The Premier League season began with a series of talking points, from Manchester United's lacklustre attack to Brentford's bargain signing and Everton's midfield orchestrator.
Arsenal criticised over Martinelli treatment
Ian Wright has questioned Arsenal's handling of Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazil forward was left out of their squad for Friday's opening game against Coventry. Martinelli turned down a move to Galatasaray last week after Arsenal had agreed a fee with the Turkish club, and Wright revealed on Sky Sports that no one at the club has spoken to the 25-year-old about his future.
“I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say: ‘Yeah, it’s time for him to move him on.’ But there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave,” said Wright. “He’s done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he’s being treated with at the moment.”
Watkins under scrutiny after Villa omission
Ollie Watkins's legacy at Aston Villa has been questioned after he missed their 4-0 defeat at Brighton, a match he sat out while considering an approach from Al-Hilal. Unai Emery made clear his displeasure, and Villa claim they are not close to any agreement with the Saudi club, having rejected more than one offer. Villa face Arsenal at home next Monday night.
United's attacking options look thin
Manchester United's opening game against Hull exposed a lack of options at centre-forward. Matheus Cunha was ineffective as a false 9, Benjamin Sesko, brought on to change the dynamic, was equally ineffectual, and Joshua Zirkzee remained on the bench. Carrick needs to get Sesko up to speed and sell Zirkzee to free up funds for a better alternative.
Tzolakis impresses on debut
Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis had an impressive, if uncomplicated, debut against United, who failed to test the £20m signing from Olympiakos. “We bought him and we spent some money there,” said Sergej Jakirovic. “He’s a national-team player of Greece, an Olympiakos player. If you’re following Greek football, Olympiakos, it’s a huge stress, huge pressure there, and he’s used to it. For him, I think this is like a cup of tea.”
Cherki's cameo decides City clash
Rayan Cherki provided the corner for Marc Guéhi's equaliser and the pass for Josko Gvardiol's winner in Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the Frenchman's frustration at not starting: “Rayan is quite a nice and clear boy, if he is not happy he wants to show it. If he’s next to me and he’s not happy, you all realise that he is not happy because he is doing anything just to show that he is not happy. I know that he was not happy today but at the end I had to take a decision.”
Sangaré shines for Brentford
Mamadou Sangaré was outstanding on his Brentford debut against Tottenham, dominating midfield despite Spurs fielding Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who cost upwards of £175m combined. Brentford paid only £39m for Sangaré, and his performance raised questions about why bigger clubs are not looking further afield for signings.
Isak struggles on Newcastle return
Alexander Isak had a torrid time on his return to St James' Park, booed at every touch, crunched by Lewis Hall, and sending his only real chance into orbit. He missed the chance for revenge when Dominik Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty for Liverpool's equaliser. With Hugo Ekitiké still sidelined, Andoni Iraola has no natural replacement at No 9.
Ipswich counter set pieces with O'Shea
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil played tall centre-back Dara O'Shea at right-back to counter the threat of set pieces in their win against Sunderland. “Aerially the Premier League is such a test now, from long throws and set pieces,” O'Neil said. “To have three centre-half types in your back four helps us from set pieces, size-wise.”
Dewsbury-Hall guides Everton to win
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was instrumental in Everton's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with his strike beyond Dean Henderson underlining his quality. “I want to be better than last season,” said Dewsbury-Hall, who delivered eight goals and four assists in his first Premier League campaign at Everton. “That’s not just goals and assists, it’s my overall play. A couple of years ago I probably wasn’t getting goals and assists but was influential in play. I want to mix that together and when you do that that’s when you become a complete midfielder. I know I have the ability to do it so fingers crossed I do.”
Farke eyes Leeds consolidation
Leeds are optimistic after an opening-day victory at Nottingham Forest, with Daniel Farke's side seeking to build on a 14th-placed finish after investing about £80m in James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi, plus Harry Wilson on a free. “If we want to establish ourselves and after a few years perhaps speak about something else, then we need to add individual quality,” Farke said. “The last time this club was able to have two solid seasons at this level, you will perhaps find it in black-and-white photos.”
