The second week of the Premier League season has passed us by and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Man United faltered in London, Magic Mitoma cast his spell over Wolves while Phil Foden stood up in the place of Kevin De Bryune.
Here’s what we learned in Premier League Gameweek 2.
Postecoglou the real deal
Ange ball has finally arrived in the Premier League, and it has sent a real message around England. For the first 25 minutes against Man United on Saturday, Tottenham were second best but as the game rolled on, one of the youngest squads in the league started to find their feet and it set up a scintillating second half.
It was 45 minutes, where Eric Ten Haag’s men were utterly second best, with their midfield dominated by Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and James Maddison who connected defence to attack beautifully, making Spurs a joy to watch. It may only be the start, but it sent signals that Tottenham could be a problem this season.
Pochettino’s Headache
Last week’s draw against Liverpool was the perfect result to build from for Mauricio Pochettino and his Chelsea side. It felt as if maybe just maybe they were on their way to solving the conundrum of this squad, however, as the full-time whistle rang around the London Stadium, it became clear that Pochettino has a long way to go to figure out his best side.
Enzo Fernandez missed a penalty, Moise Caicedo was used as a substitute and gave away a penalty, Chukwuemeka will about for six weeks after scoring and their best player was Raheem Sterling, and individual bought before the Todd Boehly overhaul… embarrassing.
Magic Mitoma destined for the top
Kaoru Mitoma, TAKE. A. BOW. The run, the control, the finish, a phenomenal goal that only a few players in the world could recreate, such is the class of the Japanese magician. However, it’s the consistency of Mitoma that makes him stand out and begs the question; “How is he still at Brighton.” With a goal and two assists to start the season, it seems as if this will be another year that will cement the winger’s name on a lot of club’s wish lists next summer.
Déjà vu at Man United
For all the Ange Postocolgou praise, it was evident that Man United are upstream without a paddle and heading to the waterfall very fast. After a difficult start it was, was an impressive debut season for EriK ten Hag and many were expecting his team to start from where they left off coming into 2023/24.
However, after two extremely subpar performances against Wolves and Tottenham, it feels as if the Red Devils have gone backwards to the performances of last August and September. Marcus Rashford is lost as a number nine, Bruno Fernandes is lacking the clinical conviction that made his name, Anthony never had clinical conviction in the first place and Casemiro desperately needs help in the midfield. Combine all of this with their sickening away form, and United could be over that waterfall sooner than they may think.
Foden to fill De Bruyne’s boots.
After Kevin De Bruyne’s injury last week at Burnley, many were worried about who Man City would turn to in their superstar’s absence. It was Phil Foden who stood up to the challenge, singlehandedly driving his team forward, with sharp turns and quick passing, and a moment of quality that set up Alvarez’s screamer. It should come as no surprise, with the English midfielder playing with his usual swagger that made his name, but after another five-star performance in the central role, it will ease Pep Guardiola’s worries for the weeks ahead without De Bruyne.
