Initial impressions of other clubs after two rounds of games

[peekay]

I know it is way too early to predict trends but let us use this thread to post our initial thoughts on some of the other clubs whose games we watched.

Chelsea - They looked defensively solid. Attack was not too impressive. They lacked the thrust which Costa provides but with Hazard returning and Morata finding his feet in the premier league, it should get a lot better for them.

Spurs - I thought they were impressive for long periods of the game. They are continuing from where they left off previous season. Home form is important for them. Hopefully, the Wembley factor will trip them up.

City - Was not too impressed by their defense given the amount of money spent. Ederson also did not look that great for 35 million but he is an improvement over Bravo. Their attack is still finding their goal scoring rhythm but they have too much firepower and should easily be able to handle most of the premier league teams 7 and below.

Everton - look slow but they appear defensively solid. Pickford looks like a good buy and so does the youngster who played up front today who led the line well.

Huddersfield - I watched Huddersfield games out of curiosity. Six huge points for the Aldi Klopp. Too early to predict anything but if he continues to get 3 points out of teams in the bottom 10, Huddersfield should be safe. Do that and the Aldi Klopp will be in demand.

Newcastle - I think they are in trouble. With the Lejeune injury, defensively they look suspect. They look weak upfront also. Gayle doesn't look fit or comfortable leading the line in the premier league. However, fully expect him to score a hat-trick against us.

 

[Frogfish]

United : look much improved over last season, better balance. I expected them to be comfortably top before they meet us though due to their very easy start. We won't really see how it's panning out for them until Xmas and a few injuries hit them though.

Liverpool : we have the same team as last season and looked very good in pre-season (yes I know, it's pre-season). Coutinho staying and signing Salah could both be imperative to our season. Getting over the line against smaller teams need to improve and looks to have (pity about Watford). Need to finish more of the host of chances we are creating, despite an early injury crisis. If we don't sign another 2-3 good quality experienced players before the window closes we could be in trouble.

Spurs : Have looked off last season's form despite their results. Struggling vs. Newcastle before their Red card and unable to breakdown Chelsea. Also in need of further recruitment before the window closes.

City : early days with a much changed side. Still comfortable favourites to win the PL for me.

Arsenal : they don't look all there do they. Without Sanchez they are going to struggle - critical they keep him.

Everton : impressive start results-wise even if not performance-wise. new team though, could settle and challenge top 6.

Chelsea : Probably main challengers to United for 2nd. More of the same from last season in terms of style. Still some question marks over every area of the team though (attack, midfield and defence).​

 

[Hansern]

United: Look great defensively and have an insane depth in their squad. Looking like early favorites for me.

City: After watching yesterdays game, I'm not sure what formation will be the best. But they have so many attacking options they'll blow some teams away yet struggle against others. Still suspect defensively and question marks about their new keeper.

Chelsea: Missing some key players so its difficult to see how good they are. Will miss Costa and I'm not sure how good Rudiger is, but Bakayoko looks a great signing.

Spurs: Struggled at Wembley like many of us thought they would, long may it continue. Need a few signings to add depth to a small squad.
If not, I dont think they will compete for anything but top 3-4.

Arsenal: If they keep Sanchez they have a good shot a top 4. But still lack a CB and a midfielder. The Stoke game showed that they still are capable of these quite lackluster performances.

Liverpool: Same worries defensively but look good going forward. Salah is a great addition and keeping Coutinho will be key if he knuckles down and performs. Need at least two more signings. CB and a midfielder. Could come anything from 3-6 with the right additions, or not.

Everton: Look solid defensively but have zero pace in attack. Signing average players for a gazillion will make them harder to beat but will probably only cement their position as the 7th best team in the league.

 

[Ossi]

Top 4 will be: united, Man c, Chelsea and....Liverpool.
Sadly in that order.

 

[Insignificance]

Top 4 will be: united, Man c, Chelsea and....Liverpool.
Sadly in that order.

You are probably correct mate. However, it will be interesting to see the Developments at Chelsea as they may have some issues internally if they face problems. Both Conte and the owner are strong personalities and I hope that a few results tips against them and then it will unstablizie the Club again. Man City will continue to try to be more clever than any Club has ever been before them. Pep is like the football Version of Thom Yorke. You'll some times get the genious but it is really complicated. So they have the strength going forward but will too many times be the victims of their own smartness.

All in all this pave way for United to sit back, defend, throw some long balls to Fellaini and then win the League with a yawn. Zlatan will get his PL title and Jose get further confirmation that he is God, and then start to rip apart the Place as per usual come next season.

But it also give us the chance to continue our progress by challenging all these teams. Probably end up four, but we have a better chance this year if we use the next 8 days as good as we should.