6 Things We Learned from the Opening Premier League Weekend

By Rotimi Daramola (@Papi_TheGreat)

Over the past weekend, we enjoyed the first MatchDay of the new Premier League season.

After the first 10 games of the new season, it looks like it’s going to be an interesting Premier League campaign. So many questions being asked by fans are already getting answers and it’s almost impossible to not anticipate the remaining 370 games to be played over the course of the season.

The eventful first MatchDay of the season has, somewhat, put into perspective, what the season will look like. That certain teams won and the others lost may not mean much, but it’s a huge pointer. And that’s why we’ve selected some of these pointers to share with you; some of the things we learned in the opening weekend:

1. A different Blue

Under their new manager, Chelsea seemed to play differently – as expected, right? Instead of full-backs bombing forward, it was the classic case of somewhat packing the midfield, keeping the ball on the round for as long as possible, making and completing those short passes, tiki-taka style.

They played just fine without Hazard – a move that would have been hazardous under the former manager. N’golo Kante – of all people – got a goal for himself as the Blues got a comfortable win. It’s a new era under Sarri and it’ll be fun to see how the London Blues improve over the coming weeks.

2. It’s not all about buying

When Tottenham failed to make any purchases in the summer transfer window, they looked like they lacked ambition. But after their win over Newcastle, it can be said that they’re making the most of their old toys, instead of worrying about getting new ones.

In another classic case of football not being all about buying,

Newly-promoted Fulham still lost their opening game of the season, despite spending over 100m on new recruits during the summer transfer. Money is not everything, right?

3. The Centurions march on

It was a baptism of fire for Arsenal’s new manager – a baptism that might as well last throughout the month, with some major clashes still set to come.

While this is a huge bit of concern for Emery, Pep’s Manchester City seemed to have simply picked things up from where they left it off. Scoring twice, not conceding, playing comfortably without Kevin de Bruyne means one thing: the ‘Shark Team’ movement continues.

4. Pogbance

The World Cup winner stole the headlines on and off the pitch in their win over Leicester City. With a goal and a controversial post-match interview, the midfielder became one of the hottest topics from MatchDay 1 of the new season.

5. Mane and the Gang

The Reds are, by far, one of the best teams that go toe-to-toe with Manchester City for the Premier League title this season. And they have started that bid with a 4-0 win over West Ham.

Jurgen Klopp’s men and clean sheets were miles apart last season. But it’s like that problem has been solved. Mane and Salah goals? The two African stars have simply continued from where they stopped last season.

6. Wolves: The only name that may just stay afloat

Of the three teams that gained promotion to the Premier League from last season, only Wolves managed to not lose. They showed spirit by coming back twice in the game to level matters. And in the end, it’s points like these that may just see them stay afloat and not sink back to the abyss from whence they came.

What did you notice/learn from opening weekend of Premier League action? Share your thoughts with the NairaBET community by leaving us your comments.

Great week ahead!