Here we are, once again full of anticipation ahead of a new Premier League season.
Just the fact that we can refer to it simply as the “Premier League” is a little exciting; no more corporate branding of the world’s most entertaining sports league. There is even a brand new logo, and as is the case with any new logo there has been criticism. I actually quite like the new “Lion’s Head,” partly because that sounds like a name of a pub, but it is also simple and just ferocious enough to tell me the league means business this year.
Manchester City and West Ham United also have new team crests, which Twitter trolls have been quick to pick apart. I think they both look fine, but then I am not one to lose any sleep on new looks, be they crests or uniforms. We’ll all get used to them over time, so get over it.
Ahead of every weekend this season I will give you my three thoughts on what’s going on in the Premier League. These might not always be the biggest stories, but rather my personal observations as the games approach each Saturday.
So, Matchday 1, here you go…
Early season narrative means nothing?
It is always amusing reading back blogs you wrote in previous years. I especially enjoy the early season narratives that really seem important and life changing, but then as the campaign drags on become irrelevant. Or do they? Last season, Matchday 1 saw Leicester City smash Sunderland 4-2 and, well, that gave us a glimpse of what to expect from the Foxes.
However, I wrote on more than one occasion last season that although Leicester was nice story, it would not last. For example, in one blog I wrote:
“So what does it mean? Anything? Is this foreshadowing for what will be a historic “changing of the guard?” Will these pretenders continue as contenders? Sadly, it is unlikely.”
Also, Chelsea was held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea City in Matchday 1, and I kept insisting in the ensuing weeks that the Blues’ early struggles and controversies were mere road bumps and nothing to worry about. I got that one wrong, eh? This all just reminds us of what a crazy season it was, but I do still believe, generally speaking, the knee buckling, click bating early narratives tend to fade away as the season progresses.
The stats geeks tell us Man United are better with Ibrahimovic and Pogba
Ahead of its trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, Manchester United is the team to watch this season for me. Of course, there are many clubs I am looking forward to watch; certainly cross town rivals Manchester City with their Pep-olution will be must-watch TV, but the arrivals of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic specifically have my blood pressure rising.
So, how much better will United be this season with Pogba and Ibra in the starting XI? Well, how does a 10-point improvement sound to you? According to a report by really smart people, that is what to expect. A ten point improvement would put United at 76 points on the season, good enough for Champions League football, but unlikely enough to win the Premier League.
There you have it. Now, there is every chance that before a ball gets kicked that an Octopus in Thailand, an Orangutan in Switzerland or a Badger in Keswick might well crown United champions, so it is up to you who to believe: A math major or a primate? I know which one I’ll choose, but I’ll keep that to myself.
New rules, more pressure on the refs
There are new rules in place for the 2016-2017 season, but here are two that I cannot wait to see implemented by a brave official:
• Running to argue decisions, arguing face-to-face with officials, and “visibly disrespectful” actions will result in yellow cards.
• Red cards will be issued to players who confront officials and use insulting and/or offensive language or gestures towards them.
I love the idea, and I really hope it is implemented early in the season and isn’t forgotten as the season moves forward, but I have huge doubts. We will find out soon that every match is marred by poor behaviour from players towards officials—EVERY MATCH. So, will we see a yellow or red card issued this weekend? How many? What’s the over/under? I am saying it will be five yellows in the first weekend, zero reds, and then we’ll have forgotten all about it by about Matchday 5. John Terry is injured, though, which might make things easier.
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