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EPL opening weekend: 10 things we learned

Roar Pro
19th August, 2014
4

Football finally returned to England’s top division last weekend, and the action was filled with new and old faces turning in some masterful displays.

Southampton proved the doubters wrong, Louis van Gaal got off to a bad start with Manchester United and Chelsea’s new signings shone against relegation candidates Burnley.

Here are the top 10 things we learned from the weekend action.

1) Manchester United’s woes continue
The appointment of Louis van Gaal was supposed to cover the worries that plague the club but the loss to Swansea displayed the team’s deficiencies. With less than two weeks to go in the transfer market, United need to act fast to save their season.

The players in the team are just not up to par and they require at least three world-class players to be able to break into the top four. Ashley Young, Darren Fletcher, Nani and Hernandez just won’t do the job, while the defenders aren’t good enough either.

2) Pochettino may have brought lucky ingredient to Tottenham
Winning your opening game as a manager in the manner Tottenham did would have felt good for Mauricio Pochettino. Tottenham were down to 10 men for more than 60 minutes but absorbed the West Ham pressure and got the three points at the death. After losing every game against this opponent last season, it’s a huge relief for Spurs fans.

3) Ramsey will be key for Arsenal this season
Many people felt that if Aaron Ramsey hadn’t got injured last season than Arsenal may have pushed for the title. The Welshman continued from where he left off last season with a stoppage time goal against Crystal Palace, proving his importance to the club. While Alexis Sanchez still settles into the team, Ramsey could be key, and if he can remain fit throughout the season he will be pivotal to Arsenal’s title challenge.

4) Everton face huge challenges ahead
After the draw with Leicester City it was obvious Everton have a lot of work to do. Everton were without Ross Barkley (supposedly out for up to five months) for the opening game, and the side lacked the zeal they showed last season. There were flashes of brilliance from one or two individuals, and perhaps it’s early season jitters. Everton will have to kick into gear to be able to mount another top four challenge.

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5) Relegation candidates produce mixed performances
Many have already predicted Leicester City and Burnley as relegation candidates. But with QPR’s performance, they shouldn’t be written off the list too. After shopping for defenders and acquiring Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker, the defence was abysmal against a Hull attack. Leicester proved a hard nut to break against Everton and Burnley performed admirably against Chelsea.

6) Liverpool have the fight in them
Under enormous pressure from Southampton, Liverpool managed to grind out a win. They displayed their grit and desire to claim the three points. After being held quiet throughout the match, two brilliant moments from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge were enough to win the match for Liverpool.

7) Southampton prove doubters wrong
After losing their star players in Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and Rickie Lambert, many predicted they would be relegation strugglers. But with the performance at Anfield, those suggestions should be put to bed. They dominated play and possession, especially in the second half, and were unlucky to lose the match. Although a lot needs to be done, if they continue to play the way they did against Liverpool, relegation is very unlikely.

8) Sam Allardyce is a man under pressure
Big Sam was criticised by fans last season for playing unattractive football, and was also pressurised to leave the club. After such a poor performance against Tottenham, fans were left frustrated again and memories from last season were rekindled, especially as they played against 10 men for most parts of the game.

9) Less talk of referees in the opening weekend
Manager and player complaints about referees were a common feature of the Premier League last season. Although just the opening weekend, there were signs that maybe the referees may be reliable this season.

10) Chelsea already showing title-winning credentials
Defeating Burnley was supposed to be a routine win but going a goal down wasn’t on the scripts. But the quick response and quality of the goals showed title-winning credibility. Another positive was Diego Costa scoring on his debut, proving how pivotal he will be to Chelsea this season. With other title rivals scraping through wins, this was a rather comfortable and easy win for the Blues.

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