The opening weekend of the Premier League season revealed significant challenges for several top clubs. Despite months of preparation, teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa exhibited early-season struggles that left managers contemplating necessary adjustments. While early matches do not define a season, the issues witnessed are immediate concerns that must be addressed swiftly to ensure success.
Arsenal Faces Criticism Despite Victory
Arsenal managed a narrow 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, but their performance raised eyebrows. With only 39% possession, the Gunners struggled to maintain control of the game, a stark contrast to their typical play. Last season, they recorded less than 40% possession in just three matches, two of which ended in red cards. Defensively, conceding 22 shots was alarming, as they had only allowed that many attempts twice throughout the previous season.
Coach Mikel Arteta may need to reassess his team’s pressing strategy. Historically, Arsenal has excelled at disrupting opponent build-up play, but they were repeatedly bypassed by Manchester United on Sunday. As the Gunners work to fine-tune their approach, a focus on improving their pressing structure during training could be crucial.
Chelsea Struggles Without Key Players
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s season began under a cloud following the serious injury of Levi Colwill, who suffered an ACL tear, leaving manager Enzo Maresca in a difficult position. Colwill was a central figure in Chelsea’s build-up play last season, averaging 3.74 progressive passes per 90 minutes. His absence significantly hindered Chelsea’s performance against Crystal Palace, where they struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
Maresca is considering adjustments to fill the void left by Colwill. Although Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to step in, he has also faced injury concerns. The manager has hinted at potential new signings to enhance the squad, but in the interim, shifting Nicolas Jackson back to a wing role might provide more attacking options. Jackson’s previous success in that position could allow him to access dangerous areas and create scoring chances.
Liverpool’s New Arrivals Need Time to Adapt
Liverpool’s opening match also highlighted areas in need of improvement. The team managed a 4-2 victory against Bournemouth, but the performance was less convincing than expected. Manager Arne Slot has brought in new players, including a significant expenditure of nearly £200 million to bolster the squad, yet the integration of these players is a work in progress.
Liverpool’s midfield structure appeared disjointed, with players seemingly unclear about their roles. The return of Ryan Gravenberch, who served a suspension, could provide the stability needed to streamline play and enhance the team’s overall performance. His presence may allow full-backs like Milot Rashica and Josip Kerkez to push forward, maximizing their attacking potential.
Aston Villa Struggles with Possession Issues
Aston Villa faced similar challenges, struggling to maintain possession during their match against Newcastle. The team’s completion rate of 74.5% was among the lowest in the league. Villa was unable to cope with Newcastle’s aggressive press, which consistently disrupted their play.
Manager Unai Emery opted for a midfield-heavy formation, but the lack of pace and dynamism left Villa vulnerable. The introduction of more agile players could help Villa regain balance and better withstand opposing pressure.
As the Premier League season progresses, these clubs will need to address their respective issues to avoid falling behind. Early matches, while not definitive, provide critical insights into team dynamics and highlight areas for urgent improvement. The coming weeks will be crucial for managers like Arteta, Maresca, Slot, and Emery as they work to refine their strategies and enhance their teams’ performances.
