Ian Darke’s Premier League first impressions: Metropolis favorites for three-peat
Ian DarkeESPN.com author
CloseDarke, who referred to as video games for the community through the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, is ESPN lead soccer voice in the USA. He has coated the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League since 1982, and has one of many world’s most recognizable soccer voices.
First impressions may be deceptive, however, as Liverpool maintains a 100% document — with Manchester Metropolis scorching on their heels — there could already be some heavy hints about how this season would possibly develop. Curiously, all three promoted golf equipment have already recorded a win, and it doesn’t look as if there are any full “no-hopers” this season, suggesting a mighty shut battle to keep away from the drop with presumably 10 groups concerned. Here is my early club-by-club take a look at the Premier League.
Arsenal: Defeat at Anfield was a predictable actuality verify, however the Gunners have purchased effectively through the summer season switch window and carry sufficient menace to make the highest 4 regardless of a still-suspect defence.
Aston Villa: The win over Everton will give them actual confidence. They’ve proven sufficient to consider they will maintain their very own after promotion to the Premier League.
Bournemouth: Kind has been blended, however the Cherries look to have sufficient high quality gamers, together with Callum Wilson and David Brooks, to remain away from relegation once more.
Brighton: Florin Andone’s horrendous red-card problem price them a house defeat to Southampton, spoiling an encouraging begin for brand new supervisor Graham Potter. I believe it would nonetheless be an in depth name for them this season.
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Burnley: Spirit, dedication, organisation and with the underrated menace of Ashley Barnes. No one’s pushovers.
Chelsea: A much-needed first win for Frank Lampard at Norwich. Refreshing to see homegrown children like Mason Mount starring, however they miss Eden Hazard and haven’t been that convincing but, and they’re particularly weak to counters.
Crystal Palace: Their win at Previous Trafford is a reminder of how harmful Roy Hodgson’s group are away from residence.
Everton: Poor, bland and wasteful in defeat at Aston Villa. Appears like scoring targets will probably be an enormous problem for Marco Silva’s group. Just one to this point.
Leicester Metropolis: Stuffed with aptitude at occasions with James Maddison pulling the strings, however doubts over a defence lacking Harry Maguire. Which may scupper top-six possibilities.
Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s “mentality monsters” preserve successful with out but hitting prime gear. They’ll take a good bit of stopping.
Manchester Metropolis have confirmed no cause to doubt them for a 3rd straight Premier League crown. Getty
Manchester Metropolis: No signal of the Rolls-Royce stalling. Successful with lots to spare. The draw with Tottenham was a freak consequence. Pep Guardiola & Co. are worthy favourites to win the Premier League for a 3rd straight time.
Manchester United: Look a bit higher than final season with Harry Maguire calming the defence, however a house defeat to Crystal Palace suggests outdated frailties are nonetheless there. Ending within the prime 4 can be a hit.
Newcastle United: After a lot negativity, the shock win at Spurs was constructed on heroic defensive resolve. An indication that supervisor Steve Bruce is likely to be beginning to get a greater tune from a beforehand off-key squad.
Norwich Metropolis: They’ve scored six targets of their first three video games — 5 of them from Teemu Pukki. That is grounds for quiet optimism regardless of a shaky defence.
Sheffield United: Will probably be completely happy sufficient with 4 factors from their first three video games. Arduous-working and tough to play in opposition to, however in all probability in a season-long relegation struggle.
Southampton: Wanted their first win of the season to calm nerves, but it surely was in opposition to a 10-man Brighton. Possible bottom-half toilers.
Tottenham Hotspur: Misplaced 13 occasions final season, so the shock residence defeat to Newcastle was alarming. Had 80% possession, but solely two photographs on track. Spurs are proficient, however they slip up too usually.
Watford: Backside of the desk, on a protracted dropping streak and woefully out of shape. Supervisor Javi Gracia is strolling a tightrope.
West Ham: Recovering effectively from a 5-Zero first-day drubbing from Manchester Metropolis. New striker Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt may change into a Hammers cult hero.
Wolves: Early-season focus has been on guaranteeing qualification for the Europa League group levels, and that is likely to be affecting league type.