Transfer Impact on the Premier League Opening Weekend | OneFootball

It’s funny how the opening weekend of arguably the biggest soccer league in the world became as much (sometimes more) about the transfer market than the play on the pitch. In nearly every fixture, transfers popped up as either an excuse for poor performance, a reason for victory, or simply a convenient distraction technique. One curious fact: at least one newly transferred player featured in every Premier League team’s starting XI.

Transfers… as a Distraction

Aston Villa looked pathetic in their debut against Brighton on Saturday. Disjointed, uninspired and thoroughly outclassed, the Europa League winners looked anything but as they fell 4-0. The Seagulls were already up by four when newly signed Villan João Gomes (who looked off-pace and not match fit) was shown a straight red for violent conduct in the 40th minute. That’s one way to get your rest time. Other new signings were either injured (Brian Madjo) or not match ready (Johan Manzambi).

While manager Unai Emery had enough character to not blame transfers (outcoming or incoming) for this loss, he wasn’t shy about calling out one player whose current transfer drama resulted in a very glaring absence. Emery would not deny the pervasive rumor that Ollie Watkins refused to suit up for the fixture. When asked, he simply replied: “This question is for him. I can answer only with silence.” Watkins’ camp is reportedly in discussion with Al Hilal for an upcoming move; Aston Villa has already rejected a number of bids from the Saudi club.

Yes, it’s true that Villa also lost Ezra Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans, but that’s no excuse. Brighton had an equally tumultuous summer of departures (Danny Welbeck, Jan Paul van Hecke, James Milner) but it didn’t show in their game.

Transfers… as an Excuse

Will the real Manchester United please stand up?

The Red Devils rekindled supporter exuberance last season by refinding their ruthless edge after the horror-show of Ruben Amorim, stomping over opponents under the caretaker manager Michael Carrick. Tellingly, those two managers met in the final friendly of the pre-season, when Amorim’s AC Milan thumped United by a 4-2 scoreline. In his article for Hooligan Soccer, correspondent Dominic Raynor wrote that this match was a much needed wake-up call for United, and that Carrick was desperate to sign some additional personnel. “We want more, we need more,” he reputedly said before the match.

Well, neither the wake-up call nor the reinforcements showed up in their debut against Hull City. United did start Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos above the backline in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but the chemistry between the $110M pair was lacking. A silly foul from Tielemans led to a goal, and both were subbed off with 23 minutes remaining. Ouch. Last year’s prize purchase, Matheus Cunha, was ineffective as a false nine; Benjamin Šeško and Marcus Rashford didn’t ignite sparks with their arrival on the pitch either. 

The Flip Side…

Just like Manchester, the newly promoted Tigers started two of their eleven new signings: goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and center-back Nobel Mendy. A third, Lucas Herrington, came on in the second half. But these were truly impactful. Mendy had a dream debut, scoring the second goal which gave Hull a cushion before half-time. Tzolakis kept a clean sheet and made five saves, as Manchester United put sixteen shots wide of the mark, and whose combined xG on target was an anemic 0.6. 

Hull City may still be the team pundits think will drop first; United might still be a side folks think will finish in the Top 5. But based on this match, you’d think those roles were reversed.

Transfers… for the Win

You could argue Hull City are in this category, but it’s Ipswich Town who’ll take this honor. The Tractor Boys broke their record transfer fee twice this summer. Early July saw striker Emersonn (the first Brazilian to ever play for the club) come on board for $31.8M. Five weeks later, Paraguayan Julio Enciso crashed through that ceiling for $34.7M. On Saturday, those two combined to score Ipswich’s first goal. If they keep dancing this tango, that money spent will seem a bargain. Although Sunderland equalized a quarter-hour after Emersonn’s goal, Ipswich would snatch the full three points after Jack Clarke (who subbed on for Enciso) found the net in the 90th minute. That assist was provided by another transfer, Saša Lukić. 

Transfers… without Effect

Everton counts Andy Burnham among its supporters, and the current Prime Minister hasn’t been shy voicing his opinion on their lack of activity in the transfer window. Everton has welcomed five players; Palace only three. In fact, the two sides made a lovely little switcheroo around two weeks back: exchanging Brennan Rogers for Dwight McNeil. McNeil started for the Eagles, while Everton started Tyrique George, who fired a match-high five shots, Hayden Hackney and Merlin Röhl, whose blistering speed and long-ball accuracy impressed. But ultimately, nobody fresh off the transfer wire had any meaningful impact. Instead, Crystal Palace’s profligacy in front of goal and myriad wasted chances proved their undoing.

Transfers… as Man of the Match

Three new transfers received Man of the Match honors. Christos Tzolis of Arsenal might not have registered a goal or an assist, but he was a key contributor in two of the Gunners’ three goals. Julio Enciso (mentioned above for Ipswich), received a standing ovation when he left the pitch in the 71st minute. Mamadou Sangaré, who came from RC Lens, was ruthless in Brentford’s 3-0 skinning of Tottenham.

Overall Transfer Impact Stats