The Premier League is back and up and running, and there was no shortage of talking points with lots of goals, controversy and surprises.
Here are five things we learnt from Gameweek 1…
Relentless Newcastle
Embed from Getty ImagesLast season’s top four success was clearly no fluke. Eddie Howe’s side flew out of the traps at St. James’ Park with a ruthless 5-1 win over Aston Villa. New star signing Sandro Tonali scored and looked made for English football. Alexander Isak looks like he will score for fun if he can stay fit. Experienced forward Callum Wilson scored as a sub, as did new signing Harvey Barnes. The summer signing from Leicester City is already a fan favourite and has the potential to be a star on Tyneside. Will Champions League football become a distraction for the Toon, or will they continue to punch above their weight?
Referees and VAR are still an issue!
This is the fourth season of the usage of VAR in the Premier League, and by now we had hoped that blatant refereeing errors would have been eradicated. Well, the first Monday Night Football match threw up a major moment of controversy as referee Simon Hooper failed to award Wolves a last minute penalty after United keeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajkzic. VAR decided not to correct the error. After the match, elite referees manager Jon Moss told Wolves boss Gary O’Neil the penalty should have been given. It is of no consolation their performance warranted at least a point. Hooper and, VAR Michael salisbury and assistant VAR Richard West were quickly withdrawn from officiating Gameweek 2 fixtures.
Chelsea have hope under Mauricio Pochettino
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea have spent over £600m in 2023 – more than the entire transfers in Spain’s La Liga – with the aim of improving on last season’s 12th place finish. Things had to improve and that is why former Tottenham and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was appointed for the rebuild of a club used to success in recent years. Liverpool presented a tricky opening fixture and Poch made his mark with four debutants. Chelsea looked understandably disjointed at times, but showed the faith and commitment to come back from a goal down and very nearly win the match. Once he has new signing Moises Caicedo bedded in, this Chelsea side could challenge for the top sports again.
Everton’s lack of clinical edge could haunt them
Embed from Getty ImagesEverton suffered an opening-day defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park. That was disappointing enough, but perhaps the most worrying aspect was their inability to score from the numerous chances they created. Abdoulaye Doucouré, Neal Maupay and Nathan Patterson missed the best of the opportunities created and showed how much they are over-reliant on the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals. Manager Sean Dyche is hoping the additions of Portuguese striker Youssef Chermiti and Leeds United forward Jack Harrison can bring them the goals they will need to survive in the weeks and months ahead.
Luton have a lot to learn
Embed from Getty ImagesNaive would be the word to describe Luton’s first Premier League performance at the AMEX against Brighton. Their defending was sometimes as lost as manager Rob Edwards’ voice. Luton looked confident and played with a sense of “no fear” but mistakes get punished in this league, and a lot of lessons will have been learnt. Time will tell, but the early season favourites for relegation look like they will face a tough battle to stay up based on their opening match.
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