Anthony McIntyre ⚽ As the 2025-26 English Premier League kicked off, I managed to catch three of the games on the box as well as watching Drogheda United grind out a win on penalties over Derry up in the Brandywell as the Drogs seek to retain the FAI Cup they won last November.
Liverpool - viewing is compulsory - as expected beat Bournemouth. Playing at Anfield it was the Reds' to lose. Then at 2-0 in front it seemed they might do just that. They started out much as they had five days earlier against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, only to fade before rejuvenating late into the second half. A failure to consolidate and protect their two goal cushion allowed the visitors back into the game. For a while it looked as if Liverpool might lose it before Chiesa and then Salah restored the cushion to its original position. Why more is not made of Chiesa is puzzling. He never hides, is always seeking the ball and when he spots a chance he moves to make the most of his opportunity. When he came on late in the game I commented to my son that he could change the game. And he did with a snap volley.
This Liverpool side is stamped with the imprimatur of Arne Slot. It can no longer be called the team that Jurgen Klopp built. Lethal and coordinated up front but unsettled and disorganised at the back, it will take some time for all the parts to work in tandem. Liverpool might not therefore be able to successfully defend their title despite being favourites to win the league for a 21st time come May. It might be both more prudent and prosperous to delay placing a bet on them until next season.
Even if they obtain the services of Alexander Izak, there is the question of where he would fit in. At just over 80 million the money spent on Hugo Ekitike was not to purchase a second fiddle.
Arsenal are considered a serious challenger to Liverpool, but their performance against Manchester United was hardly the most inspiring. Having taken an early lead, with a large helping hand from the United keeper, they went on to underwhelm. Although United lost they can take much hope from their outing. Their revamped forward line is confident and exciting to watch, and looks certain to be among the big hitters when it comes to goals this season. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo clearly bring something to the Old Trafford side that augurs well for the rest of the season.
Leeds against Everton was the final game I caught. While liking Everton, being a Scouse side, I feel that under David Moyes they will escape the drop come the season's end, so gave my loyalty to Leeds on the night. As a newly promoted side, it can take time to adjust and find the tempo and rhythm of play at the top. Leeds were not fortunate during their last sojourn in the Premiership. Having watched them a week ago in the Aviva take on AC Milan, I felt they could make something of the new opportunity presented to them. However, having now seen them in their first competitive fixture I am at a loss to find where the goals are going to come from. They posed very little threat in and around the Toffees' eighteen yard area, winning only through a penalty decision that raised many eyebrows.
Arsenal are considered a serious challenger to Liverpool, but their performance against Manchester United was hardly the most inspiring. Having taken an early lead, with a large helping hand from the United keeper, they went on to underwhelm. Although United lost they can take much hope from their outing. Their revamped forward line is confident and exciting to watch, and looks certain to be among the big hitters when it comes to goals this season. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo clearly bring something to the Old Trafford side that augurs well for the rest of the season.
Leeds against Everton was the final game I caught. While liking Everton, being a Scouse side, I feel that under David Moyes they will escape the drop come the season's end, so gave my loyalty to Leeds on the night. As a newly promoted side, it can take time to adjust and find the tempo and rhythm of play at the top. Leeds were not fortunate during their last sojourn in the Premiership. Having watched them a week ago in the Aviva take on AC Milan, I felt they could make something of the new opportunity presented to them. However, having now seen them in their first competitive fixture I am at a loss to find where the goals are going to come from. They posed very little threat in and around the Toffees' eighteen yard area, winning only through a penalty decision that raised many eyebrows.
TPQ, amongst its writers, has an array of English Premiership followers, supporting teams as diverse as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leeds. The gloves are off, the friendly sparring season over: may the best side win by playing the beautiful game, beautifully.
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