Premier League - 3 Talking Points From The Weekend’s Action

The Premier League returned this weekend to thrill and excite football fans all over. Some new stories are beginning to develop and in the case of Manchester United, some things remain the same.

#1 – Spurs make huge statement

Tottenham’s performance in the transfer window meant increased expectations this season. At the end of the game, Spurs manager Antonio Conte wore a look that suggested he was very impressed. Tottenham’s impressive comeback against Southampton was an indication of the progress made over the summer. The three new signings, Ivan Perisic, Clément Lenglet and Yves Bissouma were given only late cameos, by which time Spurs were 4-1 up.

Conte knows that a bench that was missing the suspended Richarlison and Djed Spence now has the depth to compete on all fronts. “The message was very clear that we’ve signed new players to improve our squad because our squad was really poor last season and the Champions League spot was a big achievement,” he said. “Our first goal was to improve the squad, not just players physically but also mentally. We wanted the right players for my philosophy.

#2 – Big Season on the horizon for Martinelli

It took three months for Gabriel Martinelli to get off the mark last season but only 20 minutes to open his account. His header at Selhurst Park was well taken and it was a reminder of his potential. For all the excitement around Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal have another potentially explosive Brazilian forward in their ranks. It is easy to forget Martinelli has only just turned 21.

He tends to be deployed on the left but rotated positions with Jesus to good effect in the first half. There is a strong sense his long-term future lies down the middle. Many Arsenal fans crave a backup centre-forward to take the load off Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Martinelli would surely be able to fill that position adeptly if needed. For now there is plenty to like about the instinctive relationship the Brazil teammates appear to have struck up.

#3 – Lisandro Martinez disappoints on debut

It is unfair to pick out one player from Manchester United’s dire Premier League opening display under Erik ten Hag. However, Lisandro Martínez seriously struggled against Brighton. These are, of course, the earliest of days for the new centre-back but he will have to learn fast. The diminutive Argentinian is a footballer the manager knows well but there are question marks over his stature.

There will be aerial tests thrown his way this season of the type he failed to deal with against Brighton. Danny Welbeck rose highest above him when missing a close-range header in the second half. Martínez might also have conceded a penalty when bundling over the same player in a really average performance. One that did nothing to suggest the 24-year-old can help stead United’s shaky defence.