The Premier League season resumes after a one-week international break. Here are five things to look out for in Matchweek 4.
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The Premier League 2021-22 season is all set to resume this weekend after the first international break of the season. English football’s top flight had gotten off to a typically entertaining start before the break. With all teams having played three games, the table is starting to take shape.
As always, there are certain clubs who are happier with their lot and others who feel they can improve. There’s also the fact that the transfer window has closed, meaning clubs will need to work with what they have – at least until January.
With all that in mind, let us take a look at five key talking points from the upcoming weekend’s action.
Arguably the biggest talking point of the weekend will be Cristiano Ronaldo making his second debut for Manchester United. The Portuguese superstar’s move back to his old club was one of the surprises of the transfer window. But understandably, United fans are keen to see him hit the ground running.
As such, he could not ask for an easier run out than Newcastle United. The Magpies have failed to strengthen a squad in desparate need of a refresh and have looked uninspired on the field. Any chances of a win looked slim even before Ronaldo was signed.
At the end of Gameweek 3, the only side to not drop points are Tottenham Hotspur. That might be something of a surprise given how they fared last season. However, it is indicative of the progress they have made under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. A string of 1-0 wins currently sees them sitting atop the table.
They will be taking on a work-in-progress Crystal Palace side, who could serve as easy fodder. Another win in this local derby could set up Spurs for a decent run in the league. Whether or not such results are sustainable, however, remains to be seen.
Arsenal’s early fixtures were anything but kind to them, but few would have expected them to be 20th in the league. Yet, having lost three fixtures and conceded 9 goals, that’s exactly where they are. To make things worse, they have yet to score a goal in the league.
A home game against Norwich could provide some respite to Mikel Arteta and co. Norwich, like Arsenal, have a goal difference of -9 coming into this game and also lost 5-0 to Manchester City. Failure to take all three points against Norwich, however, will raise questions aplenty of the Gunners.
The competitive nature of the Premier League means that most sides, if they spend smartly, can upset the big boys. So far this season, there are three potential candidates who stand out. They are Leicester City, Everton and West Ham United.
Leicester have narrowly missed out on the top 4 in the past two seasons, although they did win the FA Cup. West Ham too looked set for a top 4 finish last year before a late slump in form. Everton are something of a surprise, given they haven’t invested much. Yet Rafael Benitez has worked wonders with the squad he has so far.
Can any of these sides kick on this week? Everton take on Burnley at home, with Leicester taking on Manchester City. West Ham travel away to Southampton. With the exception of Everton, the other sides have challenging tasks ahead. It will certainly make for some fun watching, if nothing else.
Despite what the mean boys on Twitter may say, Arsenal aren’t among these teams. However, the early season melee has already shone the spotlight on a few potential relegation candidates. Chief among them are Newcastle United, Norwich and Burnley.
Newcastle have spent the last few seasons flirting with – and eventually ghosting – relegation. Yet this season it seems a bigger ask due to the squad absolutely stagnating. Norwich have been a yo-yo club in the past three seasons and consolidating their spot in the top flight continues to look a task.
As for Burnley, they have done an admirable job remaining in the mid table. However, the squad is in desperate need of additions, if not an overhaul. They did sign a few players this year but will it be enough to save them from the drop? As of now, that remains to be seen.
