Manchester United lacks character and fighting spirit

Hull City deployed a strong five-man defense, creating significant challenges for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Wing-backs Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles consistently delivered aerial crosses toward striker Oli McBurnie.

However, this match was primarily about fighting spirit, rather than Sergej Jakirovic's tactical plans. Hull won nearly two-thirds of the one-on-one duels and aerial challenges in the first half, a deserved reward for their intensity, energy, and belief.

Hull naturally had extra motivation after their recent promotion, but Michael Carrick's side appeared to underestimate this. Manchester United failed to meet basic requirements and paid the price.

A video clip of McBurnie dribbling past Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans—two new Manchester United signings with a combined transfer fee of 115 million USD—who stood almost motionless, was widely shared online. This moment partly encapsulated Manchester United's lackluster performance at Humberside.

Many might argue that Manchester United lacks squad quality. Yet, without the desire and determination to execute the basics, quality makes little difference.

Tzolis and Odegaard inject new life into Arsenal's attack

Christos Tzolis proved to be a bargain after joining Arsenal for approximately 48 million USD from Club Brugge, showcasing energetic play on the left wing. After a somewhat quiet first five minutes, he immediately ignited the match with two shots and two chances created within just four minutes.

Unsurprisingly, Tzolis was instrumental in Arsenal's two decisive goals. He won possession in the opponent's half, leading to Kai Havertz's opening goal, before delivering a cross for Bukayo Saka to double the lead.

Martin Odegaard's impressive start to the season cannot be overlooked. Following an excellent performance in the Community Shield, the Norwegian midfielder continued to shine, scoring against Coventry and matching his Premier League goal tally from the previous season.

This was only the second time Saka, Odegaard, and Kai Havertz had started together since 12/2024. All three scored against Coventry. This trio feels like quality new signings. With three goals scored from open play, Arsenal is displaying the appearance of a completely new team.

Maresca's experiment fortunately succeeds

Enzo Maresca called his first Premier League victory as Manchester City coach "a perfect day," but also admitted the team is still a work in progress. These limitations became evident when Marc Guehi was unexpectedly moved to midfield, and Rico Lewis started at right-back.

Neither player is expected to continue in those positions for the rest of the season. However, Manchester City faces a serious lack of options. The performance against Bournemouth clearly showed signs of an unfinished team, as Maresca acknowledged.

In its current state, Manchester City will struggle to compete with Arsenal or any other top team. Many of their stars are clearly not in peak condition. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were almost invisible, record signing Elliot Anderson won fewer duels than he lost, and Guehi is simply not a central midfielder.

Nevertheless, if Manchester City can still secure a 2-1 comeback victory while Maresca gradually finds the right formula, fans have reason for optimism. Players will regain form, Guehi will return to center-back, and the team is set to be reinforced, most recently with 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. However, Manchester City still has much work to do before the transfer window closes.

Where is the "old" Isak?

Alexander Isak made little impact on his return to St James' Park. Less than 12 months after a tense departure, the balance of the transfer deal has significantly shifted. Liverpool may still benefit long-term, but after this 2-2 draw, Newcastle clearly holds the advantage. Isak once dominated this stadium with confidence and fluidity, but that image has vanished.

There are reasons to sympathize with the 26-year-old striker. Continuous injuries have disrupted Isak's rhythm since joining Liverpool. For a striker, when physical condition is not optimal, sharpness and confidence can quickly disappear. Moreover, it was not an easy afternoon, as St James' Park spectators consistently booed him.

But even considering those factors, Isak did not resemble the player Newcastle fans once knew. He lacked intelligent runs, explosiveness, and the ability to threaten opposing defenses. Most importantly, Isak lacked the aura that once made him special.

Isak still has time to change this narrative. However, whether the "old Isak" can return remains a difficult question to answer.

Fastest goal in Premier League matchday one history

In just 31 seconds, Cole Palmer threaded a pass for Joao Pedro to chip the ball diagonally into the net, opening a 3-2 victory over Fulham. This marks the fastest goal scored on matchday one in Premier League history.

However, Pedro's goal is still far from the fastest goal in the league's history. That milestone still belongs to Shane Long—the Irish striker who scored for Southampton against Watford on 23/4/2019, just 7,69 seconds after kickoff.

The second fastest is Philip Billing, who scored for Bournemouth against Arsenal in the 2022-2023 season after only 9,11 seconds. This goal helped Billing surpass the previous record held by center-back Ledley King (9,82 seconds for Tottenham Hotspur against Bradford City in the 2000-2001 season).

Familiar problems cause Tottenham's nightmare start

Coach Roberto De Zerbi once spoke of building a dream team after helping Tottenham secure their Premier League status in the 2025-2026 season. However, the new season began in the worst possible way.

In their 0-3 loss to Brentford, Tottenham's performance was no better than their struggles to avoid relegation last season. This is particularly puzzling given that Tottenham spent over 300 million USD in the transfer market and fielded five new signings at Gtech. The team was expected to undergo a complete transformation.

Many new faces and a new captain, yet Tottenham still suffers from old problems after continuous criticism regarding their fighting spirit. Statistics confirm this: in a disastrous first half, striker Richarlison won only two of eight duels. At the other end of the pitch, new center-back Jan Paul van Hecke also won only two of seven situations.

Tottenham was consistently slower than their opponents in challenges, physically outmatched, and overwhelmed by Brentford's extremely high intensity. The second goal served as the clearest illustration.

Tottenham will almost certainly continue to reinforce their squad before the transfer window closes. But if De Zerbi cannot change the mentality of this group, their ambition to elevate Tottenham will remain a distant dream.

Aston Villa struggles with a depleted squad

Aston Villa fans began their afternoon away from home in high spirits. They continuously sang and reminisced about their European championship, but that confidence quickly gave way to worry as Brighton scored four goals in just 31 minutes, stunning the visiting team.

Aston Villa traveled to Amex after selling a series of stars since winning the Europa League in the 2025-2026 season. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was not registered, and striker Ollie Watkins is likely to follow Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Morgan Rogers out of the club.

Aston Villa's remaining players struggled at Amex. Pau Torres and Victor Lindelof were shaky in defense, Joao Gomes received a direct red card in a nightmare debut, and the attack lacked clear direction with Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and George Hemmings leading the line.

The heavy defeat further highlights Aston Villa's urgent need to stabilize their squad before the 1/9 transfer deadline. Speculation about the future of many key players is also becoming an unwelcome distraction for coach Unai Emery.

Can Leeds dream big?

Coach Daniel Farke always tries to temper expectations about Leeds achieving more than just survival this season. But his team is starting the new season exactly how they finished the last.

Only reigning champions Arsenal have earned more points than Leeds since early April. The Whites have lost only one of their last 10 matches and continue to prove they are a very difficult opponent to beat.

The one-nil victory away at Nottingham Forest on the opening matchday was built on a foundation of solid defense. The five-man defense that helped Leeds turn a corner last season is still operating effectively. The three center-backs Jaka Bijol, Joe Rodon, and Tarik Muharemovic together made 18 clearances, while James Justin and Anton Stach won a combined 21 duels.

This defensive solidity earned Leeds their first clean sheet early. Last season, they had to wait until New Year's Day for their first away clean sheet. Leeds has already shown progress compared to last season. So, how high can this team climb, instead of just finishing 14th as they did last season?

Hong Duy

Photos: Reuters, AP, AFP