The Premier League’s opening weekend is full of excitement and fresh challenges for teams and managers. Here are five things to look out for as the season begins.
Transfers Pile Pressure on Ten Hag
With André Onana and Lisandro Martínez already in the squad, the pressure is on for Ten Hag’s defense to gel quickly. They have tough games ahead, starting with Fulham at home and a challenging fixture against Brighton. United needs a solid start, or the pressure could build fast.
New Managers, New Challenges
Two exciting new managers take the spotlight this weekend. Kieran McKenna at Ipswich and Arne Slot at Liverpool both face big challenges in their new roles.
McKenna aims to adapt his attacking style from the Championship to the Premier League, while Slot takes over a strong Liverpool side left behind by Jürgen Klopp. Both have a lot to prove as they navigate the jump to the top tier of English football.
Arsenal’s New Cult Hero
Arsenal’s fans have already embraced Riccardo Calafiori. His first appearance for the club in a pre-season match earned him a warm reception, and the Italian defender is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the instant connection between Calafiori and the supporters, and the Emirates crowd is likely to give him an even bigger welcome in their opening match.
Goodison Park’s Final Season
This season marks the end of Goodison Park’s long history as Everton’s home. Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton’s new 31-year-old manager, will make his Premier League debut in this historic venue.
Brighton looks strong under his leadership, and Everton fans will begin their emotional farewell to their beloved ground.
Newcastle’s Worries
Newcastle United might face a tough start to the season with injuries and squad challenges. Star defender Sven Botman is out until the new year, and Callum Wilson is sidelined again.
Eddie Howe’s squad is slightly weakened, and with new sporting director Paul Mitchell onboard, all eyes will be on how the team navigates these early setbacks.
The Premier League is back, and these early stories set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.
