Issue 32 - Thoughts From Abroad

Greetings from a very sunny Portugal. Somehow my phone thinks I'm still in the UK. Thankfully, this means the BBC iPlayer has been firing on all cylinders. A quick recap while I have a nice glass of Super Bock. Issue 32. Go.

Ten Takeaways

A holiday-based review of last weekend's Premier League action.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

The Gunners started the weekend off and they did so in almost ideal fashion. Ideal after a 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest. Less so when Martin Odegaard went off due to another hit to his shoulder.

Eberechi Eze was a big hit in his Emirates bow. Less so for Ange Postecoglou in his return to Premier League management. A visit to the hostile half of North London was always going to be a baptism of fire, the affable Australian failed to put the flames out.

Newcastle vs Wolves

Newcastle not only earn their first win of the league campaign but they also get rid of the ‘Crisis Baton’ (more on that in a moment). Precisely the performance you need from a record signing and especially when he is tasked with being an aerial nuisance. Nick Woltemade endearing himself to his new support. This could be far more than a late summer romance.

As for Wolves, four successive defeats and bottom of the table. However, not the team in greatest crisis as such status is not hugely unexpected. It does feel as if Wolves have lost their identity. They may eventually lose their Premier League status.

Crystal Palace vs Sunderland

A borefest that was fitting of being low down Saturday’s MOTD running order. Palace still unbeaten this season and seemingly going for steel as the post-Eze evolution.

Sunderland continue their bright start to the season with their first point on the road. There can be few complaints by those who follow the Black Cats.

Everton vs Aston Villa

A slightly more entaining borefest than above. Jack Grealish would be disappointed in not causing his first employers any damage as Everton were halted at home.

New Crisis Baton ownership: Aston Villa. Two points from 12, yet to score a Premier League goal this season. Has Unai Emery run out of ideas or this the bite of PSR. A little of both perhaps

Fulham vs Leeds

A cruel way for Fulham to win a game of football. Not that Marco Silva will care all that much. Maybe a touch of karma following the crimes of Stamford Bridge.

As for Leeds, still no goals from open play this season. A solid if not spectacular start but a lack of firepower is going to catch up with them eventually.

Bournemouth vs Brighton

A team can be caught in forced overhaul and spin into near terminal decline. Certainly not the case as far as Bournemouth are concerned. Beaten by Liverpool late on in the dying minutes of the opening night, three successive wins since for the Cherries. Their run continues after getting the better of Brighton. Business as usual for manager Andoni Iraola.

As for Brighton, it's Jeykll and Hyde under Fabian Hurzeler. Great against Manchester City, not even bad in fairness against Bournemouth but a lack of consistency could be the Seagulls achilles heel across the campaign. One to keep an eye on.

West Ham vs Tottenham

Pressure? What pressure? Lots of pressure as far as Graham Potter is concerned. Eased after the recent win at Nottingham Forest. Heaped back on and then some after a second half capitulation at home to Tottenham. It's not just a 3-0 loss to Spurs, it's a quickfire collapse in their ‘cup final’. West Ham fans voting with their feet. A vote that says no thanks Graham.

As for Tottenham, the perfect response to a less than perfect showing at home to Bournemouth. A post-Levy era looks good on the surface. So does Xavi Simons after his move to North London. Are Spurs the real deal? Who knows but it feels exciting to be frank right now.

Brentford vs Chelsea

I'm not sure I've got it completely wrong about Keith Andrews and Brentford but there is a tiny bit of egg on my face. The unfashionable long throw is back in fashion and the Bees were persistent enough to earn a point at home to Chelsea. Schade once again a smooth operator in front of goal. Brentford looking rather smooth right now.

As for Chelsea, it's a case of plenty of talent but what is their best eleven? The ability to chop and change offers plenty of elements to the Blues but a lack of continuity looks like the one thing holding Enzo Maresca's men back. This one feels like two points dropped when victory at the GTech was in their hands.

Burnley vs Liverpool

Burnley's 5-5-0 deserved little on the day. It deserves little in the way of review.

Liverpool leave it late again but get the job done again. Sign of champions and all that. Arne Slot wasting no time in hooking Milos Kerkez after his yellow for driving. You don't cross the Slot. You don’t know if Florian Wirtz is having a good start to the season. Do you go eyes or data? Two different schools of thought I guess.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

Manchester City keep hold of the bragging rights but considering the status of Manchester United, that is not much to brag about. Pep's men had the freedom of the Etihad as they scored three goals on the way to three points. A one-sided derby day, a one-two then a knockout punch as the perfect tribute to Ricky Hatton's passing.

United on the canvas and not answering the 10 count. Benjamin Sesko looks as blunt as a mattress in attack. That poor bloke on Instagram is never getting his haircut is he.

Admin

Right, that’s the end of issue 32 as word continues to spread around the football world.

Thanks to the handful of new subscribers who have joined the squad this past week. Tell a friend to join as well.

A rail replacement service in terms of length but the Flying Scotsman in terms of quality in this issue.

[email protected]

Issue 33 will be out on Tuesday September 23rd (no Friday issue this week)

Thanks for reading

Dan

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