The Toffees finished a disappointing 12th place last season, their lowest position since 2003-2004. Carlo Ancelotti has been quietly going about his business, bringing in some mercurial signings in what is an ambitious rebuilding in the midfield. James Rodriguez crossed over from Real Madrid to add more creativity to a midfield that was out of place for the whole of last season. And on his debut, the Colombian midfielder showed immediate impact, creating five chances for his team-mates. James stood out with his sleek passes and unmatched energy and should have helped Everton win by a more significant margin against a static Tottenham side.
A new strategy for promoted teams?
Fulham was torn apart by a more clinical Arsenal side. And although they showed some flashes of brilliance, nothing much can be written about them. Apart from Leeds United which threw everything at Liverpool, only losing in the dying minutes of the game, other promoted teams had nothing more to offer besides averages sides.
Leicester ran all over West Brom, snatching a crucial away 0-3 win. It might be too early to judge, but going by the clumsy performance, that scoreline will be a brutal reminder to West Brom of the huge task they have in staying in the top flight.
It is even more worrying that all three promoted teams lost on the opening day. Again, questions will be asked on their preparedness. But more than the losses, there are early question marks on whether they got the quality to survive the grueling task ahead.
Flat start by Spurs or just a clinical Everton side?
Jose Mourinho is never short of controversy. And he couldn’t have missed a chance to grab the headlines even as his side succumbed to a Calvert-Lewin’s strike. The Spaniard admitted his side might have been affected by the long layoff and corona. However, he also had an issue with Everton’s goal. According to him, the free-kick, which led to the goal, was taken from the wrong place, and the goal shouldn’t have stood. Interesting!
Nonetheless, for the whole 90 minutes, Spurs were distinctly far from their best. Their attack line was missing the entire evening, wit Harry Kane only touching the ball in the penalty area twice.
Son Heung-min was the only Tottenham player that turned out for the opening fixture. He set up many chances for both Kae and Delle Ali. Unfortunately, all those went begging, raising concerns as to whether th forward line will match last season’s exploits.
Harry Kane was a pale shadow of the player who finished last season with five goals in three matches. Before the match, Mourinho had said he would need a new striker before the transfer window closes. And Tottenham’s unsinspiring performance might just reinforce his need to bring new additions o the team.
A good day for Leicester at the Hawthorns
It was a disappointing return for West Brom. And to imagine, they lost to Leicester at their backyard, make it even more worrying. For the Foxes, the 0-3 emphatic win was their biggest away win since New Year’s Day. And if there were ever questions on their preparedness and ability to challenge for the trophy, then the Sunday’s masterclass performance was a perfect answer.
Jammie Vardy was instrumental in Leicester’s win, scoring two of the three goals to set a perfect start to the league. And so after match day one, the Foxes are joint top with Arsenal. They can only hope that Vardy will get his last season’s scoring boots and surpass his tally.
For the newly promoted sides, the real test couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s about time they fastened their belts and got ready for the daunting task ahead.
