10 Premier League Hot Takes After Game Week One

1. Arsenal: Bukayo Saka’s Ascendancy to Premier League’s Best

Arsenal kicked off their season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Wolves, and once again, Bukayo Saka was the star of the show. With a goal and an assist, the 22-year-old continues to impress with his consistent brilliance. The question is no longer if but when Saka will be crowned the Premier League’s best player.

2. Aston Villa: Jhon Duran Deserves to Start Alongside Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa secured a 2-1 win over West Ham, with Jhon Duran scoring the decisive goal. Given his impact off the bench, it’s time for Unai Emery to consider starting Duran alongside Ollie Watkins to maximize Villa’s attacking potential.

3. Bournemouth: Life After Dominic Solanke

Despite losing Dominic Solanke for £65 million, Bournemouth managed a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. The Cherries look ready to thrive under Andoni Iraola, especially with new signing Evanilson poised to make his mark as the club’s leading striker.

4. Brentford: Time to Move On from Ivan Toney

After Brentford’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, Thomas Frank hinted that the club might be better off without Ivan Toney. With the dynamic duo of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo stepping up, Brentford could benefit from cashing in on Toney and focusing on those committed to the cause.

5. Brighton: Yankuba Minteh’s Instant Impact

Brighton’s 3-0 win at Everton was highlighted by an electrifying 45-minute debut from Yankuba Minteh. Though his game was cut short, Minteh showed enough to suggest he could quickly become one of the league’s top wingers. Brighton seems to have unearthed another gem.

6. Chelsea: Enzo Maresca’s Tactical Prowess

While much has been said about Chelsea’s ongoing project, their performance in a closely contested match against Manchester City deserves praise. Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach kept the reigning champions on their toes, although Chelsea’s lack of a clinical finisher, notably Nicolas Jackson, proved costly.

7. Crystal Palace: The Marc Guehi Conundrum

After rejecting Newcastle’s £65 million bid for Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace might need to reconsider. While Guehi is undoubtedly talented, cashing in on him could allow the Eagles to reinvest in the squad and still maintain their mid-table status.

8. Everton: Another Tough Season Ahead

Everton’s season opener at Goodison Park ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brighton. Despite Sean Dyche’s experience, the Toffees look set for another relegation battle, with veteran players like Ashley Young failing to make a positive impact.

9. Fulham: Emile Smith Rowe Needs Time to Shine

Fulham’s narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester United showcased glimpses of Emile Smith Rowe’s potential. Although his debut was low-key, Smith Rowe’s quick thinking and creativity indicate that, once fully up to speed, he could be a game-changer for Fulham.

10. Ipswich Town: Fitness Could Be Their Downfall

Ipswich Town put up a brave fight in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, matching the Reds for 50 minutes before running out of steam. If Ipswich can improve their fitness levels, they might just have enough to avoid relegation.

These insights after the first week of Premier League action provide a glimpse of what’s to come this season. From Saka’s rise to stardom to the potential struggles of newly promoted Ipswich, the season is already shaping up to be full of intrigue and surprises.