Premier League 2024/25: What we discovered about Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal and remainder of high flight in pre-season

Pre-season is formally over – so the place does that go away the 20 Premier League golf equipment with the season now simply days away? Sky Sports activities picks out some speaking factors from every group…

Arsenal are evolving – they need it greater than ever

Mikel Arteta was requested if Arsenal‘s intense urgent exhibits they’re prepared to start out the Premier League season. “It looked like that to me,” he replied.

For the reason that Gunners got here again from their United States tour in the beginning of August, you possibly can see the Gunners’ need of their eyes. Off the ball, they’ve appeared distinctive.

Of their 4-1 win over Leverkusen, Arsenal scored twice in a minute as a result of Leandro Trossard pressed Leverkusen just about right away from kick-off and bought the second objective. The identical occurred towards Lyon with Declan Rice profitable the ball, solely this time Arsenal missed the prospect for 2-0.

The Gunners need to kill video games early as they try and evolve this season. They appear the identical – they rating from set items and so they give nothing to their opponents – however the margins to beat Manchester Metropolis are so small that near-perfection is required. Arsenal appear like they need it greater than ever.

An additional push may come from Riccardo Calafiori, whose bodily presence in defence appears to be like like a stylistic different to Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s passing sport.

And there could possibly be extra youth merchandise popping out of Arsenal this season, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri impressing at inverted left-back and attacking midfield respectively.

To ensure that Arsenal to go one higher this season, they should evolve as soon as once more. The early indicators are brilliant.

Pre-season outcomes

July 24: Arsenal 1-1 (5-4 pens) Bournemouth; July 27: Arsenal 2-1 Man Utd; July 31: Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool; August 7: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen; August 11: Arsenal 2-0 Lyon

Rogers pleasure sums up Aston Villa’s energy in depth

Aston Villa performed seven pre-season matches however gained only one out of the ultimate 5. Defeat to Colombus Crew was a shock however extra pertinently, losses to RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund steered inexperience of competing with Europe’s elite could possibly be a priority forward of the Champions League.

One plus level is the type of Morgan Rogers, who ended final season in excellent kind and continued that into pre-season. The ahead began each pre-season match and rating three targets in his first two matches – he’s at present in line to start out the season alongside Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins in assault.

Villa misplaced Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby within the switch window however the additions of Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana and Enzo Barrenechea, a full pre-season for Jacob Ramsey, plus the returns of Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer imply they’re nicely coated in each positions.

The truth is, the identical could possibly be mentioned for the entire group. Villa’s switch exercise has led to 2 good gamers vying for every place, hinting Unai Emery is seeking to have one other crack on the high 4 alongside the membership’s Champions League exploits.

Pre-season outcomes

July 17: Walsall 0-3 Aston Villa; July 20: Spartak Trnava 0-3 Aston Villa; July 27: Aston Villa 1-4 Columbus Crew; July 31: Aston Villa 0-2 RB Leipzig; August 3: Aston Villa 0-1 Membership America; August 7: Aston Villa 3-2 Athletic Bilbao; August 10: Aston Villa 0-2 Borussia Dortmund

Bournemouth’s mission to interchange Solanke

How will Andoni Iraola change the outgoing Dominic Solanke? With back-up striker Enes Unal recovering from foot surgical procedure that passed off final month, it is going to be a query dealing with the Bournemouth supervisor as this season begins.

Bournemouth’s first sport with out Solanke – their remaining pre-season match towards Girona – noticed totally different choices tried. Phillip Billing led the road for the Cherries, whereas younger striker Daniel Jebbison got here off the bench to internet the winner in a 3-2 victory.

And there are nonetheless loads of targets on this Bournemouth facet. Justin Kluivert and Luis Sinisterra additionally discovered the online in that sport, whereas Antoine Semenyo will look to construct on his optimistic marketing campaign final trip which noticed him rating eight Premier League targets.

Preserve a watch out for attacking midfielder Alex Scott, who endured a injury-hit debut marketing campaign on the south coast final trip. Bournemouth’s assault just isn’t the identical with out Solanke, however that does not imply it may possibly’t nonetheless be efficient.

Pre-season outcomes

July 20: Wrexham 1-1 Bournemouth; July 24: Arsenal 1-1 (5-4 pens) Bournemouth; August 4: Bournemouth 1-0 Rayo Vallecano; August 10: Bournemouth 3-2 Girona

Brentford have sufficient targets – however what in regards to the again?

As Ivan Toney‘s future continues to hold within the steadiness, Brentford’s pre-season has proven how they could adapt ought to their talisman depart.

Membership file signing Igor Thiago – seen because the pure Toney alternative – scored a brace in a 5-2 win over AFC Wimbledon, however the Brazilian striker has been dominated out till the tip of the yr after struggling a meniscus damage in that sport.

However whereas Thiago has suffered an early blow to his Bees profession, the attacking type of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa has been a serious optimistic for Thomas Frank.

The three forwards all discovered the online in Brentford’s first and final pre-season matches towards AFC Wimbledon and Wolfsburg – plus Toney returning towards the latter hints that he’ll add to that assault for one remaining season.

Nevertheless, whereas the assault is firing, the defence is uneasy. Aaron Hickey, Ben Mee and Rico Henry – who all missed massive chunks of final season – barely performed a match between them in pre-season, that means it’s probably a makeshift again 4 of Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock and Kristoffer Ajer will begin the marketing campaign.

However the imminent arrivals of midfielders Jens Cajuste and Fabio Carvalho will increase spirits because the season begins. With the targets flowing and the defence removed from convincing, Brentford could possibly be an entertaining look ahead to the impartial.

Pre-season outcomes

July 20: AFC Wimbledon 2-5 Brentford; July 25: Benfica 1-1 Brentford; July 30: Estrela da Amadora 3-1 Brentford;
August 3: Brentford 1-1 Watford; August 9: Brentford 4-4 Wolfsburg

Brighton wanting sharp below Hurzeler

If pre-season is any indication, then Brighton followers can add Yankuba Minteh to the listing of promising younger wingers lighting up the south coast.

The 20-year-old has wanted little teething time after his £30m transfer from Newcastle United, discovering the online towards Kashima Antlers, Tokyo Verdy, Queens Park Rangers and Villarreal with a sharpness befitting his clawed celebration.

The truth is, the 4-0 win over Villarreal displayed Brighton’s depth in assault. Danny Welbeck scored twice, whereas Joao Pedro joined Minteh on the scoresheet. Kaoru Mitoma is again after his long-term damage with Simon Adingra and Jeremy Sarmiento – who impressed final season at Ipswich – additionally set for giant campaigns.

The Seagulls additionally dipped into the market to get Ibrahim Osman and Arsenal’s highly-rated winger Amario Cozier-Duberry and if Celtic’s Matt O’Riley joins, then the Seagulls have their good alternative for the departed Pascal Gross, one of the inventive gamers within the league final time period.

Beneath new supervisor Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton look sharp. They gained each sport in pre-season, the duty now’s to show that pleasant kind into league factors.

Pre-season outcomes

July 24: Kashima Antlers 1-5 Brighton; July 28: Tokyo Verdy 2-4 Brighton; August 3: QPR 0-1 Brighton, Brighton 4-0 Villarreal

New faces however standard Chelsea?

Chelsea‘s pre-season marketing campaign has presumably left Enzo Maresca with extra questions than solutions. As the brand new boss makes an attempt to organise his bloated squad into one thing coherent, or not less than recognisable, new additions proceed to land on his doorstep.

Pedro Neto, launched throughout Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Inter, is the membership’s newest arrival, and tenth recruit of the summer time window – eleventh when you embrace Maresca himself.

As for the soccer, it feels muddled. The Italian has an apparent model – evident when Leicester gained the Championship title final time period – however that model, or identification, is but to translate at Chelsea.

The Blues conceded 13 targets throughout six video games throughout pre-season. Of these six, they managed only one win, and that was towards Mexican group Membership America. Maresca’s facet are, at finest, defensively naive – at worst, utterly chaotic. Not what you need when Manchester Metropolis are the primary guests to city on opening weekend.

The supervisor has already been pressured to defend his persistence with a excessive line, which has landed Chelsea in all types of hassle throughout a messy pre-season. Defensive errors noticed them concede twice towards Wrexham, 4 occasions towards Celtic, earlier than transport one other 4 to Man Metropolis – ominous given the way in which the fixture listing has fallen.

Maresca merely has extra gamers than he is aware of what to do with – 41 are listed on Chelsea’s web site. Simply the place all these people – a time period used intentionally – match is unquestionably Maresca’s foremost and biggest problem, and that is earlier than a aggressive ball is even kicked.

Pre-season outcomes

July 24: Chelsea 2-2 Wrexham; July 27: Chelsea 1-4 Celtic; July 31: Chelsea 0-3 Membership America; August 3: Chelsea 2-4 Man Metropolis; August 6: Chelsea 1-2 Actual Madrid; August 11: Chelsea 1-1 Inter Milan

Glasner continues to enhance Palace assault

Crystal Palace had been a pleasure to look at below Oliver Glasner final season however this pre-season has been dominated by switch speak.

Michael Olise has jumped ship to Bayern Munich, Marc Guehi is being courted by Newcastle, whereas the way forward for Eberechi Eze may go proper right down to the August 30 deadline.

However Palace’s slick recruitment coverage below sporting director Dougie Freedman exhibits Palace are ready. In got here defender Chadi Riad, winger Ismaila Sarr and attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada to melt the blow ought to Palace’s three stars of final season transfer on.

Pre-season confirmed Kamada – who labored with Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt – brings a brand new edge to Crystal Palace’s assault, scoring in Palace’s win over Crawley and their draw with Nantes on Sunday.

And Glasner has stored enhancing Palace on the high finish of the pitch. Odsonne Edouard has appeared sharp up entrance with a few targets, whereas even Jeffrey Schlupp discovered the online taking part in in a makeshift centre ahead function. Do not forget Jean-Philippe Mateta too, who scored 5 targets as France claimed silver on the Olympic Video games.

There are some considerations on the again although – high-profile errors from Joachim Andersen stress the necessity for calm on this possession and urgent model system. It makes Guehi’s function for Palace much more necessary, however will he keep?

Pre-season outcomes

July 27: Crawley 3-6 Crystal Palace; July 31: Crystal Palace 3-1 Wolves; August 3: Crystal Palace 3-1 West Ham; August 11: Crystal Palace 1-1 FC Nantes

Everton’s new signings bedding in nicely

Everton bought Amadou Onana and his alternative Tim Iroegbunam has been producing optimistic shows to do his possibilities of beginning the Premier League curtain-raiser towards Brighton no hurt.

One driving run within the final pre-season pleasant towards Roma particularly bought supporters out of their seats, with Iliman Ndiaye amassing Jesper Lindstrom‘s move to pirouette away from an opponent and be denied by a fingertip save.

It’s not the one time Everton’s new signings have shone collectively. O’Brien and Lindstrom joined one another on the scoresheet within the 3-0 win over Preston and after years of mis-spending and wasted switch charges, Evertonians will hope to see much more of this throughout their remaining season at Goodison Park.

The sport towards Roma would finish in a 1-1 draw courtesy of a high quality disguised end contained in the close to submit by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Such composure supplied a well timed reminder of the striker’s significance on the sharp finish, if ever Sean Dyche wanted one.

That his facet gained simply one in every of their 5 pre-season friendlies will not have involved him, but it surely underlined the necessity to construct on the prevailing firepower – not weaken it. Chasing a fast buck earlier than the August 30 deadline, regardless of Calvert-Lewin’s contract expiring subsequent summer time, would seem a silly transfer.

Pre-season outcomes

July 19: Sligo Rovers 3-3 Everton; July 27: Salford Metropolis 2-1 Everton; July 30: Coventry 3-0 Everton; August 3: Preston 0-3 Everton; August 10: Everton 1-1 Roma

Smith Rowe on hearth for Fulham

Emile Smith Rowe has rediscovered his kind after buying and selling north for west London. The 24-year-old has scored twice in two pre-season appearances and appears primed for a bounce-back season.

Marco Silva’s system bears similarity to that employed by Mikel Arteta throughout the 2021/22 season, Smith Rowe’s finest in an Arsenal shirt.

He has tailored nicely to the tactical calls for below Silva and started constructing thrilling partnerships along with his teammates. His reference to Antonee Robinson appears to be like a very potent one.

Fulham’s flying left-back was named Participant of the Season final marketing campaign, and his trademark surges ahead will create house for Smith Rowe to maneuver infield when working off the left.

Robinson delivered the whipped cross as Smith Rowe headed a debut objective in a 2-1 loss to Sevilla, whereas former Gunner Alex Iwobi arrange his strike towards Hoffenheim hinting initially of an thrilling left-hand facet in west London.

Pre-season outcomes

August 2: Benfica 0-1 Fulham; August 5: Fulham 1-2 Sevilla; August 10: Hoffenheim 0-2 Fulham

McKenna takes trademark depth up a notch

Ipswich City are able to make their return to the large time, barely 15 months on from being a League One membership. Six new signings have come via the door to date, however supervisor Kieran McKenna is true to be cautious to not upset the dressing room unity.

His facet completed their pre-season marketing campaign with a 1-0 win towards Good final Saturday. The Tractor Boys are identified for his or her excessive urgent – they had been the second-best facet within the Championship at profitable the ball excessive and creating makes an attempt at objective from these conditions – however they’ve additionally been doing their homework on set-pieces.

Axel Tuanzebe notched the one objective from a dead-ball scenario, one week on from Jack Taylor having scored the one objective towards Bundesliga facet Hoffenheim from a set-piece.

Ipswich scored 19 targets from such conditions in 2023/24, which was second solely to Cardiff Metropolis. This path to objective may show very important for the Premier League newcomers over the subsequent 9 months.

McKenna can have discovered classes from earlier golf equipment to have perished having didn’t adapt their model to the next customary.

“There’s no doubt about it, I’ve spoken lots about how we’re going to have to try and keep our identity but adapt,” he mentioned. “We’re not going to be able to open up the game as much every minute of every game pretty much like we did last season.”

Higher effectivity with set-plays will probably be necessary, however back-to-back clear sheets towards groups taking part in within the Europa League this season can have happy McKenna, too. Bravery, depth and aggression are buzzwords of the boss, who has used his friendlies to trial totally different personnel in several positions.

At occasions, he has performed with a again three, wing-backs and with two No 10s. McKenna felt that steps ahead had been made of their remaining warm-up sport, however warned: “The reality is moving from the division we were in to the division we’re going to in the space of two years is an incredible jump.”

Ipswich are able to take the subsequent step on their journey.

Pre-season outcomes

July 20: Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Ipswich; July 27: Ipswich 1-2 Fortuna Dusseldorf; August 3: Hoffenheim 1-0 Ipswich; August 10: Ipswich 1-0 Good

Leicester have striker challenge forward of season kick-off

Steve Cooper has a striker challenge going into the brand new season.

Jamie Vardy, who appeared set to be Leicester’s first-choice No 9 this season, suffered a knock after scoring towards Villarreal within the first pre-season sport and has not performed or skilled since.

In the meantime, Patson Daka was attributable to change him however then he limped off early within the 3-0 loss to Lens as Leicester ended their pre-season with a 3-0 loss and was seen along with his leg in a protecting boot.

Vast participant Stephy Mavididi appears to be like subsequent in line to start out up entrance with younger ahead Tom Cannon a barely-used reserve choice – and given Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor joined Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, the Foxes ahead line appears to be like just a little blunt.

Cooper and Co have addressed this within the switch market by bringing in Bobby DeCordova-Reid and Facundo Buonanotte on mortgage – whereas Leicester bought round their PSR points which meant the spectacular Abdul Fatawu didn’t have to be bought – however is that sufficient up high?

Pre-season outcomes

July 20: Villarreal 1-2 Leicester; July 23: Shrewsbury 1-2 Leicester; July 26: Leicester 0-1 Palermo; August 3: Leicester 0-1 Augsburg; August 10: Lens 3-0 Leicester

Salah again to his finest, however how will Liverpool’s midfield look on opening day?

There are contemporary alternatives for midfielders as Arne Slot strikes Liverpool towards a extra managed model of play. Dominik Szoboszlai scored the winner towards Actual Betis, an indication that he’s thriving in a extra free-roaming function.

Curtis Jones suffered an damage in that sport after voicing his pleasure about Slot’s new method, which he mentioned “is more me. I can get on the ball more. I can ‘do me’ more.”

Slot has been experimenting along with his choices within the No 6 place, fielding Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Szoboszlai within the function throughout their pre-season video games.

The Dutchman has spoke extremely of Gravenberch’s performances and Alexis Mac Allister is one other untested choice, however stories recommend {that a} participant for the function will probably be focused as Slot eyes his first signing as Liverpool supervisor.

Gravenberch – who managed solely 12 league begins in 2023/24 – impressed once more within the Reds’ 4-1 win over Sevilla, although Spain worldwide Martin Zubimendi is on the membership’s radar.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah appears to be like to be again to his electrical finest. The Egyptian ahead had a quiet finish to final season after damage restricted him to only two league appearances between New 12 months’s Day and March 10, however he was sharp in pleasant wins towards Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United – and appeared hungry towards Sevilla.

Much less established gamers have made their mark, too, with the newest being England U18 worldwide Trey Nyoni, who scored in entrance of the Kop towards Sevilla, suggesting Slot will comply with Jurgen Klopp’s lead and proceed to combine promising academy merchandise.

Pre-season outcomes

July 26: Liverpool 1-0 Actual Betis; July 31: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal; August 3: Liverpool 3-0 Man Utd; August 11: Liverpool 4-1 Sevilla and Liverpool 0-0 Las Palmas

Man Metropolis children impress Pep – however the place does it go away Grealish?

Pep Guardiola has been impressed by Metropolis’s academy graduates throughout their pre-season tour of the US and he could belief them to fill the attacking void left after Julian Alvarez‘s transfer to Atletico Madrid.

Oscar Bobb has arguably been their finest performer throughout pre-season. The Norwegian scored towards Celtic and Chelsea, advancing his case for an improved function within the Metropolis squad this season. He faces added competitors with the arrival of Savinho, who confirmed glimpses of high quality within the Neighborhood Protect, however Guardiola appears prepared to position his belief within the 21-year-old, who’s “always in a high level.”

After a profitable season on mortgage at Sheffield United, James McAtee is one other in search of extra common sport time and his taking part in model may earmark him as a doable alternative for Alvarez, who usually performed simply behind Erling Haaland up entrance.

Guardiola has additionally been happy with Jack Grealish, who’s primed to bounce again from a disappointing third season in sky blue and a “heartbreaking” omission from the European Championships.

“I think he’s come back perfect with the same happiness and unbelievable attitude with the group,” his supervisor mentioned.

Whether or not Grealish can discover the early season kind to nail down a spot on this group, with Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, Savinho and Bobb his competitors out huge, is one other query.

Pre-season outcomes

July 23: Man Metropolis 3-4 Celtic, July 27: Man Metropolis 2-3 AC Milan, July 30: Man Metropolis 2-2 (1-4 pens) Barcelona, August 3: Man Metropolis 4-2 Chelsea, August 10: Man Metropolis 1-1 (7-6 pens) Man Utd – Neighborhood Protect

Is Rashford’s place below menace as Man Utd search defensive reliability?

The additions of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui may ship the defensive reinforcement that Erik ten Hag wants.

United conceded seven targets throughout their final three pre-season video games and their squad depth within the space has already been examined at this early stage on this season.

Forward of the Neighborhood Protect loss to Manchester Metropolis, Ten Hag mentioned there’s a “question mark” over the health of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw whereas Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia are dominated out with longer-term accidents.

United will probably be hoping their defence may be shored up, particularly after a woeful defensive file final season which noticed them concede 20 pictures per sport regularly.

The optimistic information noticed Amad Diallo impress and rating in a number of video games, whereas pre-season has additionally proven there’s a path again to common involvement for Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho. Alejandro Garnacho‘s solo strike at Wembley confirmed his reliability, whereas even Antony is promising extra attacking output this season.

It raises extra questions over Marcus Rashford‘s function within the squad after his dreadful misses towards Man Metropolis at Wembley. Is his place within the United group severely below menace?

Pre-season outcomes

July 15: Man Utd 0-1 Rosenborg; July 20: Man Utd 0-2 Rangers, July 27: Man Utd 1-2 Arsenal, July 31: Man Utd 3-2 Actual Betis, August 3: Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool, August 10: Man Metropolis 1-1 (7-6 pens) Man Utd – Neighborhood Protect

Newcastle stars warming up for brand new season

Eddie Howe and the Magpies had a PSR dilemma this summer time – promote a giant participant like Alexander Isak or Anthony Gordon, or half means with their thrilling younger gamers.

They selected the latter choice with Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – each adored by Howe – leaving for Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.

Regardless of the frustration of dropping two younger stars, it appears to be like like the best choice. Friday’s thrashing of Champions League facet Girona on Friday night time proved it.

Newcastle began Gordon and Isak collectively for the primary time in pre-season and the Magpies had been 3-0 up after quarter-hour, with Gordon ending up on the scoresheet. With Jacob Murphy additionally scoring 5 pre-season targets, Howe has a entrance three that’s purring forward of the brand new marketing campaign.

A day later, a totally totally different Newcastle XI lined as much as beat Brest, additionally within the Champions League this season, 1-0. That group nonetheless contained the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes.

With no Europe to take care of this season, and gamers like Marc Guehi being focused, Newcastle may lastly have the depth to problem for the highest 4 or 5 slots as soon as once more.

Pre-season outcomes

July 27: Hull 0-2 Newcastle, July 31: Newcastle 1-4 Urawa Purple Diamonds, August 3: Newcastle 0-2 Yokohama F. Marinos, August 9: Newcastle 4-0 Girona, August 10: Newcastle 1-0 Stade Brestois

Forest search season free from relegation fears

There’s a rising feeling amongst Nottingham Forest followers that their third season again within the Premier League may be one free from one other one riddled with the dreaded r-word.

A productive warm-weather camp in Spain was adopted by a visit to Greece to face UEFA Convention League champions Olympiacos the place a Ryan Yates double helped Nuno Espírito Santo‘s facet edge a seven-goal thriller in Piraeus. It was a helpful train towards the membership additionally owned by Evangelos Marinakis.

The talisman again on Trentside is Morgan Gibbs-White. Espirito Santo has constructed a group round him and contemporary from a primary full pre-season, the goal for Gibbs-White is to now add extra targets to his sport.

Forest are establishing themselves as soon as extra at English soccer’s high desk, with Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi exhibiting indicators in direction of the tip of final season of offering extra consistency of their attacking output in servicing strikers Chris Wooden and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Having completed sixteenth and seventeenth over the previous two seasons, the larger challenge has been forging a settled defence. The arrivals of Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic for £12m and goalkeeper Carlos Miguel will look to finish this ongoing seek for defensive stability, whereas the signing of Elliot Anderson for £35m from Newcastle displays the membership’s continued concentrate on youth.

This has to date been far much less chaotic pre-season than the final two since Forest gained promotion. A crucial change of tack within the switch market has seen solely six gamers signed. High quality over amount has been on the forefront of the recruitment drive.

Pre-season outcomes

July 13: Chesterfield 0-3 Nottingham Forest; July 19: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Sunderland; July 23: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Millwall; July 27: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Elche; August 2: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Villarreal; August 8: Olympiacos 3-4 Nottingham Forest

Southampton

Russell Martin is a person of precept. He is developed a method of play he believes most accurately fits Southampton, and his gamers, and he’ll keep on with it, whether or not taking part in at St Mary’s or at Anfield.

“We won’t go away to Man City or Liverpool and set up to camp, we just won’t do it,” the supervisor maintains.

Admirable or foolhardy? Solely time will inform. But when pre-season had been something to go by, Martin’s facet look nicely drilled and able to make a triumphant return to the large time after a one-year absence.

Their solely pleasant loss got here towards Oxford United, the place they appeared shaky taking part in out from the again – which is able to want tightening up earlier than travelling to Newcastle on opening weekend.

As for many who have impressed, Adam Armstrong appears to be like sharp, whereas new recruit Ben Brereton Diaz scored on his first begin in a 1-1 draw with Lazio.

Martin says Saints are intent on “surprising some people”, however the former Norwich defender can be smart to heed some classes from the membership’s current previous, the place persistence with a faltering model finally bought them relegated in 2022-23.

The 38-year-old can also be taking cost of a Premier League facet for the very first time and its depth can swallow up even probably the most hardened, skilled of managers. Loads of causes for optimism on the south coast, however trigger for some warning too.

Pre-season outcomes

July 24: Bordeaux 2-3 Saints; July 27: Montpellier 1-3 Saints; July 31: Oxford Utd 2-0 Saints; August 3: Millwall 0-1 Saints; August 7: Saints 1-1 Lazio; August 10: Saints 0-0 Getafe

Postecoglou to show to Tottenham youth amid firing entrance line?

Dominic Solanke has turn out to be Tottenham’s marquee signing of the summer time however he joins a Spurs ahead line firing on all fronts.

Dejan Kulusevski‘s double towards Bayern Munich from the centre ahead function exhibits the Swede’s capacity to carry out irrespective of the place he’s positioned. Heung-Min Son additionally scored 3 times and will probably be purring to play with a brand new centre-forward choice in Solanke. James Maddison additionally confirmed indicators of brilliance forward of an necessary season for him.

However on high of that, a number of teenage goalscorers highlighted the attacking promise of Spurs’ children. Will Lankshear and Mikey Moore discovered the online towards Hearts and 20-year-old Dane Scarlett netted towards Queens Park Rangers earlier than Lankshear and Moore added to their tallies towards Staff Okay League and Vissel Kobe respectively.

Additional again on the pitch, youngsters Archie Grey and Lucas Bergvall had been equally spectacular in entrance of their new followers, underlining a possible function that youth will play forward of Postecoglou’s second season in cost.

However an unlikely teen who impressed for Postecoglou was Djed Spence, who has put himself again on the radar with a powerful pre-season marketing campaign. The complete-back scored and produced an excellent help throughout the 5-1 rout of Hearts and the nice performances continued throughout Spurs’ pre-season tour of Asia.

Pre-season outcomes

July 17: Hearts 1-5 Tottenham; July 20: QPR 0-2 Tottenham; July 27: Tottenham 3-2 Vissel Kobe; July 31: Staff Okay League 3-4 Tottenham; August 3: Bayern Munich 2-1 Tottenham; August 10: Tottenham 2-3 Bayern Munich

Paqueta essential to West Ham’s season – whereas he’s round

Lucas Paqueta is because of begin the season regardless of his cost for breaching FA betting guidelines, which will probably be music to the ears of West Ham followers.

If there was any doubt over the Brazilian’s affect on this Hammers group, then Sunday’s pleasant with Celta Vigo removed any left. His first outing below Julen Lopetegui noticed him produce a luxurious help for Jarrod Bowen, then mix brilliantly with the England winger and Michail Antonio to seize one other objective.

However that 2-2 draw with the Spanish facet summarised considerations the Hammers have on the different finish. New £40m signing Max Kilman has been responsible of some defensive errors since making the transfer from Wolves. However then once more, the upcoming introductions of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo ought to repair these considerations.

However it appears to be like like an important half this group is Paqueta. Hammers followers will probably be hoping any potential betting ban may curtail his and West Ham’s season.

Pre-season outcomes

July 15: Ferencvaros 2-2 West Ham; July 20: Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 West Ham; July 27: Wolves 3-1 West Ham;
August 3: Crystal Palace 3-1 West Ham; August 10: West Ham 2-2 (6-5 pens) Celta Vigo

Do Wolves have already got Neto’s long-term alternative?

Dropping Pedro Neto to Chelsea just isn’t sensible preparation for the brand new season for Wolves, however did they discover his alternative earlier in the summertime?

Rodrigo Gomes was signed earlier than Neto swapped Molineux for west London and confirmed Wolves followers what he’s able to scoring twice in a 3-1 win over West Ham.

Gary O’Neil was eager to “not get carried away” with the winger however the early indicators look encouraging.

The Wolves boss will probably be hoping the remainder of his assault steps up after dropping Neto, with Hee-Chan Hwang having a full pre-season. However Matheus Cunha‘s begin to the marketing campaign, nonetheless, was hampered by damage.

The striker is because of return to earlier than the Premier League opener with Arsenal, however O’Neil admits Cunha will not be prepared but for 90 minutes.

Pre-season outcomes

July 27: Wolves 3-1 West Ham; July 31: Wolves 1-3 Crystal Palace; August 3: Wolves 3-0 RB Leipzig; August 10: Wolves 0-1 Rayo Vallecano