With the new season of the English Premier League now in full swing, we take a look back at five key talking points from the second round of action.
Liverpool must break worrying trend
It’s been a disappointing start to the new season for Jurgen Klopp’s team, who have only managed two meek draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Klopp has colourfully claimed that the number of injuries Liverpool suffered in the week building up to the visit of Crystal Palace made him feel “like there was a witch in the building”.
Yet, there is also a worrying trend that once again reared its head. Liverpool may have controlled possession of the ball for the majority of the game against Palace, but they were once again forced to chase the game after conceding the first goal.
The Reds haven’t scored the first goal in a Premier League game since April 30, while in the last ten competitive matches, they have only scored the opening goal once: in the Community Shield.
As the season progresses, it goes without saying that they will be desperate to ensure they make a better start to matches moving forward.
Manchester United in a world of hurt
The Red Devils and new manager Erik ten Hag are facing an early crisis after kicking off the 2022-23 campaign with defeats, including a 4-0 thrashing handed out by Brentford on Saturday.
Ten Hag desperately needs to bolster his attacking ranks at Old Trafford, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford continuing to misfire, while Anthony Martial is still out injured and Mason Greenwood indefiinitely suspended. Cristiano Ronaldo also still faces an uncertain future at United.
The under-fire United manager has reportedly now made a direct request to the club board to sign talented Ajax winger Antony this summer.
Jesus making his mark at Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus opened his Arsenal account with two goals as the London side maintained their strong start to the Premier League season with a 4-2 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.
In sizzling sunshine in north London, Brazilian forward Jesus produced a dazzling display, scoring twice before the break and going close to a hat-trick on several occasions.
Arsenal’s signing of Jesus from Manchester City for a fee reported to be around 45 million pounds was one of the standout moves of the summer, and along with Gabriel Martinelli up front, the Gunners appear to now have some significant firepower.
Haalaand proving to be an enigma
Erling Haaland is clearly still settling into life at Manchester City, getting praise one week and criticism the next.
After opening his account with a clinical brace against West Ham, he only managed to get an assist against Bournemouth, with criticism revolving around the fact that he made just eight touches before being substituted.
Yet, the fact remains that City have scored six goals in two games, and Haaland has been directly involved in three of them. What’s clear, though, is that a spotlight is sure to remain on Halaand every step of the way this season.
Bizarre scenes at ‘The Battle of the Bridge Part 2’
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte were both charged with improper conduct after their explosive clashes in Sunday’s stormy 2-2 draw.
Both managers were booked for the first bust-up, which was sparked after Conte celebrated Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s equaliser close to Tuchel’s technical area. Quite bizarrely, the two clashed again after an aggressive handshake between them after the game.
Tuchel could also face further charges from the FA, who are probing his post-match comments about referee Anthony Taylor.
The London derby, featuring a series of aggressive tackles from players on both teams, was dubbed ‘The Battle of the Bridge Part 2’ in reference to an equally feisty encounter between the teams in west London in 2016.