Dj Vnyash
Manchester City is set to face a significant challenge from Arsenal as they aim for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title. Meanwhile, Liverpool begins a new chapter with Arne Slot taking over for Jurgen Klopp, and Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Manchester United after narrowly avoiding being fired.
As the new season kicks off on Friday, AFP Sport highlights five key points to watch:
Arsenal’s Opportunity?
Arsenal achieved 89 points last season, the second-highest in their Premier League history, yet it was insufficient to unseat Manchester City. Motivated by that near-miss, Mikel Arteta’s squad is emerging as a formidable force in English football, having steadily improved over the past three years and finishing second in the last two seasons. The addition of Italian international Riccardo Calafiori strengthens what was the league’s best defense last season. However, Arsenal may still be lacking in offense, as they have chosen not to pursue a striker in the transfer market, relying on Kai Havertz, who had a strong finish to his first season.
Slot’s Challenging Role
Liverpool’s performance last season fell short of giving Klopp a memorable send-off, finishing third after a disappointing end. Arne Slot faces the difficult task of replacing the German, who brought the team back to prominence while infusing his vibrant personality into the club. Although Slot may find it hard to replicate Klopp’s charisma, early signs are promising as Liverpool has performed well in pre-season, defeating teams like Arsenal and Manchester United. However, they have yet to make any signings, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi rumored as a potential midfield addition. Slot has noted similarities in playing style with Klopp as part of the reason he was recruited from Feyenoord.
Ten Hag’s Uncertain Future
Manchester United’s unexpected FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May secured Ten Hag’s position and led to a new contract. Nevertheless, he remains under scrutiny after the team’s worst-ever Premier League finish in eighth place. United has been active in the transfer market, acquiring Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, and completing deals for Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. However, Yoro is already facing a three-month injury layoff, mirroring last season’s injury struggles for Ten Hag. United begins their season against Fulham on Friday, and a poor start could reignite questions about his future.
Ipswich’s Return
Leicester and Southampton have quickly returned to the Premier League, but Ipswich is making a fresh comeback to the top flight after a 22-year absence. Kieran McKenna has led the team to consecutive promotions, and retaining him despite interest from Chelsea and Brighton has been crucial for Ipswich’s survival prospects. The challenge ahead is significant, as all three promoted teams from last season were relegated.
Maresca’s Tough Decisions
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a tough debut against Manchester City in the opening weekend, but he has plenty of talent to choose from. Following a takeover led by Todd Boehly, Chelsea has invested heavily in young players this summer, including Pedro Neto in a £54 million transfer from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who excelled under Maresca during Leicester’s promotion from the Championship. However, Chelsea’s summer acquisitions have swelled their squad to over 50 senior players, complicating Maresca’s selection decisions.
