaign and impressed in recent friendlies. João Pedro scored in both warm-up matches, and Delap came off the bench to score against Milan. Jackson’s absence was barely noticed.
Can Nottingham Forest and Brentford Maintain Their Progress?
The match at the City Ground features two teams whose seasons are difficult to predict. Nottingham Forest excelled last season, implementing Nuno Espírito Santo’s tactical ideas effectively and adding much-needed variety to the league. However, repeating that success will be a challenge. Opposing teams are now more familiar with their tactics, and analysts have had time to identify their weaknesses.
Forest are well-positioned for further growth, particularly with the retention of Morgan Gibbs-White. His midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson is strong enough to compete with any in the league. Brentford, on the other hand, have lost three key players and potentially another, as well as the manager who was central to everything. While the club may have prepared for Thomas Frank’s departure, replacing him requires more than simply appointing a technocrat.
Manchester United and Arsenal: Echoes of 1989
These two teams met on the opening day of the 1989-90 season. Manchester United, under new ownership, spent heavily, while Arsenal were the reigning champions. Just as Alex Ferguson recognised the need for drastic measures, so too has Ruben Amorim, with the arrival of three new attacking players.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were acquired as proven Premier League talents, while the purchase of Benjamin Sesko is particularly intriguing. Arsenal were also interested in Sesko but opted for Viktor Gyökeres, who is already performing at his peak. Time will tell which side made the better acquisition.
Harrison and Calvert-Lewin Return to Elland Road
Leeds’ match against Everton will be a reunion of sorts. While Daniel Farke hopes to include Dominic Calvert-Lewin in his matchday squad, the former Everton striker will not be the only familiar face greeted by David Moyes. Jack Harrison, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Everton, returns to Leeds.
Harrison’s loan spell has not been well-received by many Leeds fans, who have booed him during pre-season. It remains to be seen whether the 28-year-old can win them over. While the atmosphere should be celebratory, given that Leeds’ last promotion occurred during Covid restrictions, Moyes’ marquee summer signing, Jack Grealish, will be determined to spoil the party.