After a fantastic, action-packed world cup in Russia, the English Premier League returned over the weekend with its thrills. Here Econsport runs you through the major talking points from day 1 of the EPL season.
Captain Pogba Powers United To Victory (Manchester United 2 vs 1 Leicester City)
It was an happy end to a troubling week for United. A manager at odds with the board over transfers, reports of friction between players and manager Jose Mourinho, Barcelona's pursuit of Paul Pogba and reports of the Frenchman's unhappiness at United, there was an air of negativity as United welcomed Leicester city to Old Trafford for the first match of the season. But Captain for the day, Paul Pogba, put in a mature and accomplished performance. Be it making vital defensive clearances or powering forward to start attacks, the world cup winner was colossal in midfield. Elsewhere, Brazilian Fred had a good debut-though has to control his temperament- Eric Bailly and Victor Linedelof dovetailed nicely in defence, and De Gea once again showed why he is the best EPL goalie. Luke Shaw getting his first senior goal would surely do him a world of good as he seeks to convince Mourinho of his abilities. Issues remain as to Mourinho's trepid style of play, with Leicester pinning the hosts back for large swathes of the game. This however was all about the three points. Having them in the bag and moving on.
Solid Start For Sarri (Huddersfield 0 vs 3 Chelsea)
Having been made to wait for much of the summer-a belated yet expected announcement-Maurizio Sarri-Chelsea's 10th full time manager in 10 years- couldn't have hoped for a more solid start to life in the English Premier league. Much had been made about Sarri-ball and his attractive style of play. On the day, goals from Kante, Jorginho, and pedro eased the blues to a comfortable Victory in a game they largely dominated with 63% of the ball. Sterner tests lie ahead, but this was a good start to life for the Italian in the English top flight.
Spurs Get the Job Done (Newcastle 1 vs 2 Tottenham)
The last transfer window saw Spurs make history for the wrong reasons-failing to add a single player to their squad. Not the best way to be "brave" as manager Pochettino demanded after last season's exploits. Hence the opening game of the season against a stubborn Rafael Benitez's Newcastle side-who also had a quiet summer- was a potential banana skin. Despite some nervy moments in the game, with Newcastle hitting the crossbar and piling on pressure late on, Spurs nicked the three points to get their campaign off to a positive start, Jan Vertoghen and Dele Alli on the scoresheet. With their trophyless run spanning nine seasons and counting, a crucial campaign lies ahead as they move to the New White Hart lane stadium. Perhaps keeping Kane, Alli, Eriksen and the spine of the team was their best bit of business.
Tough Start to life for the new Boys (Fulham 0 vs 2 Crystal Palace; Bournemouth 2 vs 0 Cardiff City; Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 vs 2 Everton)
Making the step up from the championship to the EPL was always going to be a daunting task for Wolves, Fulham, and Cardiff city. Surely the opening results of the season reinforced that. Fulham and Cardiff were outclassed by Crystal palace and Bournemouth respectively, with only Wolves showcasing their quality at this level, in a pulsating 2-2 draw against Everton-albeit playing the best part of the game with a man advantage after Phil Jagielka's sending off for Everton in the firsr half. Expectations are high at the Molineux with Wolves having spent well this sumner on quality signings-Moutinho, Rui Patricio should come good- coupled with a manager devoted to a pleasing-on-the-eye brand of football. Fulham have the quality to keep their heads above water, but Cardiff might find the EPL a nut too difficult to crack.
Slick City, Sloppy Gunners (Arsenal 0 vs 2 Manchester City)
The citizens sent several records tumbling last season as they cantered to the League title, and continued from where they left off. Their dazzling play for most parts of the game was too much for Arsenal to handle. Raheem Sterling and Bernando Silva grabbing the goals. Even more impressive considering the omissions of Stalwarts, De Bruyne, David Silva, and Leroy Sane from the starting eleven. The gunners on the other hand under new manager Unai Emery were devoid of ideas. Time and again passes went astray, promising moves broke down as players were on different wavelengths. Arsenal have to be patient as Emery tries to stamp his mark on the team. The intensity, high pressing and zip in passing associated with the Spaniard's teams were absent at the Emirates, as the gunners-bar some players like goalkeeper Petr Cech, Guendozi- put in a shocking display. The fact that it took until the 68th minute for their first cornerkick of the game, by which time City had had nine, summed it all up. It remains to be seen how Arsenal adapt to their first managerial change in 22 years. For City, they are very much the team to beat.
Watch Out For Klopp's Red Army (Liverpool 4 vs 0 West Ham United)
A clean sheet, sizzling performance, fantastic goals, brilliant debuts and a resounding victory which catapulted them to the top of the embryonic League season: Liverpool sent a statement of intent to their rivals. Indeed they are the closest to being Manchester City's kryptonite. Manager Jurgen Klopp plugged the gaps in the team over the summer with some brilliant signings. Bridging the 25 point gap to City last season will by no means come easy, but there is a reason for the buzz and belief around Anfield at the moment. This is a title winning squad. The only "if" being if the Reds can live up to that billing come May. Far too many winnable games were drawn last season. In came goalkeeper Alisson to cut out the many goalkeeping errors from last season, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri have added more quality and spine to the team. Suddenly Liverpool look like real title challengers. As Salah, Sadio Mane's double and Daniel Sturridge put the Hammers to the sword, the rest of the pack would surely have taken notice.
Elsewhere, in other results, Watford put two goals past Brighton and Hove Albion, while Southampton and Burnley settled for a goalless draw at St Mary's.
Star of the weekend: Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
The Portuguese sensation, still only 21, announced himself to the Premier League and further emphasized his unique talents, by netting a superb free-kick for Wolves in their 2-2 draw against Everton, and also grabbing the assist for Raul Jimenez's equalizer late on. Dictating the tempo of the game, he was at the heart of everything good for his team.
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