Arsenal are the clear favourites to win the Premier League title after an emphatic start to their defence, while Liverpool have a massive problem, according to seven things learned from the opening weekend.
The Premier League returned with a series of dramatic results, including Manchester United losing to newly-promoted Hull City and Tottenham being thrashed by Brentford despite spending well over £200million on new players.
Arsenal's Dominant Start
Reigning champions Arsenal made the perfect start against Coventry City, cruising to victory in a performance that underlined their status as the strongest team in the division. While beating a newly-promoted team at home is not a groundbreaking achievement, the Gunners now know what it takes to be champions and should be too strong for the rest of the league over the remaining 37 games.
Manchester City needed a late flurry to beat Bournemouth, while Chelsea had to dig deep to squeeze past Fulham, suggesting both title rivals may struggle to keep pace with Arsenal.
Liverpool's Massive Problem
Liverpool face a massive problem, though the source does not specify the exact nature of the issue. Elsewhere, Hull were not the only Premier League newbies to spring a surprise, with Ipswich Town beating Sunderland courtesy of a last-minute winner from Jack Clarke against his former club.
Villa's Troubling Start and Manchester United's Needs
Unai Emery's squad at Aston Villa has been gutted since winning the Europa League, and it showed in their chastening 4-0 defeat to Brighton, where they conceded every goal before half-time and never looked like getting back into the game. It will not be easy for Villa to compete with the elite, but sacking Emery will not be the answer, as he is a proven winner and must be given time to stabilise things.
Manchester United were brought down to earth at the MKM Stadium as they were swept aside by Hull in the opening weekend's biggest shock. With only a week until the transfer window closes, United desperately need to add more quality and depth to their squad, having spent the summer improving their midfield, which is far from the only problem area that needs addressing before the deadline.
Sangare's Instant Impact
Brentford's new boy Mamadou Sangare ran the show against Tottenham, contributing at both ends of the pitch as the Bees cruised to a 3-0 triumph. They smashed their transfer record to sign the 24-year-old for around £39million, which already looks like a steal, and he could be worth double that amount next summer if he continues in the same way. It is quite possibly the signing of the season, but there is a long way to go.
