Premier League round one recap: Four things we learned
The 2024/25 Premier League season is finally underway, and round one delivered a weekend full of high-octane football to kick off the season.
Title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal got off the mark by securing 2-0 victories against Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.
Liverpool also kicked off the new era under Arne Slot’s leadership with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.
Brighton & Hove Albion were the biggest winners from round one, tearing Everton apart in an eye-catching debut victory for new manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Meanwhile, fans who secured Manchester United tickets from Seatsnet.com got to watch their side scrape a 1-0 win over Fulham courtesy of a debut goal from Joshua Zirkzee.
The opening round of Premier League action delivered plenty of talking points, but here are four things we learned from an exciting weekend of pulsating football action.
Enzo Maresca’s call for patience falls on deaf ears
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had a simple request before the season kicked off – patience.
He emphasized the need for time to implement his playing style and allow the team to gel. However, the home crowd’s reaction on Sunday suggests that patience might be a scarce commodity at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans were vocal in their displeasure as the team kept possession at the back for extended periods during the first half.
The situation worsened when the Blues lost possession in midfield multiple times, further fueling the discontent.
The complex playing style that Maresca is trying to instil will undoubtedly take time to master.
With players constantly going in and out of the squad, finding a rhythm and understanding on the pitch may have to wait until the transfer window is closed.
There were moments in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester City when Maresca’s strategy paid off, but facing top-tier opponents like the champions will require a higher level of execution.
Maresca will need to reiterate his request for patience, but the initial signs suggest that a large chunk of the Chelsea fan base may be unwilling to wait.
Despite the negative reactions from the crowd, Chelsea put in a commendable performance against the champions, falling short only due to better finishing.
Adding a prolific striker before the transfer window closes could provide Maresca with the final piece of the puzzle needed to guide Chelsea back to the upper echelons of the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah still going strong
Liverpool comprehensively dispatched Ipswich 2-0 thanks to a sublime performance from Mohamed Salah, who set up Diogo Jota for the opener before getting his name on the score sheet five minutes later.
Ipswich put up a valiant effort to spoil Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Portman Road, but the Reds’ superior quality ultimately proved too much for the Tractor Boys.
The hosts started brightly, disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and making life difficult for the visitors. However, Ipswich’s efforts were ultimately futile as the game progressed.
The turning point came in the second half when Salah’s exceptional skill unlocked the Ipswich defence.
His sublime touch, quick combination with Dominik Szoboszlai, and clinical finish showcased the level of talent Liverpool possesses.
While Liverpool’s performance wasn’t perfect, their flashes of brilliance were enough to secure the victory.
The Reds’ new manager, Slot, is clearly making his mark on the team, and the glimpses of his philosophy in action were encouraging.
32-year-old Salah put in another sublime performance in a Liverpool shirt and is still going strong despite speculation surrounding his long-term future at Anfield.
The Egyptian phenom was Liverpool’s talisman last term, notching 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, and has already started the new season as he means to go on.
You can already see the new philosophy Slot has brought in, and how it can add an extra layer to all of the great work Jurgen Klopp did with this squad of players.
Salah will undoubtedly be key to Liverpool’s lofty ambitions this season.
Brighton’s gamble on Fabian Hurzeler could pay off
Brighton & Hove Albion and Roberto De Zerbi decided to go their separate ways this summer after the Italian manager led the club to an 11th-placed finish in the Premier League.
The Seagulls decided to replace him with Hurzeler, making the American-born tactician the youngest-ever manager in the history of the Premier League.
Brighton’s decision to appoint such a young and inexperienced manager is a significant gamble, but it could pay off with Hurzeler announcing himself in the English top flight with a resounding 3-0 victory over Everton.
If Huerzler can prove himself, he could become one of the most exciting young coaches in European football.
The Seagulls’ season opener against Everton provided a glimpse of what to expect under Hurzeler.
Brighton dominated the match, with their high press and quick counter-attacks proving too much for the Toffees’ midfield to handle.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Huerzler adapts to the demands of the Premier League.
Brighton’s fans will be hoping that their new manager can continue the club’s upward trajectory and lead them to even greater success.
Arsenal are looking the part straight out of the gate
Arsenal kicked off their 2024/2025 Premier League campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners showcased a dominant performance that left little doubt about their title aspirations.
From the outset, Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the tempo of the match, pressing high and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
While the early stages of the second half saw a brief dip in intensity, the Gunners quickly regained their composure and asserted their dominance.
Arteta’s side displayed a level of intensity and purpose reminiscent of the former Arsenal captain’s playing days.
Their technical ability and tactical discipline were on full display as they carved out numerous chances and ultimately secured a comfortable win.
We may be just one game into the new season, but Arsenal’s early season form suggests that they could be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
The Gunners are hoping to be third-time lucky after finishing as runners-up to Man City over the past two seasons, and Arteta has stressed that his side may need a perfect record to beat the champions in the title race.
Starting the season with a comprehensive win and a clean sheet is undoubtedly a strong result, but the fixtures only get more difficult for the Gunners from here on.
They take on Aston Villa and Brighton next before back-to-back games against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and defending champions Man City.
