English Premier League: 5 things we’ve learned so far

Liverpool are set to match Manchester United’s 20 Premier League Title record, we’re just 3 weeks into the English Premier League and this has all been confirmed, hasn’t it? 

Already more ups & downs than Florida Georgia Line could even imagine, the League is back with a bang – packing plenty of goals, rogue VAR decisions and stunningly inaccurate crowd noises to confuse us all as we walk away for a moment to grab a drink.

Let’s dig in to what we’ve learned so far, and how that may have (or have not) impacted your FPL ranking so far…

1: New Kids On The Block
A twofold attack from Premier League newbies. One coming from new additions to teams themselves – players adapting to both the league and the entire squad around them. Some are shining! James Rodriguez (Everton), Timothy Castagne (Leicester), Emiliano Martínez (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Newcastle)… All performing fantastic in their debut seasons in new teams.

Secondly are the newbie teams to the league, Leeds especially – what a start! Bamford with 3 goals in 3, Helder Costa with 2, Mateusz Klich with 2, it’s raining goals in Yorkshire. Unfortunately however it’s also raining goals ON them – with Leeds already conceding 7 goals in 3 matches. Fun though, right? Elsewhere, West Brom & Fulham (the other two new additions to the league) are struggling to exit first gear – Fulham losing all 3 games so far and West Brom quite surprisingly picking up a point with a draw to Chelsea in which they really should have took all 3 points.

2: Water Is Wet

I know, tell you something you don’t know right? Similarly, Liverpool are good. Goes without saying doesn’t it? Pre-season nerves whether they can emulate their stunning 19/20 season are already eased with 3 wins in 3, goals from all the key players and a nice white grin from Jurgen Klopp to go with it. Things are very pleasant over at Anfield, and long will it continue if the performances of their competitors are any indication on the pressure they’ll face to life the title once again.

Villa, Everton, Sheffield & West Ham are now in the headlights of the Liverpool Express – and will likely bulldoze straight through – only to be met with their first real test of the season (as Arsenal were no test at all if we’re all being honest here) in Manchester City.

3: Portugal enter the Premier League

Well, not “exactly”…But Wolves recruitment over the summer sure suggests it! They can literally almost field an entire starting 11 all from Portugal. Madness, or as they say in Portugal…Loucura!

Semedo from Wolves is arguably their biggest arrival, scooped up from Barcelona he is sure to fire up the Wolves attacking element once he settles into the team. Podence has been a surprise package thus far, 2 assists already and looking hot – however recently picked up a slight knock so be careful brining him in just yet in your FPL squads.

4: There’s Something About Manchester

Whether red or blue – there must be something in the water over in the North West of England at the moment. Both United and City have started the season as rocky as Blackpool Pleasure Beach on a bank holiday weekend.

City took their first L to Leicester in a match nobody saw coming as a Vardy hat-trick sealed the 5-2 victory for the Foxes. Sure, this was only their 2nd game of the season, but still, there are warning signs for a side still missing a couple of pieces to their Pep’uzzle (trade marking that gem).

Man United started badly and have convinced absolutely nobody. losing comfortably to Crystal Palace in their opener and scoring AFTER extra time to beat Brighton 3-2, United look knackered to be Frank with you all.

Can they both turn this around? City, yes, most definitely yes. The depth in squad they have is outstanding and Pep rarely goes on losing runs. United, does it all rely on a certain English winger over in Germany at the moment to boost their confidence? Sure as hell need it! Whether £100+ MILLION will be enough – we wait and see. (yes, if we do buy Sancho I will be the first to purchase that particular No.7 shirt).

5: Relax, Don’t Do It
This season has ALREADY been a whirlwind of emotions for teams and fans alike. VAR interrupts absolutely everything and even a sniff of the sleeve from the ball and a handball is called.

Form is everything in football (soccer, lol), but most teams – Liverpool aside – are yet to find theirs. Be patient, accept the ups and downs of the start and know that there’s a bloody international break coming in a week to disrupt the flow once again!

Fantasy Premier League is strong, fun and most of all stressful. When you think you’ve cracked it there’s an injury, or an own goal, a penalty or Pep decides to switch his starting 11 once again. Enjoy the fun of it, don’t let the stress take over and know that perhaps more than last season, THIS one is going to be something special, something to remember and most importantly, the one you’ll tell your kids about one day in a crazy Covid-rife world!

Find me over on the Twitter @JackAGoodwin for more football, wrestling, and everything in between!