By Peter Pieh
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has brought a new sense of rejuvenation into the Arsenal squad that looked without a plan under former manager Unai Emery. Arteta has created a properly executed plan for Arsenal, and we watched them take points from Liverpool, City, Chelsea during the restart last season. The main question is can they execute Arteta’s vision on a consistent basis. New signing Gabriel from Lille and young William Saliba who was loaned out at Saint Etienne last season are a centre back partnership for the future, but they were arguably the two best young centre backs in France last season and once they get acclimatized they will be a massive upgrade in that position. Some may say giving 32 year old Willian a three-year contract may be short sighted, but the Brazilian was one of Chelsea’s most consistent contributors in the attack and experience will be another upgrade over Pepe who the jury is still out on. A new contract for Pierre Emerick-Aubaymeyang is evident and this will be another major boost for Arsenal attack wise. With less than a month left in the transfer window, Arsenal still have a lot of work to do in getting the squad to Arteta’s liking. Young Lyon midfielder Houssem Aourar would be a great addition to that midfield but Arsenal need to sell some deadweight before continuing to improve this squad.
Aston Villa
Dean Smith’s Aston Villa just managed to barely stay in the Premier League last season. Post restart Villa shifted their expansive style to a more defensive approach so it will be interesting to see if Dean Smith will continue with this. Villa have brought in a new sporting director, Johan Lange from FC COpenhagen in Denmark to adjust their recruitment after spending over $100 million last year. Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins have joined the club respectively from Nottingham Forest and Brentford, but Villa still need to improve their recruitment, they are currently linked with Arsenal No.2 Emiliano Martinez in the goalkeeping department, but they can make a few more efficient signings, keep Jack Grealish and have better luck with injuries a mid-table finish should be on the cards.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Manager Graham Potter had Brighton play some exciting football at times last season. In many ways Brighton reminds me of relegated Bournemouth. A bright young manager, who tries to play an expansive passing and pressing game, unfortunately last season they only managed 39 goals. Defensively they are very solid, captain Lewis Dunk just signed a new contract, and Brighton will now have defender Ben White back after a season out on loan at Leeds United where he was arguably the best center back in the Championship last season. Brighton have also brought Adam Lallana in on a free transfer. A fit Lallana could help unlock opposing defenses and create chances for striker Neal Maupay.
Burnley
Burnley ended the 2019/2020 with their best points tally in the Premier League, this came down to a tightlock defensive partnership of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, along with Nick Pope keeping 15 clean sheets last season. The question for Burnley is how do they build on this, Jeff Hendrick has left to join Newcastle and James Tarkowski has been linked with moves to West Ham and Crystal Palace. Sean Dyche has been clear that this team needs reinforcements but it’s hard to imagine Burnley punching above their weight again without the needed additions to their squad.
Chelsea
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea had modest expectations last season. With a young squad, and an inexperienced manager most people thought they would be lucky to finish in the top four. Owner Roman Abramovich and his #2 Marina Granovskaia arguably the most powerful women in football have taken advantage of a depressed transfer market and a relaxing Financial Fair Play to spend money like Chelsea of old. Chelsea have looked at each area of weakness in this squad and enhanced each position with true quality. Timo Werner can be the #9 they have been crying out for since Drogba left, Kai Havertz is truly a future Balon d’or winner in my opinion. Hakim Ziyech brings a new dynamic to their attack as Pedro and Willian have left, Ben Chillwell is an upgrade on Marcos Alonso at LB, and even at 35 Thiago Silva is still a powerful and experienced centerback. Chelsea should be acquiring a new goalkeeper with them linked with Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy coming in as well. The question for Frank Lampard now is how he will plug these new signings into this young squad.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace endured a difficult end to last season loing seven games in a row during the restart. Palace have bought two bright talents from the championship, Nathan Ferguson from West Brom and Eberchi Eze from Queens Park Rangers, who will hopefully ease the burden on Wilfried Zaha. Speaking of Zaha, the question of will he stay is still very much in the year. The talisman clearly wants to leave the club, but his $70 million valuation has put clubs off for two years now. If Palace can keep Zaha you can expect another mid table for them.
Everton
When Carlo Ancelotti took the job at Everton, many people didn’t know what to expect. Ancelotti has managed giants Milan, PSG, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern before a poor stint at Napoli. The project to rebuild Everton in his eyes will be his most challenging one yet, but Ancelotti has so far been backed by owner Farhad Moshiri. Ancelotti wanted a new midfield and he now has Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford, Allan from Napoli and for a third time James Rodriguez. James is the club’s biggest ever signing, but their are questions over the Colombian who only managed 8 appearances at Real Madrid last season. If Ancelotti can get the most out of this midfield three, they will add quality, energy, and creativity to Everton.
Fulham
During the 2018/2019 season Fulham spent nearly $100 million, but they wildly underperformed. The club went through 3 managers and were relegated. Now with former player Scott Parker at the helm, Fulham will hope that he will have learned from the mistakes of his past colleagues. Fulham have recruited USA international Antonne Robinson from Wigan to add depth at left back, PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has also come in on loan and Kenneth Tete from Lyon should also be an improvement for them at right back. An alternative to Aleksandr Mitrovic will be a key issue for them to address as well. Even with the new recruitment it will be a major uphill struggle for Fulham to stay in the Premier League.
Leeds United
After nearly two decades Leeds are finally back with El Loco Marcelo Bielsa at the helm. Bielsa has spent two seasons in the Championship molding this Leeds team in to a tactical pressing and defensively astute team. Leeds have added record signing Rodrigo from Valencia and German international Robin Koch to bolster the club’s attack and defense. The question for Bielsa will be does his high-octane style work in the premier league.
Leicester City
Leicester held a nearly 14 point lead of Manchester Untied through last season, but ultimately injuries and poor form led to a significant drop as Leicester finished outside of the top four. With Europa League this season, it will be interesting to see how Leicester will react to their dismal form at the end of last season. Leicester has lost Ben Chilwell for Chelsea seemingly under the $70 million valuation they had for the left back. They’ve replaced him with Atalanta wing back Timothy Castange but otherwise recruitment has been minimal. Leicester can still cause problems with virtually any team in the league, but questions about squad depth and a condensed premier league along with Europa may be too much to ask for this squad. Jamie Vardy showed at 32 that his goal record of 23 goals should not be questioned. That being said, can he continue his form a year older? Leicester’s squad depth is what hurt them last season and without many key additions it will be seen how they can react this season.
Liverpool
The Liverpool project was in full effect last year, winning their first league title in over 20 years, breaking records upon records this season, but the question is how will they defend their first Premier League title. Since February we saw a small decline with some poor results against Atletico in the Champions League, a 3-0 loss to Watford and they dropped more points once the league title was solidified. Defending the Premier League is one of the most difficult feats in sports in my opinion. Liverpool have been one of the many clubs hit financially by COVID-19 and we saw it early as they pulled out of a deal for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner. Liverpool did bring in cover at left back with Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiakos. Liverpool will not have a season like the last, the question for them is how will they adapt and improve to win the league two years in a row.
Manchester City
Last season was eye-opening for City, Pep Guardiola lost the most games in one season during his entire career, and City failed again in Europe. David Silva has left the club, Aguero is a year older and his contract expires in 2021, and even Pep’s future is unknown as he only has one more year on his contract. City’s main weakness last season was at centerback, a long term injury to Laporte all but sealed the club’s fate. Otamendi and Stones were nowhere near in quality, Fernandinho as makeshift centerback left a big whole in the midfield and youngster Eric Garcia was inexperienced. City have bought Bournemouth CB Nathan Ake who’s defensive astuteness and comfort on the ball will compliment Laporte. City are also heavily linked with Napoli defender Kalidou Kouliably which will be a serious upgrade from Stones and Otamendi. City did lose Leroy Sane to Bayern, but replaced him with the young talented Spanish winger Ferran Torres. The question for City is will these additions to the squad be enough to take them up level both in the premier league and Europe.
Manchester United
United had a slightly odd season last year. During the first half, they looked like a team destined to finish mid table. Post January the addition of Bruno Fernandes, resurgent Paul Pogba, and the addition of youngster Mason Greenwood pushed the squad to a third place finish. United have added Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek but there are many question marks over them. Dean Henderson has been recalled from Sheffield United and will he be United’s No.1 over De Gea? The Jadon Sancho links continue and will likely not be settled until October 5th, if United obtain Sancho they will be a very different team, if they do not, they will clearly need an upgrade on Dan James on the wings. United’s squad may look very different on October 5th, which will be a huge indication on where they will be this season.
Newcastle United
Months ago, Newcastle were the talk of the league. It looked like the dream of new ownership would be real with Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed Bin Salman acquiring to take over the club. Unfortunately owner Mike Ashley remains at the club and the dream of Newcastle joining the upper echelon is gone. While ownership talks have stalled, Newcastle have put together a quietly solid transfer window. Callum Wilson joins from Bournemouth, his teammate Ryan Fraser joined on a free, JeffHendrick came in on a free from Burnley, and talented young Norwich left back Jamal Lewis is now a Newcastle player. If Newcastle continue their recruitment long with solid performances from Allan Saint-Maxim ,Newcastle may surprise people.
Sheffield United
Chris Wilder and Sheffield surprised everyone last season with a 9th place finish. The club would like to maintain that form this season. With Dean Henderson recalled to Man United, Sheffield purchased Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Sheffield also swiftly signed Ethan Ampadu on loan from Chelsea, Max Lowe and Jaydon Bogle from Derby to bolster the sides defense. Sheffield will hope their unsung heroes like Oliver Norwood, Chris Basham and John Fleck can continue to maintain their consistency.
Southampton
It is still almost unfathomable that this Southampton team lost 9-0 a year ago. All hope seemed shattered, but manager Ralph Hassenhuttle brought things back to basics, revamped the club and switched the formation to a 4-2-2-2 similar to his previous stint at RB Leipzig. Southampton became one of the best pressing teams in the premier league, Danny Ings ended the season with 22 goals and Southampton finished modestly at 11th place. They have bolstered their defense with signing Kyle Walker-Peters on a permanent deal from Tottenham, and Ghanian center back Mohamaed Salisu from Valladolid in Spain. Hasenhuttle developed a Southampton “playbook” during COVID to adhere to the clubs youth policy and playing style. If Ings can keep his consistency this new version of Southampton may surprise people.
Tottenham
Last season, we saw Jose Mourinho invoke his pragmatic dogged approach to a beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur. Though they missed out on top 4, Jose did manage to get injury hit Spurs to a sixth place finish. Now the task is to try and mold Spurs into his team. Pierre Emile-Hojberg and Matt Doherty have joined respectively from Southampton and Wolves. These will be useful additions but Spurs’ main problems are what happens if Harry Kane goes down injured again? Spurs have gone seasons without a proper backup to Kane and as of today they still don’t have one. There’s also the problem of Tanguy Ndombele, Spurs record signing who has essentially been cast aside by Jose. Mourinho usually has a short shelf life at clubs for three seasons, this year Jose will try to continue to mold Spurs into a solid defensive unit that can play on the counter.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom consistently stayed in 2nd last season in the Championship but there form towards the end of the season was dismal. COVID could be a reason for that, but Slavin Blilic’s side don’t seem to be well equipped for a tough premier league season. They’ve managed to keep most of the same side from last season including securing Grady Diangana from West Ham on a permanent deal. For them to stay up they need to improve both defensively and in the attack. They’ve been linked with strikers and defenders but with the season starting soon it’s essentially the same squad as last season. This worked well for Chris Wilder’s Sheffield, so West Brom will hope that keeping consistency will help them stay up.
West Ham United
David Moyes’ West Ham have been relatively quiet this summer. That is until captain Mark Noble voiced anger over the club’s decision to sell youngster Grady Diangana to West Brom. To add further displeasure, Jack Wilshere sent an instagram message to young Diangana “ Go and do your thing at a club that respects you”. Wilshere is looking at ending his contract at West Ham as well. With no new signings, and displeasure from players, David Moyes could be in for a rude awakening at West Ham.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
With a grueling Europa League campaign, Wolves played more football last year compared to any other team in the Premier League. Though they sold key contributor Matt Doherty to Spurs, Wolves continue to reinforce with top Portuguese talent. 18 year old Fabio Silva joins from FC Porto, though young and inexperienced, the Portuguese youngster comes with a huge pedigree. Marcal joins from Lyon to bolster their defense as well and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wolves continue to reinforce before the October 5th deadline. With only domestic league football this season, I expect manager Nuno Espirito Santo to continue to get the best out of Wolves and push for a top 8 finish.