The random fixture generator has been kind enough to give us a number of intriguing match-ups across matchday two of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Here are a few things to look out for this weekend across the English top flight.
By Sam McGuire
A new Manchester United?
Manchester United eked out a 1-0 win over Fulham in their opening match of the season. Some claimed it was a performance they’ve seen on countless occasions during the Erik ten Hag era with the Red Devils snatching an undeserved winner at Old Trafford.
But this win on Friday night wasn’t like the others. This felt deserved. For starters, they didn’t give up 20 shots to their opponents. In fact, they limited Marco Silva’s team to just 10 shots with an Expected Goals total of 0.44.
So, despite the injury issues, Ten Hag’s side looked defensively resilient. United also looked decent going forward. In fact, they had one of the highest Expected Goal hauls of the opening-day weekend with 2.4.
In truth, it was the perfect showing at Old Trafford. They could’ve easily won that game 3-0 with an identical performance and people would’ve been raving about it. The 1-0 scoreline didn’t tell the whole story.
It was the complete opposite with Brighton, their opponents this weekend. The Seagulls romped to a 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. However, it wasn’t a 3-0 sort of game. Brighton carved out chances worth just 1.4 Expected Goals. They had luck on their side whereas Manchester United didn’t.
It’ll be fascinating to see what happens at the Amex this weekend and how the narrative will be shaped.
Can City find their shooting boots?
Manchester City kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. On paper, it was a routine win for the reigning champions. Erling Haaland, again, scored on the opening day as he looks to retain his Golden Boot for a third successive season. Mateo Kovačić, against his former employers, added a second in the second half.
However, when you look a little closer at the numbers from this game, it was anything but routine or assured for Pep Guardiola’s side. They finished the game with an Expected Goals total of just 0.8. Chelsea, under new boss Enzo Maresca, had better chances. The Blues, trying to bed in their many, many signings, had better opportunities.
This is something City will be well aware of. It is something they’ll want to ensure was a one-off rather than the norm. They’ll get a good opportunity to click in the final third this weekend as they welcome Ipswich Town to the Etihad. The Tractor Boys conceded six big chances against Liverpool last weekend. Guardiola and his players will be hoping to post similar numbers.
An early season statement
Aston Villa play host to Arsenal this weekend.
The potential is there for teams and players to make a statement.
Aston Villa could land an early blow to Arsenal’s hopes of winning the league. The Gunners could dent Villa’s hopes of claiming another Champions League spot.
Bukayo Saka, the player of the week across Matchday One with a FotMob rating of 8.9, will be looking to put in an eye-catching showing against one of last season’s top four. He already has a goal and an assist to his name this term. If he does similar at Villa Park, he’ll back up the belief that he’s scaled his level.
Amadou Onana, a £50million summer signing from Everton, made an impression against West Ham for the Villans – and also featured in the FotMob TOTW. Can he boss the middle of the park against Mikel Arteta’s side, a team who were reportedly keen on signing him this summer? If so, the idea that Arsenal should’ve moved for him will once again be the topic of debate.
This may only be Matchday Two but there’s a lot at stake here.
Arne Slot’s selection headache
Liverpool weren’t at their best in the first half against Ipswich Town on Saturday. They had a lot of attacking talent on their bench but Slot opted to ignore the likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez and instead swapped out Jarell Quansah for Ibrahima Konaté. This defensive switch helped the Reds regain some control, with Konaté winning 80% of his duels compared to Quansah’s 50%, and Liverpool went on to claim a 2-0 victory.
It’ll be interesting to see who Slot goes with at Anfield on Sunday as Brentford make the trip to Merseyside. Yoane Wissa was a star player for the Bees in the win over Crystal Palace. He scored and assisted, but it was his overall performance that caught the eye. He won five of six ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels.
How does Slot limit what the Brentford forward can do? Will he stick with Quansah and give him another chance from the off or will he not want to risk it? Will Konaté get the nod after a dominant second half showing at Portman Road? That decision could prove pivotal in the outcome of this match.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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