The Premier League's opening weekend always brings a mix of excitement and unpredictability. Despite months of preparation, many top clubs found themselves grappling with issues that need immediate attention. Here’s a detailed look at the challenges faced by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa, along with potential solutions.

Arsenal: Fix the Press

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United was far from convincing. With only 39% possession, the Gunners struggled to control the game. Their pressing structure, usually a strong suit, was easily bypassed by United. Mikel Arteta needs to reconfigure the press to ensure better ball retention and defensive solidity.

Chelsea: Find a Levi Colwill Replacement and Utilize Cole Palmer

Chelsea faced a significant setback with Levi Colwill’s ACL injury. Enzo Maresca must find a suitable replacement to maintain the team’s build-up play. Additionally, moving Cole Palmer to a wider role could provide him with more space and opportunities to influence the game.

Liverpool: Rely on Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. The integration of new signings like Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez is crucial. Bringing Ryan Gravenberch back into the midfield could stabilize the team and allow fullbacks to push forward more effectively.

Aston Villa: Add Pace and Width

Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle exposed issues with passing and width. Unai Emery’s midfield-heavy lineup lacked the pace to stretch the opposition. Introducing more dynamic players like Donyell Malen could provide the necessary width and attacking threat.

In conclusion, while the opening weekend provided valuable insights, these top clubs must address their issues promptly to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.