Liverpool's Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed

Arne Slot's Liverpool, despite bolstering their attacking options, displayed significant weaknesses against counter-attacks in their opener against Bournemouth. Last season, Liverpool conceded only two goals from fast breaks, but they matched that number in just one game this season. The issue lies in their midfield's sloppy passing and the high number of players committed to the attack, leaving the defense exposed. For instance, during Antoine Semenyo's second goal, both Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson were caught upfield, unable to recover in time.

Manchester City's Dominant Return

Manchester City made a strong statement with a 4-0 victory over Wolves, showcasing their return to form. Despite Rodri's season-ending injury last year, Pep Guardiola has found effective solutions, and City's performance metrics are nearly back to their pre-injury dominance. Their 'non-penalty expected goal difference per game' indicates a level of control and threat that rivals any team in the league.

Graham Potter's Struggles at West Ham

Graham Potter's tenure at West Ham has been underwhelming, with the team suffering their ninth defeat in 19 Premier League games under his management. While Potter has improved the defense, the attack has significantly deteriorated. West Ham's shot and expected goal numbers have declined, suggesting that Potter has yet to find the right balance to elevate the team's performance.

Thomas Frank's Innovative Kick-Off Routine

Thomas Frank's Tottenham has adopted creative set-piece strategies, including a novel kick-off routine against Burnley. By deceiving the opposition with a fake long ball, Tottenham was able to create a dangerous crossing opportunity for Pedro Porro. This tactical ingenuity highlights Frank's focus on maximizing every possible advantage on the pitch.

Arsenal's Shift to Direct Play

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has embraced a more direct and counter-attacking style, a departure from their traditionally slow and methodical approach. While this new strategy led to some breakdowns against Manchester United, it also created clear goal-scoring opportunities. The key for Arsenal will be refining their final passes to capitalize on these chances effectively.