Ian Wright has questioned how Arsenal are treating Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazil forward was left out of their squad for Friday’s opening game against Coventry. Martinelli turned down a move to Galatasaray last week after Arsenal had agreed a fee with the Turkish club. Speaking on Sky Sports after the Coventry match, former striker Wright revealed that no one at the club has spoken to the 25-year-old about his future. “I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say: ‘Yeah, it’s time for him to move him on.’ But there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave,” said Wright. “He’s done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he’s being treated with at the moment.” Ed Aarons
Match report: Arsenal 3-0 Coventry
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Has Watkins tarnished his legacy? It was only one game after 278 for Aston Villa, accumulated over the previous six seasons – a period in which Ollie Watkins has scored 108 goals and made himself one of the most popular players in the club’s Premier League history. But the rules are the rules. Nobody can refuse to play and emerge without a mark against their character. This is the charge against Watkins, brought in none-too-subtle fashion by Unai Emery after Villa’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton – a match that Watkins missed as he considers an approach from Al-Hilal. We do not yet have Watkins’s side of the story. Or that of his agent. But given Emery had no other available No 9, it feels pretty clear the manager did not choose to omit Watkins. Villa claim they are not close to any agreement with Al-Hilal, having rejected more than one offer from them. Perish the thought that this could drag on. Villa have one more game before the window shuts – against Arsenal at home next Monday night. David Hytner
Match report: Brighton 4-0 Aston Villa
View image in fullscreenUnai Emery did nothing to deny that Ollie Watkins had refused to play for Villa in their sobering defeat. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
United falter as No 9 options look thin. Michael Carrick was limited in his options during Manchester United’s opener because Benjamin Sesko was unable to feature at any point in pre-season, but Matheus Cunha was completely ineffective as a false 9. Hull’s back three enjoyed a very quiet lunchtime as they returned to the Premier League. Cunha did not embrace the physical battle and went missing, leaving United with barely any presence in the final third as they failed to threaten their opponents. Sesko was brought on to change the dynamic but was equally ineffectual, while his fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee was left on the bench, implying how little trust the coaches have in him. Carrick needs to get Sesko up to speed and sell Zirkzee soon, freeing up funds to find a better alternative if United are to compete this season, especially with the false 9 tactic looking flawed. Will Unwin
Match report: Hull 2-0 Manchester United
Tigers delight in Tzolakis’s debut. Manchester United were impressively unthreatening in their approach to losing at Hull. There was the odd half-baked attempt at scoring or putting a cross into a dangerous area but nothing that made the highlights reel. This was unfortunate for the Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who had an impressive, if somewhat uncomplicated, debut between the sticks. United should have made a greater effort to test the £20m signing from Olympiakos. What duties the Greek international was forced to do were carried out with ease, instilling confidence in the defence in front of him. If he continues to look so calm and assured, Tzolakis could prove himself one of the smartest signings of the season. “We bought him and we spent some money there,” SeHere is the rewritten text in fluent, natural English:
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Quote from Jakirovic:
“He’s a Greece national-team player, an Olympiakos player. If you follow Greek football, you know Olympiakos comes with huge stress and pressure, and he’s used to that. For him, this is probably like a cup of tea.”
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Cherki’s key impact after frustration
Rayan Cherki secured the win with a brief but decisive appearance—he took the corner that led to Marc Guéhi’s equaliser and set up Josko Gvardiol’s winner with a clever pass. Enzo Maresca explained why the Frenchman was unhappy not to start: “Rayan is a straightforward, honest lad. If he’s not happy, he wants to show it. If he’s sitting next to me and he’s upset, you can tell—he’ll do anything to make it obvious. I knew he wasn’t happy today, but in the end, I had to make a decision,” said the manager.
Match report: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
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Sangaré shines against big spenders
At a time when some Premier League clubs are ready to pay over £100m for midfielders, Mamadou Sangaré looks like an absolute bargain. Brentford’s new signing was excellent for Lens last season and impressed on his debut against Tottenham. He controlled the midfield, even though Spurs could field over £175m worth of talent in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. His performance raises the question: why aren’t bigger clubs looking further afield for signings? Brentford only paid £39m for Sangaré, but if he has a strong first season in England, it seems certain that clubs will be willing to pay double that.
Match report: Brentford 3-0 Tottenham
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Isak struggles on Newcastle return
It must have been gut-wrenching for Newcastle fans to see their side concede a stoppage-time penalty to Liverpool, but at least they can take comfort that it wasn’t Alexander Isak who scored the Reds’ dramatic equaliser from the spot. The former Newcastle striker had a rough time on his return to St James’ Park—booed every time he touched the ball, caught by a tough tackle from Lewis Hall, and sending his only real chance high over the bar. He would surely have fancied taking revenge with the last kick of the game, but it was Dominik Szoboszlai who converted the 99th-minute penalty instead. Worryingly for Liverpool, Isak is lacking the sharpness that convinced them to spend £125m last summer. With Hugo Ekitiké still out with a long-term injury, Andoni Iraola has no natural replacement at centre-forward. If Liverpool are to succeed this season, Isak needs to step up.
Match report: Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
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Ipswich use O’Shea to counter set pieces
A defensive tactical change by Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil shows how the Premier League is evolving. O’Neil, a sharp tactician, chose to play tall centre-back Dara O’Shea at right-back to deal with the growing threat of set pieces, which helped Ipswich pull off a surprise win against Sunderland. “The Premier League is a real test in the air now, with long throws and set pieces,” O’Neil said. “Having three centre-back types in your back four helps us with size in those situations.” In the first season since Pep Guardiola left, the top flight is already moving away from his neat, passing style toward something different.
Match report: Ipswich 2-1 Sunderland
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Dewsbury-Hall on track to become a complete midfielder
David Moyes felt his young Everton side might have struggled chasing the game against Crystal Palace, and they were grateful to Jordan Pickford for saving Eddie Nketiah’s effort, as well as to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s poor finishing, for not having to do so. Kiern…Dewsbury-Hall’s guidance was also key. The game changed once he got more involved, and his excellent goal past Dean Henderson showed the quality of a player who will be vital to Everton’s hopes. “I want to do better than last season,” said Dewsbury-Hall, who scored eight goals and set up four in his first Premier League season with Everton. “That’s not just about goals and assists, but my overall game. A couple of years ago, I probably wasn’t getting goals or assists, but I was still influential. I want to combine both, and when you do that, you become a complete midfielder. I know I have the ability, so hopefully I can pull it off.” Andy Hunter
Match report: Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace
Farke hopes Leeds can secure their place
There’s a lot of optimism at Leeds. A strong opening win at Nottingham Forest supports the idea that Daniel Farke’s team can establish themselves in the league. Last season, staying up was the goal, but after spending around £80m on James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic, and Nico Elvedi, plus signing Harry Wilson for free, they’re looking to improve on a 14th-place finish. Leeds and Forest, who meet again in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, have both been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Liam Delap; adding a striker to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin would surely boost Farke’s side. “If we want to establish ourselves and, after a few years, maybe talk about bigger things, we need to add individual quality,” Farke said. “The last time this club had two solid seasons at this level, you might need to look at black-and-white photos.” Ben Fisher
Match report: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds
Pos
Team
P
GD
Pts
1
Brighton
1
4
3
2
Arsenal
1
3
3
3
Brentford
1
3
3
4
Everton
1
2
3
5
Hull
1
2
3
6
Ipswich
1
1
3
7
Man City
1
1
3
8
Leeds
1
1
3
9
Liverpool
1
0
1
10
Newcastle
1
0
1
11
Chelsea
0
0
0
12
Fulham
0
0
0
13
AFC Bournemouth
1
-1
0
14
Sunderland
1
-1
0
15
Nottm Forest
1
-1
0
16
Crystal Palace
1
-2
00
17. Manchester United: 1 match, goal difference -2, 0 points
18. Coventry: 1 match, goal difference -3, 0 points
19. Tottenham Hotspur: 1 match, goal difference -3, 0 points
20. Aston Villa: 1 match, goal difference -4, 0 points
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the typical talking points from an opening Premier League weekend written in a natural tone
Beginner Level
Q I missed the games this weekend What were the biggest surprises
A The biggest surprises were usually the promoted teams picking up unexpected points and some top clubs looking rusty For example a newly promoted side drawing against a topsix team or a title favorite dropping points at home
Q What does opening weekend tell us about the rest of the season
A Very little actually Its a small sample size Its mainly about fitness and testing new tactics A team that loses on day one can still win the title and a team that wins can still get relegated
Q Why do so many players look tired or slow in the first game
A Because preseason training is about building stamina not peak sharpness The match speed is much higher than training so players often take a few games to get their match legs and timing back
Q I heard the commentators mention new signings How do I know if they had a good debut
A Look for three things 1 Did they affect the score 2 Did they look comfortable on the ball 3 Did they look lost defensively A good debut doesnt always mean a goal it can just be a solid mistakefree performance
Q What is a talking point
A Its a specific moment decision or performance that people are discussing after the game It could be a controversial VAR call a brilliant goal a tactical change by the manager or a player getting injured
Intermediate Level
Q Why are pundits making a big deal about the high line some teams are playing
A A high defensive line means the defenders stay near the halfway line to compress the pitch Its risky If it works they catch opponents offside and win the ball high up If it fails a fast striker gets a oneonone with the goalkeeper The opening weekend shows which teams are brave enough to try it
