Premier League: Five things we learnt from Gameweek 2 | OneFootball

After just two weeks, there are storylines aplenty in the Premier League. From a remarkable clash in the north east, to worries in West London and a different story for the promoted sides, here are five things we learnt from Gameweek 2 in the Premier League.

Graham Potter already under pressure

Ruben Amorim may have stolen the limelight as the first Premier League manager to be facing the sack this season, suffering a cup defeat against League Two Grimsby, but it’s an equally precarious time for Graham Potter. West Ham have lost three consecutive matches in both league and cup, conceding 11 goals while scoring just one. Their latest defeat saw them surrender a 2-1 lead away to West Ham, courtesy of a late four-minute double from Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Whilst questions will be raised as to how this was possible fielding seven defensively-minded senior players in a 3-4-2-1 formation, the scenes at full time will raise more. Jarrod Bowen would have leaped over the advertising board to confront an angry Hammers fan but his teammates intervened. Has Potter already lost control of the dressing room? Or is this frustration compounded from several seasons spent fading away from achieving seventh place in 2022?

What’s certain is that West Ham have shown little goal threat against weaker teams on paper and at home, with an expected goals of less than half their actual output. Potter is likely already preparing for an inquest if he fails to challenge Nottingham Forest for three points.

Were we wrong about Spurs?

Staying in London, Tottenham Hotspur shocked the Premier League after a deserved 2-0 win against Manchester City. It was a classic away performance, staying on the defensive for most of the game and preying on mistakes from the home side. Yet, their second was thanks to exacting a bold high press at the right time, something that Postecoglou’s team struggled with.

Last week, we suggested that Spurs might have to wait for their ambition of another top four finish. Particularly, after Arsenal snatched away the signature of Eberechi Eze. But they have maintained a perfect start against one of Liverpool’s title rivals. What’s more, João Palhinha looked immense in defensive midfield and the ever-sharper Richarlison notched another goal involvement.

Spurs profit from five very winnable match ups ahead, including the likes of struggling rivals West Ham and Leeds United, and are looking to hijack Xavi Simons’ move to Chelsea. Regaining their status as a top four mainstay could very much be on the cards for Thomas Frank and his side.

Home form is the key to survival

Burnley continued their impeccable run of form at home last Saturday, dating back to August last year. They were unnbeaten at Turf Moor last season and managed to overcome Sunderland 2-0, who had looked impressive against West Ham – you guessed it – at home.

Earlier this month, BBC Sport published an article reviewing promoted sides’ performances over the last 20 years and what the secret to survival is. The average points required to survive has dropped to 32, a total the new boys will aspire to this season. More striking is the need for a fast start; every team will 11 points or more after 10 games have survived. Only 20% of those with between eight and 10 points have done so, and just eight percent of teams with seven points or less.

After two matches, Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland have all picked up three points and have all done so at home. But this factor wasn’t present in their report. Their form in their own back yard could be vital in this season’s relegation dogfight.

If you’re good enough, you’re old enough

Last weekend saw the dazzling introduction of teenagers Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, aged just 15 and 16 respectively. Whilst an appearance by itself is impressive, their contributions left fans and pundits stunned.

Fan account now.arsenal noted that Dowman has won a penalty for Arsenal in each of his three cameos from the bench, during preseason and against Leeds. He has shown excellent ball control and balance, despite the fact he will remain eligible for England’s youth set up for another five years. Speaking to Sky Sports, Mikel Arteta praised “the way these kids have been raised and the environment created.” He also highlighted the fact that Dowman’s teammates didn’t hesitate to pass him the ball.

As for Ngumoha, he went on to score the winner against Newscastle as Liverpool had to rely on their bench once more to rescue three points. The composure he demonstrated in thumping the ball home is far from easy, as he joins the likes of James Milner and Wayne Rooney who also marked their debuts with goals at 16.

Yet another young revolution is taking place this season, and players like Dowman and Ngumoha will only continue to raise the bar higher for future talent.

A tighter title race

Three Premier League teams remain with a perfect record: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool. With a more lenient schedule for Spurs and reinforcements coming through the door at Arsenal, Liverpool may not be in for as easy of a ride as they had last season – winning the league with a 10-point buffer.

Viktor Gyökeres is now off the mark for The Gunners with a goal from open play and a penalty, if anything calming the nerves Arsenal fans may have had after a quiet debut. Liverpool arguably had the most successful summer window in the Premier League, yet Florian Wirtz is still without a goal involvement and was withdrawn early in both games, while Jeremie Frimpong is set for a spell on the sidelines.

A feeling that Liverpool could face a serious challenge for the title this season could be growing in North London. But with a long way still to go, anything is possible.

You can keep up to date with all Premier League news with a new ‘five things we learned’ every week.