Three Talking Points from Gameweek 1
Here are three talking points that we can take from the Premier League’s Gameweek 1.
Via @PremierLeague
Arsenal should be taken seriously under Arteta and their summer business has been impressive.
Via @PremierLeague on Twitter
Arteta’s arrival at Arsenal midway through last season brought an end to the chaotic and unsuccessful reign of Unai Emery and whilst he appeared a gamble at first, his appointment is proving to be a masterstroke.
He is clearly someone who is intelligent and more tactically acute than most Premier League managers, but he also possesses something very important for a modern day manager and that is good man management.
He is far more willing to give players second chances and by doing that he has helped to improve players who were previously on the fringes of the first team.
Players like Maitland-Niles, Elneny and Xhaka are now excelling in the first team which is not only beneficial to those players but also the club itself.
By reinventing current players and improving their abilities not only gives Arteta greater squad depth, it also saves Arsenal from spending big in the market, something they are often reluctant to do.
However, the two marquee signings the club has made this summer in centre back Gabriel from Lille and Willian from Chelsea, both had memorable debuts.
Gabriel was assured at the back, utilising his strength and pace to see off any threat from Fulham but he also capped an impressive debut with a goal, heading in from a corner.
With his addition, as well as young centre half Saliba back from his loan move, Arsenal could finally have some stability in defence.
As for Willian, he showed why despite now being 32, he is still a fantastic player and he could well solve the clubs right wing problem, in the short-term at least.
There was much proof of this on his debut on Saturday as he assisted two of Arsenal’s three goals in a comfortable afternoon at Craven Cottage.
New-look Everton look fresh and revived
Via @PremierLeague on Twitter
In my eyes the appointment of Ancelotti by Everton midway through last season was a stroke of genius.
It didn’t all click straight away (although they did improve) but that was never likely when he inherited a squad that wasn’t his own.
This summer transfer window has given him the opportunity to build a team that is his own, bringing in players that suit his mould and style of football.
Instantly Everton look better, their revamped midfield with Allan, Doucoure and Rodriguez helped them to control the game against Spurs.
James Rodriguez who signed from Real Madrid, was the most impressive debutant as he brought some flair and was a creative spark in Everton’s midfield.
With still time for more signings, the season ahead looks exciting for Everton under one of the greatest modern-day managers.
Leeds United bring something different to the Premier League - Marcelo Bielsa.
Via @PremierLeague on Twitter
He can’t be compared to any other manager and his love for the game of football is unrivalled.
His tactics are far more complex than most managers’ tactics from a newly promoted side, as his side dominate games and create opportunities no matter the opposition.
He is a former manager of Argentina, so he has real pedigree and reputation, if not always positive.
His spying on Derby last season is a prime example of the controversy that surrounds him whilst at the same time showing why is no ordinary manager.
Yet he has successfully taken Leeds United back to the promised land after a 16-year absence and he has done so whilst playing with a high press, high intensity style of football.
For those who weren’t already aware of Leeds’s possession-based style, they will be after the thrilling 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
Leeds had more possession at Anfield, something that simply doesn’t happen with this current Liverpool team.
They also caused Liverpool more problems defensively than most teams did last season as they showcased to the world exactly what they can bring to the Premier League.
