Ekitike shines but defensive concerns for Liverpool?
Highlights from the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth
Jamie Carragher hit out at Liverpool’s “unbelievable” and “completely stunning” defending of their 4-2 win over Bournemouth – saying they won’t retain their Premier League title in the event that they proceed with these requirements.
Liverpool received on an emotional night time at Anfield because of late objectives from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah – however they got an actual scare by the Cherries as Antoine Semenyo’s quickfire double cancelled out objectives both aspect of half-time by Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.
Each of Semenyo’s objectives noticed Liverpool caught out on the transition – with Bournemouth’s second aim seeing the younger ahead run almost the size of the pitch earlier than discovering the underside nook.
Carragher additionally hit out at Ibrahima Konate, who he felt was liable for poor defending for each objectives.
“It’s unbelievable,” mentioned Carragher on Friday Evening Soccer. “It is incredible from Semenyo – however Liverpool have had this downside.
“What number of gamers have been forward of the ball – perhaps eight gamers – after they have been profitable 2-1? That may’t occur. It is completely stunning at this stage.
“For Semenyo to run that far and get his shot away is unimaginable – however the place Konate goes? He had a very poor night time tonight at centre-back.”
Semenyo a reason for Bournemouth optimism
Arne Slot was proper post-match. “It was an important recreation to observe”, he declared. “That is what followers need to see.”
This was all the pieces a Premier League opener must be about. Leisure, excessive depth, comebacks and throwbacks. Beautiful objectives in addition to the tough and prepared type. It had the lot.
And due to this fact, the actual fact it has been tainted by one senseless act of alleged racist abuse from a so-called fan at Anfield is very disappointing. What must be celebrated, nevertheless, is Semenyo’s response to that idiocy.
Antoine Semenyo scored each of Bournemouth’s objectives in a 4-2 loss at Anfield
He gave Milos Kerkez and, latterly, Andy Robertson the runaround, scoring with two of his three photographs heading in the right direction, from an anticipated objectives worth of simply 0.89. His efficiency was a triumph of expertise and resolve and exhibits precisely why he had so many golf equipment this summer time.
The very fact Bournemouth have tied him all the way down to a brand new five-year deal is an enormous coup and likewise motive for optimism shifting ahead.
Laura Hunter
Newcastle see size of task to replace Isak
Highlights from the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle
Newcastle offered a united entrance after their goalless draw with Aston Villa. Eddie Howe described their efficiency as “magnificent”. Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn talked up their togetherness and workforce spirit in tough circumstances.
Some extent at Villa Park represents a optimistic end result however they might doubtless have been celebrating all three had Alexander Isak been accessible. Their star striker, coaching on his personal as he continues to carry out for a transfer to Liverpool, was sorely missed.
Isak, scorer of 23 Premier League objectives final season, would likely have buried one of many first-half probabilities that fell to his team-mates. The sport was a reminder of his significance. Newcastle have did not win any of their final six Premier League video games with out him. They haven’t even scored within the final 4. Their photographs have been value 1.43 anticipated objectives at Villa Park however they did not capitalise.
Howe improvised in Isak’s absence, utilizing Gordon centrally with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga both aspect. “I actually prefer it,” mentioned Gordon of his new position afterwards. “As my profession progresses, I believe I’d find yourself extra central.”
He had his moments. Most notably with the run in behind to drive Ezri Konsa’s crimson card. However general this was one other reminder of the large job Newcastle will face to switch Isak if he does go. With followers turning in opposition to him, it’s a actuality they could quickly need to confront.
Nick Wright
Lapses in concentration cost Villa again
Lapses in focus have now value Aston Villa in back-to-back video games.
Outdated Trafford in opposition to Manchester United within the final recreation of the 2024/25 season and now the opener within the 2025/26 marketing campaign. Two crimson playing cards for 2 key gamers.
Villa had simply gathered momentum within the fixture following the restart. Boubacar Kamara went shut with a header and Ollie Watkins rifled his shot straight at Nick Pope.
“The crimson card modified the sport,” Emery mentioned in his post-match press convention.
He was proper. Anthony Gordon darted behind the defence and was racing by means of on aim, leaving Ezri Konsa with little selection aside from to tug the makeshift ahead down.
Villa did effectively to assemble themselves after that incident, however final season confirmed how expensive dropping factors may show to be.
Earlier than Konsa’s problem, it regarded like Emery’s aspect have been gathering actual momentum and will go on to win the fixture.
It’s on no account a disastrous begin to the season for Villa however securing that first win now will get more durable.
They journey to Brentford for his or her subsequent fixture and might want to name upon their solely different centre-back off the bench, Pau Torres, to play alongside fellow left-footer Tyrone Mings.
Patrick Rowe
Frank has rejuvenated Richarlison to thank for perfect start
Highlights from the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley
Strategies have been made about an exit plan for Richarlison this summer time. The ahead solely managed 4 league begins for Tottenham final season and 500 minutes in complete. His 4 objectives have been indicative of a marketing campaign blighted by accidents, with kind unimaginable to return by as a bit-part participant beneath Ange Postecoglou.
However this model of Richarlison, totally match and firing, is altogether totally different. He lastly seems to be able to dwell as much as the promise of a No 9, buoyed by Thomas Frank’s belief to play the starring position forward of Dominic Solanke.
A formidable double in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Burnley hinted at a participant rejuvenated. It is arduous to think about a extra good begin for brand new boss Frank, with summer time addition Mohammed Kudus offering each assists for Richarlison to ship two particular objectives.
The ahead has solely teased his high quality since arriving in north London from Everton again in 2022. Many questioned his £60m price ticket. They have been proper to. But when this newest efficiency is an indication of issues to return, pleasure ought to swiftly exchange the apathy.
Laura Hunter
Parker’s Burnley taught a lesson in Premier League ruthlessness
After Burnley’s defeat to Spurs, Scott Parker admitted their defeat was born out of the ruthlessness of the Premier League.
“It is the Premier League as effectively and one of many greatest learnings from immediately, is the clinicalness it’s important to be at, how fast it’s important to get your shot off,” Parker mentioned.
“You do not have lots of time within the Premier League, clearly, in opposition to world-class gamers, athletes, bodily. And that is the ruthlessness of the Premier League, all focus, protecting consideration consistently, as a result of the sport at any second can flip.”
Burnley, regardless of displaying promise throughout phases of the sport, have been bettered by a medical, savvy and bodily Spurs aspect.
Within the early phases of the second half as they chased an equaliser, Hannibal Mejbri’s hesitance on the ball meant that probability went begging. Burnley have been their architects of their very own demise on the day. Maxime Esteve gave away the ball for and Tottenham opened the scoring inside 10 minutes.
A misplaced duel, minutes after conceding the second, led to a 3rd as Burnley appeared to crumble. It is a lesson Parker’s aspect should be taught from shortly as they mount an try to stay within the prime flight.
William Bitibiri
Ballard is Sunderland’s Concorde, commanding the skies
Dan Ballard of Sunderland celebrates after making it 2-0
Sunderland are the good unknows of this Premier League season.
How would they deal with the step up?
Have they modified an excessive amount of too quickly from the Championship promotion-winning workforce? Would all the brand new signings slot in?
Early indicators are although they may very well be simply high-quality this season and it was one of many ‘previous guard’ that impressed most.
Dan Ballard, hero of the play-off semi-final win over Coventry, rose to the event as soon as once more. He was a colossus. A rock. He was persistently in the best place on the proper time to fend off West Ham’s assaults. No participant on the pitch received extra duels (10) or made extra clearances (8).
He was like Concorde – commanding the skies along with his dominant aerial means, showcased by his incredible headed aim, considered one of 4 photographs he had within the recreation. Large issues may very well be on the horizon for Ballard and Sunderland this season.
Lewis Jones
Potter’s stock at its lowest
Everyone knows what Graham Potter’s groups can do within the Premier League – his Brighton workforce was distinctive and tactically forward of their time. His inventory was at its highest there. It is now at its lowest with questions to significantly reply about whether or not his soccer can thrive at West Ham.
There is a little bit of id disaster on the membership.
Potter desires to make them extra possession-orientated and tactically versatile however the success West Ham beneath David Moyes was all about defensive organisation and creating huge moments in transition. Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta – West Ham’s two most potent attacking gamers – are at their greatest with area to roam into. They appear cramped and restricted taking part in on this present fashion. It is testomony to Bowen’s means that he continues to be their star man. He did not need to be on the shedding aspect.
Potter must discover a resolution.
Lewis Jones
A familiar feeling for Brighton which is holding them back
Highlights from the Premier League match between Brighton and Fulham
On the face of it, there was all the time going to be late drama between Brighton and Fulham. Rodrigo Muniz’s late equaliser means there have been 4 objectives scored after the 79th minute within the final three encounters.
For Brighton, nevertheless, there was a well-known story. One other lead dropped, one other missed probability. Twenty-two factors have been dropped from profitable positions final season. Add two extra to the Fabian Hurzeler period.
Brighton’s performances beneath the German have been sensible – the eighth-placed end for the 32-year-old was under-rated when it comes to Premier League achievements final season. Think about how good they might be if they’ll maintain on to a lead?
But when proprietor Tony Bloom desires to see his dream of being in Europe each season – then his gamers will want some spine.
Sam Blitz
King is a gem – but Fulham need more elsewhere
Josh King, 18, seems to be an actual expertise for Fulham
Carlos Baleba had been strongly linked to Manchester United this week, however he was outshone by one other younger gem after 25 minutes.
It was solely Josh King’s second Premier League begin however the 18-year-old was doing rings across the Brighton midfielder. He was Fulham’s greatest risk and the participant making issues occur all through.
King impressed at Brighton
{The teenager} mixed effectively with Fulham’s key participant from final 12 months, Alex Iwobi, down the left, with King’s directness, consolation on the ball and aggressiveness within the duels a motive why he began over the accessible and extra skilled choices of Emile Smith Rowe and Andreas Pereira.
“He is a prime expertise participant and I did not have any reservations to start out with him,” mentioned Marco Silva. However the Fulham supervisor can not depend on an 18-year-old for attacking inspiration.
Extra signings are wanted – with Fulham but to make an outfield buy this summer time. Rodrigo Muniz is needed elsewhere and even when he stays, seven out of his final 9 Premier League objectives have come as an alternative. Fulham want extra gamers like King to make the distinction from the off.
Sam Blitz
