EPL Week 1 Review - 5 Quick Takes

EPL Week 1 Review - 5 Quick Takes

EPL Week 1 Review  - Five Quick Takes

1. Problems Are Mounting at Chelsea

Chelsea have a habit of forming dark storm clouds from a clear blue sky and that looks evident once more this season. Their 3-2 loss to Burnley at home is only one game, however to me it was hardly surprising given their hugely underwhelming pre-season. Antonio Conte has looked like a very agitated man in pre-season and his body language on the touchline, and in interviews, is that of a man fearing a really poor season. Chelsea did nothing to dispel those doubts on Saturday with a calamitous display where 2 players were sent off and they shipped 3 first half goals to a side that won just one game on the road last season. Chelsea's bench was full of Academy players and, with injuries and suspensions mounting and a tough early fixture, I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea lose 3 or 4 more games before things get any better. 

2. Mourinho Might Have His Mojo Back

Opposite to Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho looks as calm and as confident as I have seen him since he returned to English football. Mourinho looked like a miserable man last year and looked to be really feeling the pressure in his first season at Manchester United. Even though again you don't want to get carried away by one victory in United’s 4-0 demolition of West Ham, Mourinho looks to have a strong, powerful side that can really challenge this year. United had a really productive pre-season in terms of wins and performances, and that carried over to yesterday. Matic and Lukaku have slotted in seamlessly at present, but bigger challenges lie in wait. Mourinho, having got the monkey off his back with two trophies last year, looks more settled and happier, and I think that’s when he is dangerous. 

3. Liverpool and Arsenal Thrill and Frustrate

Arsenal stole victory from the jaws of defeat, whilst Liverpool coughed up 3 points late, however the manner of their displays was similar. Whilst they might be thrilling going forward, and have plenty of strike power, both team’s problems at the back were exposed by lesser quality teams in Leicester City and Watford. History shows to win the Premier League you need to be conceding less than a goal a game, so both Arsenal and Liverpool conceding 3 on the opening day is a worry. Both sides lack big characters and leaders at the back and, until they address that, they could beat anyone on their day, but winning the Title looks a way off. 

4 Spurs and City Pass Tricky Tests

Both Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino would have been more than joyous with their teams’ respective 2-0 victories over the weekend. Both Brighton and Newcastle were promoted Clubs that were always going to have a huge amount of energy and momentum behind them playing at home on the weekend. Whilst Spurs were helped by a needless red card to Jonjo Shelvey, City dominated their game before pouncing late twice in the final 20 minutes. Spurs have a huge opportunity to christen their new temporary home Wembley with a win when they take on a patchwork Chelsea side this week that appears to be in early disarray. 

5. Rooney’s Winning Goal a Feel Good Story

I liked Wayne Rooney going back to Everton because it shows there is still room for sentiment in the game. Rooney could have earned double or perhaps triple the wages in China or other leagues, but wanted to go back to the Club where he made his name. I'm not sure how it will work out overall on the pitch, but to see him score the winning goal back at Goodison had that place rocking on the weekend and Everton fans in raptures. Despite selling Romelu Lukaku, there is a quiet optimism around Everton this season having spent money in the transfer window. While their 1-0 win over Stoke wasn't pretty, it’s a good start for a team that is ambitious to challenge the Big 6 this year and steal a place in Europe.