The English Premier League has captured the imagination of the football world once again, and with only four rounds of fixtures played, an international break is already upon us.
How has your team done? What are your thoughts so far? We’d love to know! But in case you were wondering – here’s mine!
Arsenal a (perpetual) ‘work in progress’
Whilst I agree that Mikel Arteta has done impressive work with Arsenal, I have not been thoroughly impressed with them so far this season. There is evidently a wholesale change in their approach, the vast majority of their fan base seem infatuated with the idea that Thomas Partey is not a right-back and nobody seems to be concerned with the idea that they do not have the squad to compete on multiple fronts.
Nevertheless, I suppose if Sheffield hold on against City there’s only one point in it and I guess the narrative changes…
…Don’t give up on Villa just yet…
Don’t get me wrong, some of the football Aston Villa play seems dysfunctional and disjointed at times, but I’m not writing them off just yet. They have been shrewd in the market and certainly improved their squad, you couple that with the fact that they have one of the best coaches in the world and all of sudden you have a competitive side.
I know they were ruffled by Newcastle and then trounced by Liverpool, but the improvement in the players they have under Emery speaks for itself. Matty Cash and Leon Bailey in particular have improved to the point where you see players buying into the manager and reaping the rewards on the field.
That interview with Matty Cash where he outlines the ambition of the club and the admiration the players have for their boss; is indicative of the potential they have. I think the marriage between Emery and Villa is perfect. It’s perfect for the level of ambition, perfect for their hope of a top six finish given the quality of player and when you see how they do not let teams off of the hook, how can you not enjoy their mentality and approach to the League?
I know they started at the season as a bit of a dark horse, but I think it’s safe to say we can resign them to a competitive top six side – and cheer them on whilst they go about their business.
Chelsea is too inconsistent to be taken seriously – Liverpool is too by the way.
Chelsea have spent an eye-watering amount of money (seriously, look it up if you don’t know) to the point where including the figure in this article would be unbecoming of a simple football fan…they have made strange signings, blown hot and cold, looked to show improvement, and also looked like a glorified Championship outfit all in the space of four weeks!
Mauricio Pochettino has certainly looked to have imposed his style on the Blues, but I’m embarrassed to say I was one of the few people who jumped on the bandwagon and started to believe in the likes of Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson.
Liverpool (surprisingly so) have seemingly decided to go back to the club they were when Jurgen Klopp first joined them. The 2015 edition of Liverpool Football Club, under their new German manager, could not defend to save their lives – but went forward with unbelievable pace and intent. We know this is not sustainable, but in the interest of excitement and attention, Liverpool, we thank you!
Luton Town can cause teams problems…well, at least according to their data.
For a football side divorced from even a Premier League stadium for the first bit of their campaign, Luton seem intent on living it up in the Big Leagues! They have done nothing to justify a special mention, but I think it might change soon.
They are able to move the ball forward quickly and with a degree of unbridled (or explained) confidence. However, this is reflected in the data. Luton at the moment is putting up ‘expected goal scoring opportunities’ numbers alongside the likes of prime Sean Dyche Burnley. So why do I bother mentioning this? Well, given their appreciation for route one football, their early attempts at playing incredibly compact football and their propensity for gritty football, I think Luton could become a rather tricky place to visit this year.
ten Hag ball!
Yes, I know you’ve been waiting for a comment on United (insert eye roll). Well, they have six points after four games and look to be fraying at the seam. Casemiro shares an identical physique with me at the moment, Antony has exhausted our attention on his left foot and in 2023 in a Premier League fixture, Manchester United have Johnny Evans and Harry Maguire at center back – what more should I say!?
Written by Ryan Liberty