The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
What the Premier League's opening weekend didn't tell us
Aug 22, 2024
This time, Michael Cox, a tactical expert, joins Thom Harris, a Premier League writer, and Liam Tharme, an analyst, to dissect the Premier League's opening weekend. They delve into the early misinterpretations of team performances, particularly Aston Villa’s contrasting display. Key highlights include Liverpool's midfield conundrum and the tactical evolution in the league. They also scrutinize strikers Jamie Vardy and Dominic Solanke, exploring their contrasting journeys and future prospects in an ever-evolving football landscape.
48:55
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Quick takeaways
- Earlyseason performances of top Premier League teams can mislead due to transitional issues and varying strengths of opposition.
- Liverpool's tactical adjustments under new management highlight the importance of adapting quickly and integrating young talents for competitiveness.
Deep dives
Careful Judgments in the Early Season
Making quick judgments about the performance of top teams in the early season can be misleading due to various factors. Many big clubs faced weaker opposition in their opening matches, making it difficult to gauge their true capabilities. For instance, while Manchester City performed well against Chelsea, Chelsea was dealing with significant transitional issues, including managerial changes and player exits. Additionally, the continuity of last season's squads and lack of impactful new signings suggest that the initial results may simply reflect a carryover rather than an indication of future performance.
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