The big questions as the Premier League returns
The big questions as the Premier League returns
By Will Reilly
The international break is behind us, having provided three managerial changes in the process, but at last attention can turn back to the Premier League.
It is easy to forget that before England put ten past San Marino to book their place in Qatar, there was quite a title race going on.
Just six points separate the top five and there is even a mathematical chance that West Ham could go top of the league this weekend.
With that in mind, let’s check out the big storylines from the weekend.
Can Stevie G get off to a winning start?
Talking of those managerial changes, none caused more ink to be spilled that Steven Gerrard’s move from Rangers to Aston Villa. Dean Smith had done a remarkable job to get Villa back into the Premier League, but for a team with ambitions of the top half and possibly Europe, this year has been a step back. Now they have the Liverpool legend in charge, and if his record at Rangers is anything to go by, Gerrard is more than just a big name. First up is a home clash with Brighton, currently seventh having lost just once in their last eight, compared to Villa who lost five in a row before parting ways with Smith. Still, Brighton don’t tend to win that much either, only Crystal Palace have more draws, so a rejuvenated Villa have every chance of ending that losing streak.
FA Cup revenge to stay in control of the title race?
Chelsea let slip some of the margin for error they had built up by only drawing 1-1 with Burnley before the international break, and now they face a trip to Leicester to get back to winning ways. The two teams met twice in the space of three days in May when Youri Tielemans’ strike earned Wembley glory for the Foxes before Chelsea got their revenge to help secure Champions League football. This time around it’s been a trickier campaign for Brendan Rodgers and his side. Tielemans will be out this week, and even without Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea will fancy their chances of a little more revenge for the FA Cup loss.
No De Bruyne, no problem?
If Chelsea do win at Leicester, Man City will find themselves six points behind the leaders heading into Sunday’s clash with Everton. And they will go into the game without Kevin de Bruyne who has tested positive for Covid. The Belgian has not been at his most influential best this season, but remains a world class player so his absence could be felt. In the long run though, perhaps the Belgian will benefit from a break after a gruelling season.
Last chance saloon for Ole?
This feels like a regular scenario each week but surely defeat to Watford would leave Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer in even more trouble. Defeats to Liverpool and Man City were humiliating, another to Watford would be inexcusable and surely end any vague hopes of getting back into the title race. Still, at this point, it feels like there is nothing that will force the powers that be at United to make a change, so who knows what defeat at Watford would mean?
Can Liverpool v Arsenal become a real rivalry again?
Liverpool and Arsenal provided the most iconic ending to a top-flight season ever but the teams’ fortunes have diverged in recent seasons as Jurgen Klopp re-established the red side of Merseyside as a juggernaut. They faltered just before the international break though, beaten by West Ham, and now face an Arsenal team who are riding high. If Mikel Arteta’s men are to be seen as a genuine threat at the top of the table, getting a result at Anfield would certainly help their cause.
More new bosses to get wins?
Of course, Gerrard is not the only new boss getting a first game in charge this weekend. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle host a Brentford side in freefall, and could really do with three points to help close the gap to safety. Meanwhile Dean Smith will not even miss a game after being fired by Villa, now in charge at Norwich who bafflingly waited until Daniel Farke finally won a game to sack him. Will Smith make it two wins in two against Southampton?
Are the Hammers contenders?
Just three points off the top and fresh from a win over Liverpool, West Ham continue to confound this season. Before Leicester’s win, we’d have said a title challenge was a fantasy, but with that precedent, you never know. A trip to Wolves will be a good test. Bruno Lage’s team had been on a good run before their defeat to Palace last time out. But they face a Hammers team that is flying, literally in the case of Michail Antonio who came back from international duty on a private jet to be available for this one.
Will Tottenham hit the target?
Two games without a shot on target is almost impossible at Premier League level, but that is what Tottenham have managed in their last two matches including Antonio Conte’s first in charge. The hope will be that he has spent the international break implementing his style, and if his comments on Tanguy Ndombele are anything to go by, the Spurs players will not be left in the dark as to what their manager expects of them. Next up? Leeds who could do with the points themselves.
Can Burnley kick on?
Brentford have become the masters of getting teams off the mark, with Burnley opening their account against the Bees a week before Norwich did the same. The Clarets followed that up by drawing with Chelsea, but now face a Crystal Palace team in excellent form and playing some good football under Patrick Vieira. In loan star Conor Gallagher they have a new England international and look a force to be reckoned with.
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