We are two games into the new Premier League season, with plenty of goals, talking points but also performances that have come under fire.
The Premier League is known for its relentless scrutiny of performances, whether it be individual players, managers or entire teams. Here are five teams who have disappointed in their performances, and could be cause for concern to their supporters…
Manchester United
Two games, and although they sit on three points, there was much to be concerned about from both performances against Wolves and Tottenham. The department that was most alarming was the United midfield, and it was alarmingly easy for both Wolves and Spurs to break through and run at the defence. Wolves turned up to Old Trafford as heavy underdogs after a turbulent summer. However, they played with a swagger, and looked incredibly dangerous on the break. They were harshly denied a penalty in the final moments, and lost the game narrowly. As for Manchester United, they had just three shots on target.
They then suffered defeat away at Tottenham. Antony hit the post, and Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario was forced into a couple of good saves, but Tottenham were superb, and took their chances. A Lisandro Martínez own goal compounded Manchester United to defeat and Tottenham exposed United’s defensive frailties. It is not as bad a start as it was last season for Ten Hag, but he will be desperate for another midfielder before the window shuts. Fans will want an improvement in performance when Manchester United host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Chelsea
Despite looking lively against Liverpool on the opening day, their performance against West Ham had cause for concern. Lots of possession especially with a man advantage, but they struggled to create clear cut chances in the second half. They didn’t make it easy for themselves though with Enzo Fernandez having his penalty saved by Alphonse Areola.
The introduction of Moises Caicedo amongst others did little to change the Blues’ fortunes. It was always going to be hard for Pochettino to steady the ship after last season with the addition of multiple expensive signings. A first-half display which had promise was partnered with a second-half performance which was lacklustre. A lot of credit has to go to West Ham who were fantastic, and held out impressively with ten men. Time is needed for new signings to gel but in a crucial season for Chelsea to try and claim back European football, but time is not on their side.
Wolves
A really encouraging performance at Old Trafford was undermined completely with a 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton. A lot was made of the body language of the Wolves players as they reappeared for the second half. A slow walk with heads down, whereas Brighton jogged onto the pitch and in turn scored three goals in the space of nine minutes to take the game away from the hosts. Wolves were completely undone by the pace and trickery of Brighton and failed to track runners and it looked easy at times for the Seagulls to dismantle Gary O’Neil’s side. Next they face Everton, another team who have been severely under par…
Embed from Getty ImagesEverton
Where to start? No goals scored, five conceded and a crisis is already emerging for Sean Dyche. Everton may have felt unlucky they didn’t get anything out of their opening day defeat to Fulham, after having numerous good opportunities. However, against Aston Villa their performance was riddled with mistakes, a lack of communication and a severe lack of confidence, with the final two goals coming from dreadful errors at the back. Another injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin is yet a further blow for Everton, fracturing his cheekbone after just returning from a previous injury.
Embed from Getty ImagesSheffield United
The Blades came into the season as one of the favourites to go straight back down. Unfortunately, their start has been less than ideal. Two defeats to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, and a game against Manchester City next at Bramall Lane. It was an unsettling summer for Paul Heckingbottom. Sheffield United’s two best players Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye were sold which provoked worry in the fanbase that their squad was now severely lacking Premier League quality.
The addition of Gustavo Hamer from Coventry was a positive move, with Hamer scoring a wonder strike on his debut. But it already seems like an upward task for the newly promoted side. Their performances in themselves were worrying, creating little in both outings. There doesn’t seem to be signs of any new incomings either. It could be a tough season for Sheffield United.
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