Another round of Premier League action has been and gone. Here are five things that Last Word On Football learnt from Matchweek two of the Premier League.
Five Things We Learnt From Premier League Matchweek Two
Liverpool Can Grind Out Results
One week they have the game finished by half-time; the following week they edge the game out to win 2-1. Liverpool are the perfect side to grind out results.
Liverpool were by no means at their best on Saturday as they defeated Southampton at St Mary’s. Jurgen Klopp’s side only arrived back in England on Thursday following their UEFA Super Cup victory in Turkey. Southampton certainly tested Liverpool’s tiredness.
It shows the ability of this current Liverpool side. Grinding out results is what can make a side a title winner, and they may look back at this fixture with fondness in the near future.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Is Stamping His Authority On His Squad
It might just be two games into the new Premier League season, but Matchweek two showed that Manchester United are making significant improvements under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United were in free-for-all towards the end of last season. However, they now look more organised in the Norwegian’s first full season in charge.
It may take time for changes to come into full effect, but the Red Devils have looked impressive so far this season.
James Maddison May Not Be A Leicester Player For Much Longer
It is surprising that this is only James Maddison‘s second season as a Premier League. He excels in midfield for Leicester, and may not remain at the King Power Stadium for much longer.
He registered his first assist of the season during Leicester City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. However, the 23-year-old has completed a staggering 80% of his passes so far this season, as well as making 2.3 key passes per game.
If Maddison continues to impress with Leicester, then he deserves a chance with a top-six club.
Crystal Palace Should Have Signed A Striker
The Eagles’ goal problems upfront are nothing new. Out of the current crop of strikers available to Roy Hodgson, Jordan Ayew top-scored with two goals last season. Once again this season, a similar feat looks to occur.
Crystal Palace lacked sharpness in front of goal in their defeat to Sheffield United. Their best chance, arguably, came after just four minutes when Christian Benteke blasted straight at Dean Henderson.
It showed that Roy Hodgson is still lacking a goalscorer in attack. The decision not to sign one could prove costly.
Maintaining Team Spirit Is Key For Promoted Sides To Stay Up
Wholesale changes do not always work out. Sometimes, it is important to maintain the team spirit to remain in the Premier League; something that both Sheffield United and Norwich City have shown.
Aston Villa were the second biggest spenders in the Premier League during the summer transfer window, signing a total of 12 players. Five of those featured in their loss to Bournemouth at the weekend, a game where at times they looked disjointed and freshly put together.
In contrast, both Sheffield United and Norwich have stuck to the sides that saw them win promotion to the Premier League. The Blades saw just one new signing in their starting 11, while Daniel Farke opted for no new arrivals in his Norwich side. New signings do not always promise quick starts, nor survival.
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