This morning’s focus may not primarily be on league tables, but we continue to highlight the six clubs that have secured victories in their opening games.
The current standings are as follows:
1. Brighton and Hove Albion: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 3 goals scored, 0 goals conceded, 3 goal difference, 3 points
2. Arsenal: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 2 goals scored, 0 goals conceded, 2 goal difference, 3 points
3. Liverpool: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 2 goals scored, 0 goals conceded, 2 goal difference, 3 points
4. Aston Villa: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 2 goals scored, 1 goal conceded, 1 goal difference, 3 points
5. Manchester United: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 1 goal scored, 0 goals conceded, 1 goal difference, 3 points
6. Newcastle United: 1 match, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, 1 goal scored, 0 goals conceded, 1 goal difference, 3 points
The spotlight this week is on Kai Havertz, who scored during a period when media discussions have been centered on Arsenal’s need for a new striker. Havertz’s most prolific season for scoring was in 2018/19 with Bayer Leverkusen, tallying 20 goals in 42 games. His tenure at Chelsea saw a decline, where his best return was 14 goals in 47 appearances in the 2021/22 season. Last season with Arsenal, he managed 13 goals in 30 matches.
Over the last 18 league games, Havertz has demonstrated improved form, scoring 10 goals in his last 19 appearances, which translates to an impressive scoring rate of 0.52 goals per game, the highest of his career. Comparatively, last season’s leading scorers included Erling Haaland with 27, Cole Palmer with 22, and Alexander Isak with 21 goals.
Interestingly, while having a top scorer can aid clubs in reaching European competitions, it does not always correlate with league success. For instance, Newcastle and Chelsea both had top scorers but finished in lower league positions last season.
Critics of Arsenal’s spending on Havertz would do well to recognize his contributions as he has already netted a goal and provided an assist alongside Bukayo Saka in their opening match which is a promising start for both players.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton’s manager Gary O’Neil said he saw the positives in his team after their match, albeit his assessment may vary from others who viewed their defensive weaknesses. Last season, Wolverhampton conceded an average of 1.71 goals per game, matching the standard with two goals allowed in their first match.
In transfer news, Arsenal is reportedly pursuing Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino. However, they are not expected to make significant additions this summer unless a last-minute opportunity arises.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Aston Villa, who recently secured an away victory against West Ham under former Wolverhampton manager Julen Lopetegui. Observations about managerial patterns reveal Wolverhampton has cycled through eight managers since 2001, while Arsenal has had four, including temporary appointments.
The ongoing call for managerial changes and new player acquisitions often overlooks the reality that such moves do not guarantee improved performance, and at times, can exacerbate existing issues. The preference for constant change among media may stem from a desire to generate discussion or simply to create stories without thorough analysis. Ultimately, the reasons behind such demands are open to interpretation.