⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Odusko]

The performance in the first half of the game between Liverpool vs Ac Milan in the pre-season friendly match ended with both teams scoring each others by 1:1 draw, while Liverpool was in the ball possession despite the first half drawn and immediately the second half started at exactly 52 minutes in the game a second goals by Loftus-cheek R. in favor of Ac Milan and in the second half Ac Milan started dominating the match by scoring more 2 goals against Liverpool, while Liverpool was dominating in ball possession of the game, Liverpool was able to make it 2 goals in the match and Ac Milan was victorious over Liverpool in the pre season friendly match in 2025/2026.

This is call friendly indeed because at some point there is no need to waste so much energy on friendly games althoyeven as it a pre season preparation and and we cant use that as a basis for any of our judgement for now, since alot is expected over the coming day's that need all the energy most especially for Liverpool who got eyes on the trophy in the coming season.

[Unsoldier]

The performance in the first half of the game between Liverpool vs Ac Milan in the pre-season friendly match ended with both teams scoring each others by 1:1 draw, while Liverpool was in the ball possession despite the first half drawn and immediately the second half started at exactly 52 minutes in the game a second goals by Loftus-cheek R. in favor of Ac Milan and in the second half Ac Milan started dominating the match by scoring more 2 goals against Liverpool, while Liverpool was dominating in ball possession of the game, Liverpool was able to make it 2 goals in the match and Ac Milan was victorious over Liverpool in the pre season friendly match in 2025/2026.

Liverpool lost 2-4 to the Ac Milan. They looked atrocious in this game, but it's nothing to be disappointed. It's just a pre-season game for the testing purpose only. I remember they also lost to the preston in pre-season last season, but they came out as winner of EPL. The result in the pre-season has nothing to do with their result in EPL. However, they're statistically better in this friendly game. Nothing to lose their head over the pre season games. Just keep relax.

Watched Wirtz in the Milan game — still no idea where he'll actually play. This time he was a false 9, but with Ekitike coming, I guess he'll move. Maybe to the left instead of Gakpo? He kept drifting inside and showing for the ball. Szobo looked sharp too, even if it’s just a friendly.

[Adbitco]

What happened to Manchester City is distortion of their bond. It is not just about the absence of Rodri but it happened both Rodri and KDB became absent the same time. It was difficult for Guardiola to cope and when KDB returned, it was still difficult for him to cope.
Rodri seems to be the missing puzzle of Manchester city but I do not also believe that there is just only one way.
Guardiola is a big name in the industry, so he should have figured out another way to redeem Manchester city and not depend on the return of Rodri. Do not be deceived, Rodri can return today and still get injured tomorrow. That is why Guardiola has to figure out another way to solve Manchester City problem.

Meanwhile, if Manchester city doesn't perform well this season, we will not accept Rodri reasons. I personally will not welcome it. The Rodri problem just expired this season and that is it

Well I really don't totally agree with this, it can't be because of KDB or Rodri been out. Two seasons ago, KDB who actually was the best player in the team was out injured for months and City maintained it's first position in the table. He came back after several months to join City in same first position. Pep doesn't really rely only on one or two players that's why his a versatile coach. For me, I personally think it was more of an emotional stuff than just injuries. He was divided emotionally and that affected his team. The absence of Rodri couldn't have made his team that way.

[ITExpert]

Congratulations to all Liverpool club and fans, on Wednesday Liverpool was able to announced the signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike to replace the position of our lovely player Diogo jota  that Liverpool lost in a motor accident and the memories of Diogo jota can never be forgotten in a hurry by Liverpool players,managers and fans because Diogo jota kept a good records.

After the complete medical of Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have now confirmed that Hugo Ekitike will wear the no,54 during the current pre season and while his permanent shirt number to be confirmed soon but i know that Hugo Ekitike will be eyeing the no.9 shirt since he signed as a striker and his pre season friendly match status has be confirmed by the Liverpool managers, while all the fans are waiting to see the performance of Hugo Ekitike in his first pre season friendly match on Saturday against Ac Milan club.

It is the time for the Liverpool fans and the club itself to enjoy the new addition. The new player is a french striker hugo ekitike and he is all set to play for the Liverpool team in the pre season matches. The fans are happy about the new addition and hugo ekitike is also very determined to play in a good way and make place in the hearts of fans. Hugo ekitike is on the replacement of the late Diogo jota who was a great player and lost his life in a road accident along with his younger brother. Diogo will always be remembered as his record is full of well being in football. The expectations about hugo ekitike is strong as he performs really well. So, let's see how the hugo ekitike handles all expectations. Because in pre season matches his image will build in every ones mind.

[tygeade]

Isak wants to leave but Newcastle are still trying to keep him in the team, that's why they're requesting for a huge fee that would keep buyers off, they'll try to keep him in the team for one more season before finding a suitable replacement but then it seems Isak is eager to leave and experience a new environment, well anything can happen in the late days of the transfer window, for now Isak still remains Newcastle's player. That's one thing Arsenal fans expecially can't wait for, their key target in this transfer window and likely to be the best signing for Arsenal this summer.

Isak would be way too much for Liverpool, that is my issue. I understand they want to grow and be better. However, Newcastle is not doing a good job by forcing him to stay as well. There aren't any changes for the time but Liverpool shouldn't get Isaak, and Newcastle should sell him to somewhere who wants him anyways.

Liverpool at the time already spent 300+ and they already got a ton of return but if they also get Isaak, then it would not be a ton of improvement at all. What we are facing right now is Liverpool getting too close to the sun. If they end up with too much more money spent then it would not be good at all for them, if they are dealing with it then it is not going to be financially sound. They need success, if they fail to win the league, then they will be screwed financially.

[Princess Leah]

Where does Liverpool find all this money from? I get it, they won premier league, and they were first place in UCL, and that should all be a lot of money, but still, 300+ million AND Isak on top of that? I get that they were doing a lot better, but that doesn't mean that we are seeing the situation being so critical at the moment.

They are overspending a lot worse at the moment and they are trying to grow, which is great but that doesn't mean we are facing a correct mentality. That can't be good, it can't be good, we need to see how things change at the moment so we need to change all of this and get a better grip in reality. This should be focusing on how they could be fiscally responsible after the last transfers are made.

The advantage of spending heavily on quality players is that it would make their team stronger and make them look scary against opponents. Also they're hoping to do better in the Champions League this season they need more strength in their depth, that's why they're still going for Isak after signing Hugo.

 However the disadvantage of spending heavily is when those players they've signed find it difficult to meet the expectations of fans, there would be much pressure on them expecially the ones they spent huge money to sign, what happened today against AC Milan is an instance but I won't use that to judge the new signings yet since it's just a pre-season game.

[KingsDen]

What happened to Manchester City is distortion of their bond. It is not just about the absence of Rodri but it happened both Rodri and KDB became absent the same time. It was difficult for Guardiola to cope and when KDB returned, it was still difficult for him to cope.
Rodri seems to be the missing puzzle of Manchester city but I do not also believe that there is just only one way.
Guardiola is a big name in the industry, so he should have figured out another way to redeem Manchester city and not depend on the return of Rodri. Do not be deceived, Rodri can return today and still get injured tomorrow. That is why Guardiola has to figure out another way to solve Manchester City problem.

Meanwhile, if Manchester city doesn't perform well this season, we will not accept Rodri reasons. I personally will not welcome it. The Rodri problem just expired this season and that is it

Well I really don't totally agree with this, it can't be because of KDB or Rodri been out. Two seasons ago, KDB who actually was the best player in the team was out injured for months and City maintained it's first position in the table. He came back after several months to join City in same first position. Pep doesn't really rely only on one or two players that's why his a versatile coach. For me, I personally think it was more of an emotional stuff than just injuries. He was divided emotionally and that affected his team. The absence of Rodri couldn't have made his team that way.

When you talk about the emotions, do you mean his divorce with his wife? If so, you are on point and yet I do not totally agree also. The reason his wife divorced him was because he gave so much time and attention to football. If this is true, that means he is more emotionally attached to football more than his wife. The way Pep behaves, I can vow that he thinks about football more than his personal life as football is like his life.

I still remember that this flop of Manchester city is not all about Rodri and KDB. Also remember that some other key players left the team without a solid replacement. Think of;
Mahrez and Gundogan who left without replacement, to the extent that Gundogan was returned to the squad from Barcelona. So, this is more of a general thing.

[Woodie]

Looking at some of the results coming from these friendlies, am not sure if we are ready for the opening games from the premier league ..because clearly team chemistry for most teams has been shaken and new signings have not really settled in and will need more time..probably game week 5 should show the true picture of which teams are to beat and the weaklings.

Liverpool lost 2-4 to the Ac Milan. They looked atrocious in this game, but it's nothing to be disappointed. It's just a pre-season game for the testing purpose only. I remember they also lost to the preston in pre-season last season, but they came out as winner of EPL. The result in the pre-season has nothing to do with their result in EPL. However, they're statistically better in this friendly game. Nothing to lose their head over the pre season games. Just keep relax.

They say numbers don't lie, but the numbers I am seeing from the stats in the screenshot say otherwise. But like you said, these are friendlies and there's no need for alarm, but as football fans, we are taking note of what's happening.

[Issa56]

But seriously, I just wonder why people think Liverpool was going to put up a great performance in this very game?

We can’t use pre season matches to conclude on how a team will perform when the season starts, we don’t just expect coaches to put so much efforts in the pre season matches, most of them will just make use of some players which they don’t really use mostly to check there performance in pre season matches.

Before we going to know how a team performance will be, then we should just wait for the season to start, before we know if a team will have a poor season or a good season. Most coaches are always trying new strategies in pre season matches to check how effective it’s going to be, and there are other things that coaches will be checking, but it’s just better not to conclude on how teams performance will be when the season starts.

Am sure even players won’t really put much efforts in pre season matches, because just imagine that a player gets injury when playing pre season match, it doesn’t make sense, so I feel even players will take pre season matches like a training, and won’t really put much efforts, if we want to know each players performance, then we should wait for the season to start fully.

[Amphenomenon]

Looking at some of the results coming from these friendlies, am not sure if we are ready for the opening games from the premier league ..because clearly team chemistry for most teams has been shaken and new signings have not really settled in and will need more time..probably game week 5 should show the true picture of which teams are to beat and the weaklings.

Liverpool lost 2-4 to the Ac Milan. They looked atrocious in this game, but it's nothing to be disappointed. It's just a pre-season game for the testing purpose only. I remember they also lost to the preston in pre-season last season, but they came out as winner of EPL. The result in the pre-season has nothing to do with their result in EPL. However, they're statistically better in this friendly game. Nothing to lose their head over the pre season games. Just keep relax.

They say numbers don't lie, but the numbers I am seeing from the stats in the screenshot say otherwise. But like you said, these are friendlies and there's no need for alarm, but as football fans, we are taking note of what's happening.

I don't really judged much by friendlies although depending on what cause the lost and if it was repeatedly in matches.

I think majority of the top teams may need more games or weeks for team synchronisation, though while this is happening team like Chelsea and Manchester City might not struggle much even after much signing because many of these new signing participated in their cwc matches aiding team building.

[Mate2237]

But seriously, I just wonder why people think Liverpool was going to put up a great performance in this very game?

We can’t use pre season matches to conclude on how a team will perform when the season starts, we don’t just expect coaches to put so much efforts in the pre season matches, most of them will just make use of some players which they don’t really use mostly to check there performance in pre season matches.

Before we going to know how a team performance will be, then we should just wait for the season to start, before we know if a team will have a poor season or a good season. Most coaches are always trying new strategies in pre season matches to check how effective it’s going to be, and there are other things that coaches will be checking, but it’s just better not to conclude on how teams performance will be when the season starts.

Am sure even players won’t really put much efforts in pre season matches, because just imagine that a player gets injury when playing pre season match, it doesn’t make sense, so I feel even players will take pre season matches like a training, and won’t really put much efforts, if we want to know each players performance, then we should wait for the season to start fully.

Not a too good result for the premier League champions losing with a wide goal margin like this is not a good reputation for a team like Liverpool but some times loses like this is also good and necessary because it will bring out the areas that are lacking in quality in a squad and the coach can quickly correct such wins with the right players



Again this is a friendly game so the coach will also be giving new players and the non regular players and opportunity to play so I don't see anything that is wrong with Liverpool losing this because Liverpool will not going to play this way when the season eventually gets started

[SatoPrincess]

Onana for sure is gonna comeback to Netherlands as i see, he have to recover his level and maybe end his career in Ajax, goalkeepers remains a lot of time in teams so he can do that.

Inter got Onana for free from Ajax in the past. Now if they would like to sign him back then they will have to pay up for his fee. But his cost wouldn't be too high.

They played with Pasveer as their main GK most of the time last season. He is 41 years old you know. He wasn't bad though but he is really old...

Maybe they might favour Onana's return? 

I don’t consider Inter Milan returning for Onana as a wise decision after selling him out to Manchester United, not even that he has impressed with Manchester United in his stay so far so I don’t see reasons to want Onana back as number one goalkeeper choice for Inter Milan next season there are other choices in the market, Martinez from Aston Villa is also available this summer.

[Adams0001]

And it seems Liverpool's plans to acquire Isak won't be that smooth. Several other clubs are also interested, but Newcastle are determined to keep him. The transfer window is still open for quite some time. We don't know what surprises the future holds.

One thing is for sure, in the EPL, one of the most anticipated updates is Viktor Gyökeres, who is flying to London with his agent. Because this is a crucial negotiation, Viktor Gyökeres only wants to go to Arsenal, and the official results of the negotiations will be out. I think we'll see him soon.

Isak wants to leave but Newcastle are still trying to keep him in the team, that's why they're requesting for a huge fee that would keep buyers off, they'll try to keep him in the team for one more season before finding a suitable replacement but then it seems Isak is eager to leave and experience a new environment, well anything can happen in the late days of the transfer window, for now Isak still remains Newcastle's player. That's one thing Arsenal fans expecially can't wait for, their key target in this transfer window and likely to be the best signing for Arsenal this summer.

Isak what to try new club to see is performance in the team. that is why is trying to leave the club, Liverpool is a big club, any players will like to play in the team to perform well and win trophies with them. With how am seeing isak he will probably go to the team because Is not interested to continue with Newcastle next season, and is still a young player and In need trophies, because I don't think if he continues playing in Newcastle he will achieve trophy with the club. Newcastle will perform well but they can't get chance to challenge other big team in the Epl to achieve the league title. So in my opinion I will like him to move to Liverpool to get some history with the club and get many title.

If Liverpool finally release Diaz to another club, am sure they will put more effort on Isak before the transfer window close. If Liverpool finally achieve isak they will be among the best club next season to win the epl and other competitions. Chelsea and Liverpool are the best club that have more key players currently in the Epl and belive they will perform good, Arsenal are buying players too but I can't predict the club because they usually failed in the middle of season and start performing weak, and make the fans feel discourage on not winning the league. Let see if Arteta will do well next season, Since they have sign some experience players in the team.

[SatoPrincess]

Honestly, I see Arsenal finally breaking the 2nd-place curse this season. The squad looks complete, the depth is there, and the team has matured under Arteta. I’m backing them to go all the way and finish 1st.

City, on the other hand, might take a step back — I actually see them finishing 4th. It’s not that they’ve suddenly become weak, but I think other teams have caught up, and there are signs of fatigue after years of dominance.

As for Crystal Palace and Newcastle — I see them as the dark horses this season. Both clubs have strong potential and, if things click, they could seriously challenge for top spots.

I’m praying for Arsenal to break the “2nd place position curse” this season, it is not easy to an Arsenal fan facing banters from rival fans these past three seasons. This coming season will not be easy, Liverpool, Man City and even Chelsea all have good squads good enough to compete for the league title while Newcastle and Crystal Palace will battle for European competition spots next season.

[Stable090]

The Premier League doesn't just belong to Manchester City other clubs have the right to break Man City's dominance so the EPL isn't seen as a farmer's league. Strong competitors like Arsenal and Liverpool deserve to make things difficult for Man City. Furthermore, last season, Man City experienced an injury crisis that caused the club to decline, creating an opportunity for Liverpool to win the EPL title.
Next season, things won't be easy for Man City as competition in the Premier League is getting tighter. Chelsea might enter the title race between Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, so get ready for a very interesting season.

I like the idea that Liverpool were able to take over the premier league title from Manchester city last season, Manchester City won the premier league title continuously for years, and they didn’t give other teams opportunity. Arsenal were always going close to them, but they do always end up ending the season in second position, so it makes it look like Manchester city is the only strong team in the premier league, and no club could compete with them.

Liverpool took over the title from Manchester city last season, Manchester City struggled to end the season in 3rd position, at some points, some people were thinking they might not be able to qualify for the Champions league, but at the end, they were able to end the season in the Champions league zone.

We all know that Manchester city main reason for their poor performance last season was just injury, Manchester city faces lots of injury challenges last season, but we should know that injury shouldn’t be and excuse, that’s part of football, and every team is just suppose to be prepared for that.

[silpersurfer]

I’m praying for Arsenal to break the “2nd place position curse” this season, it is not easy to an Arsenal fan facing banters from rival fans these past three seasons. This coming season will not be easy, Liverpool, Man City and even Chelsea all have good squads good enough to compete for the league title while Newcastle and Crystal Palace will battle for European competition spots next season.

Arsenal has successfully signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, giving them a more promising goal-scoring machine. Additionally, rumors are circulating that Arsenal may also bring in Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid. If this is true, then Arsenal's squad is now complete, all components are neatly in place, and preparations are proceeding smoothly to break the curse and reclaim the Premier League title. Liverpool will undoubtedly return as a strong contender for the Premier League title. The steps they have taken during the preseason are quite surprising, as they continue to add depth to their squad.
As for Manchester City, it seems they still have to work hard to return to their best form. Regarding Newcastle United, I think as long as Alexander Isak remains with them, Newcastle will always be able to compete at the top of the English Premier League. As for Chelsea, I always look forward to the surprises they will bring each season.

[Unknown01]

Arsenal has successfully signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, giving them a more promising goal-scoring machine. Additionally, rumors are circulating that Arsenal may also bring in Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid. If this is true, then Arsenal's squad is now complete, all components are neatly in place, and preparations are proceeding smoothly to break the curse and reclaim the Premier League title. Liverpool will undoubtedly return as a strong contender for the Premier League title. The steps they have taken during the preseason are quite surprising, as they continue to add depth to their squad.
As for Manchester City, it seems they still have to work hard to return to their best form. Regarding Newcastle United, I think as long as Alexander Isak remains with them, Newcastle will always be able to compete at the top of the English Premier League. As for Chelsea, I always look forward to the surprises they will bring each season.

Yes, if Rodrygo also comes, Arsenal will reach the level of the other top clubs in terms of team strength, but there is still a big difference: the other teams have well-established teams and have only brought in new players to complement them but Arsenal have bought some important new players who all have to learn to play as a team first. I would be happy about a title for Arsenal but I don't see it coming yet.

[pawel7777]

To soon to judge the whole transfer window, but it probably will be the most expensive season, considering the value of all acquisitions combined. We also had a Premier League record for the highest transfer in history this year.
But this shouldn't be much of a surprise. The competition within the Premier League and internationally is really high, so the top clubs can't afford not to invest in their squads if they want to remain relevant. And there's also a factor of inflation and devaluation of fiat currencies. The money is simply not worth as much as in the past, hence the nominal amounts are higher.

[Toro iskandar]

Liverpool lost 2-4 to the Ac Milan. They looked atrocious in this game, but it's nothing to be disappointed. It's just a pre-season game for the testing purpose only. I remember they also lost to the preston in pre-season last season, but they came out as winner of EPL. The result in the pre-season has nothing to do with their result in EPL. However, they're statistically better in this friendly game. Nothing to lose their head over the pre season games. Just keep relax.

Preseason matches are often considered to be purely testing matches for new players and providing an opportunity for them to develop chemistry with their old teammates before the start of the next season.
Even weaker clubs can pull off surprising wins in preseason matches like these, as they are truly insignificant matches that will have no bearing on the outcome of the upcoming season.

[pawel7777]

Preseason matches are often considered to be purely testing matches for new players and providing an opportunity for them to develop chemistry with their old teammates before the start of the next season.
Even weaker clubs can pull off surprising wins in preseason matches like these, as they are truly insignificant matches that will have no bearing on the outcome of the upcoming season.

You could be right, but it may as well be an indication of something not quite clicking in the team as it did during the past season. Every major changes to the squad result in some disruption, but there's no guarantee things will work out fine as the times goes by.
Arne Slot still has some time to set the team right and make sure all the new additions know their place and fit in with the rest of the squad.

A gut feeling tells me that Liverpool might have a hard time defending their title. I think Man City will increase the bar as they will try to restore the old order of them being the strongest team. Also Chelsea have proven that they are more than capable of beating every club by winning the FIFA Club World Cup, which should not be underestimated.