Premier League - It's like it never left!

Thursday strikes again and with it comes the 2nd edition of the Winning Ways Newsletter! Below, you will find in depth reviews of some of the weekends best games. Our own Team of the Week will feature, alongside some players to watch out for this season. We will also talk about what’s been happening in the transfer world.

City Cruise Past Clarets

Burnley 0-3 Manchester City

In the opening match of the new Premier League season, we witnessed a clash at Turf Moor for Friday Night Football between Burnley and Manchester City. The treble winners aimed to commence their campaign with three points over the Championship title holders from last season.

Erling Haaland wasted no time in kicking off his Premier League goal tally, finding the net just 4 minutes into the game. Kevin De Bruyne delivered an exquisite cross to the back post, where Rodri was poised to head it back across goal for a Haaland tap-in. Prior to Friday night, the Norwegian had gone 6 Manchester City games without scoring. Unfortunately, De Bruyne’s evening was cut short due to a recurring hamstring injury, a fact confirmed by Pep Guardiola in his post-match interview.

Replacing De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic made his Manchester City Premier League debut and performed admirably, seamlessly integrating into the squad. Now, have a guess who got the second goal. You’re probably right. This time, with an assist from Julian Alvarez, Haaland fired a thunderous left footed strike that rattled in off of the bar and into the Burnley goal. Lyle Foster then had a promising opportunity for Burnley to get one back before the break, capitalising on Zeki Amdouni’s tackle on Bernardo Silva in the box. However, Foster’s effort was blocked.

The second half was one way traffic. Taking advantage of Burnley’s defensive mistakes, Rodri stepped up and added another goal for City. Guardiola had seemingly got the better of another one of his apprentices. With the champions up 3-0 it set a damper on Burnley’s homecoming to the Premier League, but the damage didn’t stop there. Anass Zaroury received a red card in the 94th minute for a reckless challenge on Kyle Walker who was subsequently substituted off. There has been no reports that Walker has sustained an injury.

Can anyone stop the men in sky blue this season??

Top FPL Performers - Haaland (13) Rodri (13) Ake (7)

Isak at the Double as Newcastle Run Riot

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

The evening game on Saturday was a goal fest, as the Toon Army kicked off their season in style. In a dominant performance, Newcastle secured a resounding 5-1 victory over an Aston Villa side with many defensive frailties. The home team showcased their attacking prowess by consistently finding themselves in goal scoring positions, with MOTM Alexander Isak providing a brace.

The match was a testament to Newcastle’s transfer window, with new signings Barnes and Tonali, both on the scoresheet in their first Premier League outing for the Magpies. Callum Wilson also got in on the act, scoring in the 77th minute.

Moussa Diaby made it 1-1 early on for the Villains, but it was ultimately the defence of Villa that let them down. What looked like a very serious knee injury saw Tyrone Mings get stretchered off in the first half, and errors from Ezri Konsa led to their downfall.

Eddie Howe and Co will be very pleased with the performance that takes them to the summit of the Premier League. Villa, on the other hand, sit rock bottom and have some serious work to do.

Top FPL performers - Isak (13) Barnes (11) Diaby (7)

Points shared as Bees hold Spurs

Brentford 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

This match inaugurated the first Super Sunday of the season, as Brentford played host to Tottenham Hotspur. Right from the outset, the game maintained a fast pace, with Brentford actively pressing Tottenham high up the field. Subsequently, Brentford aimed to pack their defence whenever Spurs managed to break free from their press.

James Maddison, making his Premier League debut for Spurs, orchestrated the proceedings alongside his midfield partner Yves Bissouma. It was Maddison's expertly executed free-kick that initiated the goal-scoring at the GTech Stadium, delivering a delightful cross that Cristian Romero headed home. Maddison's consistent ability to place the ball in dangerous areas was unmatched. Unfortunately for Romero, this marked the end of his match, as he was substituted due to a head injury he sustained prior to the goal.

Destiny Udogie showed great defensive strength for Tottenham, yet it was the Spurs captain, Son, who conceded a penalty following VAR intervention. Although it appeared a soft call, the foul on Mathias Jensen was deemed correct. Bryan Mbeumo calmly converted from the penalty spot, levelling the game for the Bees. Who needs Ivan Toney??

A set piece then posed the next threat for Tottenham, after Emerson Royal was caught off guard by Rico Henry. Seizing a delightful over-the-top through ball down the left-hand side, Brentford's left-back capitalized, delivering a pass to Yoane Wissa, who put the Bees ahead 2-1.

The very individual who had faltered for Spurs redeemed himself, firing a well-struck shot from beyond the box after a setup by Maddison. This equalized for Spurs, though Brentford aimed to regain their lead before halftime. Brian Mbeumo missed a chance to send Brentford into the break with an advantage, as his close-range shot strayed off target—something one would expect the Cameroon international to convert.

The second half, unfortunately, yielded few exciting moments, with the lone clear-cut opportunity arising for Richarlison. The Brazilian found space courtesy of none other than James Maddison, but he delayed his shot, enabling Brentford defenders to recover and block the attempt. One can't help but wonder if Spurs still had Harry Kane, they might have secured all three points.

Following an exhilarating first half, a draw felt like a just outcome for both teams. Tottenham are undoubtedly in search of a striker, as it's difficult to see Richarlison filling the substantial void left by Harry Kane.

Top FPL Performers - Maddison (9) Wissa (9) E.Royal (8)

All Level in the Clash of Caicedo

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool

Perhaps the most heavily anticipated game of the weekend, enhanced by the Caicedo antics off of the field, did not disappoint. Finishing in an entertaining 1-1 draw. The game showed what we expected from Liverpool, electric offensively but defensively frail. As for Chelsea there were certainly a lot of positives, particularly the way they managed to control the game for large periods (65% possession), which was the 4th lowest possession Liverpool have had in the Klopp era.

The game started in a hectic fashion with both teams looking like they could score with every attack. Chelsea unexpectedly started with a back 3 in a ploy to counter Liverpool’s new inverted full back set up. In the first 20/25 minutes Chelsea struggled to contain Liverpool. Salah first hit the bar with an effort from the edge of the box before Diaz opened the scoring at the end of an excellent Liverpool move. A few minutes later, Salah scored again before VAR ruled it out for offside. Chelsea struggled to get used to their new formation, with Liverpool’s front 3 doing a very effective job of preventing Chelsea’s back 3 from playing out. Gallagher also seemed to struggle in the deeper number 6 role early on.

Chelsea then started to grow into the game. Poch seemed to make a tactical switch during the game pushing both fullbacks high and wide and practically playing as wingers. Colwill also seemed to push out a lot wider when in possession giving silva more space on the ball where he could hit his long passes we know he is so good at. This seemed to benefit Enzo Fernandez more who was given a much more attacking role in the game. Chelsea targeted Liverpool’s left flank where Gakpo was playing. Fernandez’s advance role caused Gakpo to play a lot deeper, neutralising his threat offensively. Chelsea would create overloads with Sterling, James and Fernandez against Gakpo and Robertson leaving Liverpool exposed on that side. Liverpool would try and move across as a team to support, but this would then leave lots of space for Chilwell to exploit on the left. They got their equaliser through new signing Disasi from the second phase of a corner after Liverpool failed to clear. VAR then ruled out its second goal of the game after Chilwell rounded Alisson but he had strayed offside.

Chelsea dominated large parts of the second half with both full backs taking advantage of Liverpool’s narrow defensive shape. Robertson in particular struggled to deal with James which is where a lot of Chelsea’s chances came from. Liverpool still looked a threat on the counter and in fact in the last 15 minutes regained some control helped largely by James being subbed off. Klopp also decided to take Salah off with 15 minutes to go, which Salah did not take well showing his frustration as he came to the Liverpool dugout. However Liverpool fresh leg’s definitely made a difference, especially Harvey Elliot.

Overall a draw was probably a fair result. Chelsea fans will be the happiest as they did just edge the game; there was certainly promising signs of what this new look team can produce. In particular Enzo Fernandez in his more advanced role showed why Chelsea payed over £100 million. Liverpool fans will be more concerned especially with recent events in the transfer market. It is clear they need a holding midfielder, but this inverted full back formation leaves them very vulnerable defensively. If they continue with this set-up they would almost certainly need to buy a left centre back to play instead of Robertson to help avoid some of the issues they had in this game.

Top FPL Performers - Disasi (11) Luis Diaz (8) Chilwell (7)

League Roundup

Brighton 4-1 Luton

Top FPL Performers - March (9) Morris (8) Estupinan (7)

A reality check for Luton as they were easily swept aside by Brighton. Solly March opened the scoring with a header in the first half after a delightful Mitoma cross. After multiple missed chances Brighton finally doubled their lead in the 70th minute after Joao Pedro, who could easily have already scored a hat trick, converted from the spot. With 10 minutes to go Luton were awarded a penalty after a harsh handball was given on Dunk. Morris converted from the sport to close the gap to 1 goal. Just 4 minutes later a tired Luton mistake gifted a third goal to the Seagulls in the form of debutant Asingra. Before substitute Ferguson sealed of a fine Brighton performance in added time. Luton certainly showed they can be a threat with the physical presence of Morris, but overall were completely outclassed in the game.

Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Top FPL Performers - Saka (10) Nketiah (8) Awoniyi (7)

Last seasons runners up beat Forest to start their season, with goals coming from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka in the first half; Taiwo Awoniyi then got one back for the visitors but it was too little too late. Awoniyi’s hold up play was very good when he did come on and it worked well with Anthony Elanga’s pace running off of him. Defensively Arsenal can improve but it is three points for the home team.

Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham

Top FPL Performers - Bowen (9) Solanke (7) Soucek (7)

Tomas Soucek hit the woodwork for the Hammers early on in the game before an effort was cleared off of the line by Dominic Solanke. In the second half Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring with an excellent left footed shot from outside of the box that nestled into the top corner. Joe Rothwell had a shot from way out which left the bar reverberating, before Dominic Solanke scored from close range to leave the game at a stalemate.

Everton 0-1 Fulham

Top FPL Performers - Leno (12) Diop (8) Ream (7)

It was the Toffees who started off the better of the teams, with big chances falling the way of Neal Maupay. The Ex-Brighton striker failed to beat Bernd Leno who was exceptional in his defence of the Fulham goal. Then, it was Abdoulaye Doucoure who fluffed his lines and should have played a simple pass to James Garner who would have had the simplest of finishes. Once again Maupay’s shot was saved by Leno from point blank range. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Everton because they did get the ball in the back of the net however there was deemed to have been a foul on Leno in the process. In the second half, Jimenez hit the post for the visitors before yet again, Everton missed another golden chance coming from a Nathan Patterson shot which rattled the cross bar. The travelling set of fans were then rewarded for making the 4 hour journey, with a Bobby Decordova-Reid finish from a pass across the face of goal by Andreas Pereira. Everton then went on to miss some more golden opportunities before the whistle was blown.

Sheffield United 0-1 Crystal Palace

Top FPL Performers - Andersen (9) Mitchell (8) Edouard (7)

Crystal Palace looked good when going forward but they lacked a clinical finish before Jordan Ayew scored, however he was offside. A weakness that we identified of Sheffield United was that they seemed to be caused a lot of trouble when defending set pieces. William Osula had a lovely strike in both halves of the game, the first was a left footed strike which flashed past the post. The Blades started the second half on the front foot until Ayew found Odsonne Edouard who tapped in from close range to take the Eagles 1-0 up. Foderingham was very impressive in net to keep it to just the one goal, producing a couple of beautiful saves.

Manchester United 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Top FPL Performers - R.Varane (14) Wan-Bissaka (13) Onana (9)

This match rounded the first week off of the Premier League, Wolves had the obvious hinderance of their manager leaving them a week earlier. Gary O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui and his side should have at least ended up with something to take from Old Trafford. They had more expected goals (xG) and they should have had a penalty in the latter stages of the game. Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha had good chances in the first half; it was Cunhas mazing run from his own half that set Sarabia up for a tough opportunity which he just dragged wide of the post. Then it was Sarabia to set up Cunha for a tough opportunity which he dragged wide of the other post this time.

Despite the two main opportunities to fall to the visitors it was United who dominated, but were just unable to make anything of it. Once again a golden opportunity fell to Wolves’ Cunha, this time he really should have put it away but the striker was off balance when he shot. Chance after chance came for Wolves, but it was ultimately Manchester United who took the lead. Aaron Wan-Bissaka put a lovely weighted cross into the box and Raphael Varane headed calmly into the Wolves’ net. The game didn’t end without some controversy though. A cross was played into the United box which Onana came out to punch. He missed the ball, completely, and in doing so took out Sasa Kalajdzic. How VAR did not overturn this was bonkers. We were all in disbelief.

Winning Ways’ Team of the Week

Here’s our team of the week for the first round of fixtures; let us know what you think on our Twitter and Instagram. Have we missed anyone out!?

Some honourable mentions are Saka who scored a lovely goal and was a constant threat when going forward. Yves Bissouma was so close to getting in but we felt that Lemina was superb on Monday night. Enzo Fernandez was also on the brink of getting into our team but the midfield this week was such a hard fought battle that we couldn’t fit him in either.

Ones to Watch

William Osula - The young striker looked dangerous and was unlucky to not have got a goal when they came up against Crystal Palace last week. I think the young man can cause the Nottingham Forest defence a bit of trouble. He could be in a fight for a position now with Gustavo Hamer but we thought the young Dane looked dangerous and could cause Forest some problems.

Morgan Gibbs-White - The sky is the limit for MGW. Although Forest were defeated on the opening weekend, MGW looked razor sharp. His movement was causing Arsenal problems and he had great chemistry with Brennan Johnson. Against weaker opposition, this man will flourish.

Joao Pedro - It looks as though Brighton have completed another impressive signing. Pedro was at the heart of majority of attacks against Luton and on another day could easily have scored a hat trick. He racked up an XG of 1.35 and won a penalty which he then went on to convert. Will be interesting how much game time he gets when European games come into play, but he will certainly be a big player for Brighton this season.

Transfer Talk

The big news is surrounding the England number 10, Harry Kane has secured himself a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. He has reportedly signed a deal with the German giants worth around £100 million including add ons. Kane was pushing for the deal to be complete before Bayern’s Super Cup Final against RB Liepzig. They went on to lose 3-0 due to a Dani Olmo hat-trick, guess you can take the man out of Spurs but not the Spurs out of the man…

The other big news was surrounding Moises Caicedo and his transfer to Liverpool which he then declined and told them that he wanted to join Chelsea not the Reds.

Chelsea have also reportedly stole another one of Liverpool’s transfer targets in Romeo Lavia.

Sheffield United have signed Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City, with other Premier League clubs sniffing around the Brazilian born Dutchman. He racked up double digits in assists and goals in the Championship last season and he looks to fill the Norwegian hole left by Sander Berge’s departure to Burnley.

Fulham have signed Adama Traore from Wolves adding some serious pace and power to the Fulham attack.

Liverpool look set to buy midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuggart for €18 million. The 30 year old Japanese midfielder is captain for club and country and will provide some much needed experience for the reds. He is very composed on the ball and although he will probably be played as a holding midfielder, he can also play centre mid as well.

Aston Villa are rumoured to have hijacked the deal surrounding Jack Harrison and Everton. He will reportedly join the Villains on a loan deal. Apparently there will be a buy clause in the contract if Villa decide they want to keep Harrison. In a turn of events it is revealed that Harrison is actually injured so Villa have ended their pursuit of Jack Harrison.

On Tuesday, Arsenal completed the signing of David Raya from Brentford on loan with an option to buy the Spaniard on a permanent deal. Another Arsenal target Aymeric Laporte could be off to Saudi Arabia, after Manchester City have reached an agreement with Al Nassr for the Spanish centre back.

Benjamin Pavard is also eyeing up a potential move to Manchester United from German Giants Bayern Munich.

How Things Stand