As the curtain rises on a new Premier League season that kicks off tomorrow, Friday 11 August, fans around the world who have eagerly awaited the start of the new Premier League season will have a chance to breathe a much needed sigh of relief.
With each new campaign comes the promise of spectacular goals, nail-biting games, the emergence of new talents as well as controversies associated with new rules and refereeing decisions. Acclaimed for its competitiveness and unpredictability, this season’s version of the Premier League is set to deliver yet another thrilling spectacle for football enthusiasts around the globe.
The Transfer Market Carousel
The transfer window hasn’t quite been as frantic as years before but there certainly have been significant moves especially to the top clubs that could reshape this season’s landscape. Arsenal have been the biggest spenders so far as they try to bridge the gap between them and Champions Manchester City. They’ve brought in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined fee of €231.6M and if the rumours making the rounds are true, then it’s likely that they’ll have David Raya on loan from Brentford before they kickoff against Nottingham Forest on Saturday the 12th of August.
Having lost the services of influential captain Ilkay Gundogan as well as the mercurial Riyad Mahrez, Man City knew that to retain their title they needed to reinforce a pool of stars bursting at the seams with loads of talent. Croatians Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol have been drafted in and it seems like they are still in the hunt for more talent. Manchester United, Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea have also bought well so it will be fascinating to see what kind of impact these new signings will have on the futures of their respective clubs.
Title Contenders:
It would be hard to hedge bets against Manchester City who just won the treble last season. They still are the side to beat and while it’s true that the teams around them especially Arsenal have closed the gap in the transfer window, there is still a sense that City are just too good and experienced. Perhaps they’d get complacent and take their eyes off the ball but it’s really hard to see past Pep Guardiola’s team. Arsenal are in with a shout having pushed the champions all the way last season but there’s a lot more pressure on them this season after the huge outlay on players. Traditional powerhouses like Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea boast of squads brimming with international stars and tactical brilliance and the competition will be fierce.
However, the ever-improving challengers cannot be underestimated. Teams like Aston Villa, Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford have bolstered their ranks and are hungry for glory. Their passionate fan bases expect nothing less than a strong push for a place in the elite European competitions and in effect setting the stage for what should be a really fascinating season. There is no doubt that these clubs will emerge as proverbial dark horses on a quest to upset the established order.
New Managers, New Visions
A few clubs at the start of this season have opted for managerial changes, setting the scene for fresh ideologies and playing styles. Andoni Iraola, Mauricio Pochettino, Ange Postecoglou and Gary O’Neil have all arrived at Bournemouth, Chelsea, Spurs and Wolves with a point to prove for their respective new clubs. They’ll be joined by managers promoted from the Championship like Paul Heckingbottom, Rob Edwards and Vincent Kompany of Sheffield United, Luton Town and Burnley who’d be hoping that their stay in the Premier League is anything but fleeting. The arrival of innovative coaches from different corners of the world adds an extra layer of intrigue to the season. Tactical battles between these masterminds will captivate football enthusiasts, as they become witnesses to new philosophies that will be tested and adapted on the pitch.
The Battle for Survival
As some teams reach for the stars, others on the other side of the spectrum will find themselves in a fierce battle to avoid relegation. For the newly promoted sides, the task is even more challenging, as they face the daunting prospect of competing in a completely different level of football. If nothing else, the last few seasons have shown us that It’s always a fascinating tussle at the bottom of the table where sometimes the underdogs often produce stunning upsets to secure their top-flight status.
Conclusion
A rollercoaster ride of emotions, drama, and excitement awaits as the Premier League officially kicks off and there is little doubt that it will be captivating and contentious at times but true fans will savour everything that comes with this fantastic product that should certainly produce so many unforgettable moments. The stage is set, and the players are ready; let the new Premier League season begin!
Premier League Shorts 
Leave a comment