The Premier League is back, and with it, the usual pre-season speculation and concerns about team strengths and weaknesses. This year, however, there's a sense of unease that goes beyond the usual pre-season jitters. Every team, it seems, has a gaping hole or a worrisome problem that threatens to spoil their season.
Let's take a closer look at some of these concerns, starting with Tottenham's attack.
Tottenham's Attack: A Conspicuous Point of Remaining Weakness
Tottenham has made impressive strides in other areas, but their attack remains a concern. The club's lack of overt attacking signings is surprising, especially given the underperformance of their wingers and strikers last season. The absence of a reliable, transformative goal source is a significant issue, and the club's reliance on players like Savinho and Cody Gakpo is questionable.
Manchester City's Midfield: A Kneejerk Reaction
Manchester City's midfield has been a topic of discussion, with the Community Shield match against Arsenal raising eyebrows. While Elliot Anderson is a talented player, he is not a direct replacement for Rodri, who is considered a Mondo Duplantis-level talent. The comparison to Rodri is inevitable, and the pressure on Anderson is immense.
Manchester United's Defence: A Creaking Defence
Manchester United's defence is another area of concern. The club has not made significant improvements to their backline, and the squad feels 'four years older' rather than 'four years more experienced'. The lack of a clear improvement plan is alarming, and the club's decision to focus on attacking options rather than defensive ones is questionable.
Liverpool's Fitness: A Pattern of Waning Performance
Liverpool's fitness issues are a significant concern. The club's players have been found to be short of the required level to sustain the football Andoni Iraola wants to play. The pattern of waning performance in the second half of games is a cause for worry, and the club's reliance on players who struggle to maintain fitness is a potential issue.
Chelsea's Goalkeeper: A Lack of Addressed Positions
Chelsea's lack of investment in goalkeepers is a significant issue. The club's focus on other positions and their player-trading facility approach has left them with a weak spot in goal. Robert Sanchez, a confident but unproven goalkeeper, is a potential liability.
Aston Villa's Midfield: A Summer of Flux
Aston Villa's midfield has been a source of concern, with key players like Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana missing. The club's reliance on players like Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes is questionable, and the lack of a clear improvement plan is alarming.
Newcastle's Newcastle: A Season of Low Expectations
Newcastle's season is expected to be one of low expectations, and the club's losses of key players and their elite midfield are a significant issue. The replacements are unconvincing, and the club's lack of a clear improvement plan is a cause for worry.
Fulham's Manager: A Risky Punt
Fulham's appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa is a risky move, and the club's lack of stability is a concern. The club's reliance on mid-table performances and the potential for disaster is a significant issue.
Coventry's Sky Bet Vibe: A Lack of Premier League Gloss
Coventry's lack of Premier League gloss is a concern, and the club's reliance on reasonable signings is questionable. The club's lack of a clear improvement plan is alarming, and the potential for a return to the Championship is a significant issue.
Crystal Palace's Defence: A Loss of Key Players
Crystal Palace's defence is another area of concern, with the loss of Oliver Glasner and key players. The club's attempt to bottle lightning by appointing Pierre Sage is a risky move, and the potential for a decline in performance is a significant issue.
