EPL Season Review: Key Lessons from the Opening Matches

The Premier League season may only be three matchdays old, but there is already plenty to analyse. Early trends, tactical shifts, and new signings have provided insight into how clubs might perform across the campaign. From title contenders to relegation battlers, every side has already revealed something worth noting.

Liverpool: Stronger with Isak, Yet Defensive Issues Remain

Liverpool are the only club with a perfect start, securing three wins from three. The reigning champions also smashed the British transfer record to sign one of Europe’s top strikers. Remarkably, Mohamed Salah has yet to reach top form.

On the surface, Arne Slot’s team look set to dominate again. Yet football is rarely straightforward. Narrow wins against AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United, sealed by late goals, exposed defensive flaws. Against Arsenal, it required a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick to win an even contest. Despite their attacking flair, Liverpool’s balance has suffered with Florian Wirtz in midfield, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Their defensive solidity has declined, with Milos Kerkez struggling at left-back and Jeremie Frimpong leaving gaps on the right. The collapse of Marc Guehi’s transfer only adds to the problems. Liverpool remain favourites, but there will be a title race.

Arsenal and Chelsea: The Main Challengers

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been criticised for caution at Anfield, but Szoboszlai’s strike was unstoppable. Arsenal have already faced Old Trafford and Anfield, yet momentum remains strong despite five demanding years under Arteta. Once they face mid-table sides, their attacking variety will become clearer. For now, Arsenal look ready to challenge.

Chelsea also seem set to compete. Joao Pedro has been outstanding, scoring five and assisting twice in six games across the Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup. He has replaced Nicolas Jackson effectively and filled in for the injured Cole Palmer. However, Enzo Maresca’s structured system remains slow at times. Without VAR intervention against Fulham, optimism might have been dented.

Manchester City: Guardiola’s Rebuild Faces Early Tests

Pep Guardiola’s rebuild at Manchester City has started shakily. Defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton marked the worst league start of his managerial career. Midfield restructuring has created disjointed possession and stretched shapes, reminiscent of 2024/25 struggles.

Erling Haaland, the league’s top scorer with three goals, is already in form. Yet City must quickly find consistency if they are to match Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

Aston Villa and Newcastle: Struggling to Match Last Season

Aston Villa and Newcastle United endured frustrating summers with limited spending. Neither side has managed a win, sharing just three points. Transfer Deadline Day offered relief. Newcastle settled the Isak saga by signing Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, improving both morale and attack. Villa strengthened with Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliot, and Victor Lindelof, adding pace, creativity, and defensive cover. Emery will hope for a boost similar to last winter’s surge.

Promoted Clubs: A Stronger Trio This Season

Sunderland, Leeds United, and Burnley have made impressive starts, collecting 13 points from nine games. None sit in the bottom six, unlike previous promoted teams. Last year Southampton managed only 12 points across the whole season. Historically, all three promoted sides have survived only four times, most recently in 2022/23.

Sunderland’s heavy spending and Regis Le Bris’s perfect record have brought belief. Leeds displayed physicality against Everton and Spurs, while Burnley were competitive even in defeat to top clubs. For once, survival looks achievable for all three.

Everton: From Conservative to Entertaining

Everton’s transformation has been a surprise. Under David Moyes, the Toffees have become an attacking force, perfectly timed for their move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Jack Grealish has rediscovered his Villa form, recording four assists in two games. His link with Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been electric. Once Tyler Dibling is integrated, Everton may have one of the league’s most entertaining attacks. Moyes, often labelled conservative, has silenced doubters.

Bournemouth and Crystal Palace: Tactical Resilience Despite Key Losses

Despite selling Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez, Bournemouth impressed with two wins from three and a strong fight against Liverpool. Crystal Palace, without Eberechi Eze, beat Aston Villa 3-0 with a commanding team display. Oliver Glasner’s role in retaining Marc Guehi, and Andoni Iraola’s tactical strength, underline how structure can outweigh star names.

Tottenham Hotspur: Flexibility Under Thomas Frank

Tottenham’s start under Thomas Frank has highlighted tactical flexibility, a sharp contrast to Ange Postecoglou’s rigid style. Strong displays against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley, and Manchester City showed adaptability. Yet a defeat to Bournemouth underlined the challenges. Spurs are rebuilding from 17th place and juggling Champions League football. Progress will not be linear, but Frank’s tactical variety is encouraging.

Manchester United: Changes but Familiar Concerns

Manchester United avoided an early crisis thanks to a late Bruno Fernandes penalty. Ruben Amorim’s rebuild has not produced results yet, though fast starts in matches show promise. Over £200 million was spent on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, and patience is needed for the trio to gel. Yet midfield problems remain. It is early days, but expectations were higher.

Relegation Candidates: Wolves, West Ham, and Brentford

With promoted clubs performing strongly, some established sides face pressure. Wolves, West Ham, and Brentford look vulnerable. Brentford, weakened by the loss of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, have struggled, earning points only against Villa.

West Ham’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest lifted spirits, but defensive gaps remain. Wolves, still pointless, rely heavily on Jorgen Strand Larsen. Vitor Pereira’s revival last season already feels distant.

Mid-Table Progress: Fulham, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest

Brighton’s victory over Manchester City suggests Fabian Hurzeler’s project is developing. Nottingham Forest, under Nuno Espirito Santo, have integrated Dan Ndoye, James McAtee, and Omari Hutchinson, enhancing their identity. Fulham’s tough fixtures mask good performances, especially against Chelsea and Manchester United. Josh King has excelled as a No 10, while Kevin adds energy in attack. All three look capable of surpassing last season’s finishes.

Conclusion: A Competitive Season Ahead

Although early conclusions must be cautious, the first three weeks of the Premier League season point to a thrilling campaign. Liverpool lead, yet defensive concerns remain. Arsenal and Chelsea are chasing, Manchester City are adapting, and promoted clubs are defying expectations. Everton’s resurgence, Spurs’ flexibility, and mid-table progress add intrigue, while relegation battles already look tense. The drama of the Premier League is set to continue.