Three Talking Points from the Premier League Weekend
The new Premier League season kicked off with title contenders Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all making winning starts – though in very different styles. Liverpool needed late drama to edge past Bournemouth, Manchester City cruised to victory at Wolves, while Arsenal dug deep to hold on against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Liverpool lack balance despite firepower
Liverpool’s revamped frontline already looks sharper than last season, but their defensive frailties were again exposed in a thrilling 3-2 win over Bournemouth.
Debutant Hugo Ekitike impressed with a goal and an assist for Cody Gakpo, yet the Reds almost threw away a 2-0 lead. Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah rescued the points late on after Antoine Semenyo twice punished Liverpool’s high-risk approach – the second a stunning solo effort from his own half.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was scathing: “How many players were ahead of the ball – maybe eight – when they were winning 2-1. That can’t happen. It’s shocking at this level.”
With reported moves for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, Arne Slot knows reinforcements are needed, but fixing the balance between attack and defence may be the bigger challenge.
Reijnders steps into De Bruyne’s void
Manchester City looked back to their ruthless best with a 4-0 win at Wolves, led by new signing Tijjani Reijnders.
The Dutch midfielder, a £46.5m arrival from AC Milan, filled the creative gap left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. Reijnders played a key part in all three of City’s early goals – opening space for Erling Haaland’s first, scoring one himself, and providing the assist for Haaland’s second.
Pep Guardiola was full of praise: “We knew he is a top signing for the coming years. Lovely guy and has made an impact from day one.”
If City’s new-look midfield continues in this vein, their pursuit of reclaiming the title already looks ominous.
Different display, same result for Man Utd
Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal may have had a new look, but it carried a familiar sting.
Ruben Amorim’s summer spending spree brought Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to lead the line, but United again came up short in front of goal. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori grabbed the winner after a mistake from stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir, while David Raya produced crucial saves at the other end to deny Cunha and Mbeumo.
Amorim insisted the performance was better than last season’s struggles, but the result underlined the size of the task ahead. For Arsenal, a disciplined defensive display secured three precious points – though questions remain about whether Mikel Arteta’s side can produce the attacking spark needed to break City and Liverpool’s dominance.
FAQs: Premier League Weekend
Q: Who were the biggest winners of the weekend?
Manchester City, with a dominant 4-0 win at Wolves, looked the most convincing of the title contenders.
Q: Why are Liverpool fans concerned despite the win?
Liverpool’s attack looked strong, but defensive lapses nearly cost them against Bournemouth. Former players have criticized their lack of balance.
Q: Who impressed most among the new signings?
City’s Tijjani Reijnders stood out with a goal and two assists, showing signs he could fill Kevin De Bruyne’s shoes.
Q: Did Manchester United show improvement under Amorim?
United’s attack looked livelier with their new signings, but they still struggled to finish chances and were undone by a goalkeeper error.
Q: What does this mean for the title race?
It’s only the opening weekend, but City looked ominous, Liverpool showed vulnerabilities, and Arsenal proved resilient – setting up a fascinating three-way battle.