⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Africolo]

A very convincing win by Chelsea in their last friendly game before the start of the season.
They didn't have much trouble defeating AC Milan 4-1. The early red card (18th minute) for AC Milan was a factor too, but Chelsea scored 2 goals in the first 10 minutes of the game, so the red card is not much of an excuse for Milan.

I'm very optimistic of Chelsea's ability to finish in the top 4 next season, provided the squad doesn't suffer much from the fatigue related to the participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, which resulted in a massive cut to players' resting period.

Chelsea's next game is a Premier League first round against Crystal Palace at home on Sunday next week.

They're were literally off the game before that red so yes it didn't have much impact on the game. On the other hand I think we could have seen more goals from Chelsea if not because of that red cause AC Milan went from playing attacking to deploying to low block tactics through out the game and made it more difficult for Chelsea to penetrate.

I never knew AC Milan defense was this mid, they really need to fix up asap..

[Adiljutt156]

Crystal palace are continuing their top form from last season. To go down twice and came back both times against a fully stacked Liverpool team is great. Crystal palace has the most underrated defense in the English premier league, people don't talk about how good their defense down to the keeper has been.
Crystal palace are also great in attack, today's game also should be a reminder to Liverpool that they need to also invest in their centre backs, it's time to get fresh blood in .

The stats of Liverpool football team was excellent in this match but that team could not win this match due their mistake which they did at the last .  One player changed the side of the match and we saw 3-2 score in this match. The shots of Crystal Palace football team were more in this match which were 14 and 4 shots were on target but opponent team 5 shots were on target. The possession percentage of Liverpool team was excellent in this match because that team possession was  60 percent which is not an easy for any team and we  saw brilliant passes in this match and these were 535 in this match.The pass accuracy of that team was 85 percent in this match as their passes were at top rank and opponent team became successful to win this match.

[kawetsriyanto]

It doesn't matter whether Sesko or Gyokeres. They're all risky move caused by they're not PL proven. However, it seems Arsenal is looking at Gyokere's vc much more interesting than Sesko. That's may be their main reason why they take Gyokeres.

Dude, Viktor Gyökeres became the top scorer in Portugal league in the last 2 seasons. It is strange that you assume he isn't a proven striker.  
For Benjamin Sesko, I agree he isn't proven yet. At least, he can be the top scorer first to show his quality. The number of his goals are also not really quite large, he only could score 13 goals in Bundesliga previous season. Meanwhile Gyökeres, he scored 39 goals in Portugal league last season. So, it is very clear about the difference between Gyökeres ans Sesko.

- Portugal league top scorer 2024-2025
- Bundesliga top scorer 2024-2025

If Arsenal wanted Sesko, they would be sending an official offer for thim. The fact they prefer Gyokeres. It's not right when you said Arsenal couldn't get Sesko as they were not even sending official bid for him.

As far as I know, Arsenal has tried to negotiate with Leipzig about the chance of signing Sesko. Unfortunately, Arsenal failed to get agreement about the transfer fees. Leipzig sets a too expensive price for Sesko. So, Arsenal prefer focusing on negotiating for signing Gyökeres.

[Iamgoat]

He actually played well knowing fully well the match is just a friendly game, what might even happen when the season starts definitely we’ve not seen anything yet. Gyokeres scored with a headshot, I find it interesting afterwards Saka scored the second goal lastly Kai Havertz ended the match with another goal, Kai Havertz is known as a competitive player yet I never expected a goal at that moment was surprised how he struggle to score  well every team should be ready.

I believe arsenal performance will definitely be something else this season. Gyokeres, saka and Kia havertz with the present of this three there will definitely be a great improvement in the team performance. Gyokeres Will be unstoppable this season in premier league, and the chances of arsenal to lift a trophy is here now however if Arteta is unable to win any trophy with the kind of players he has at his disposal then the fault will definitely be from his side.

I enjoyed watching Arsenal gameplay today. I liked the simulation which played out in the team's performance today. The encourage given to Gyokores which allowed him to score the first goal was incredible as that was the second chance he got only that the first chance was wasted due to his weak strike which was confidently saved by Unai Simon. The team still pulled.up the game to Gyokores to ensure he scored his debut goal wearing the Arsenal jersey. I want to encourage the club to do more in their subsequent performances which also means when the season Kickstarts fully

[TelolettOm]

--snipped--

He actually played well knowing fully well the match is just a friendly game, what might even happen when the season starts definitely we’ve not seen anything yet. Gyokeres scored with a headshot, I find it interesting afterwards Saka scored the second goal lastly Kai Havertz ended the match with another goal, Kai Havertz is known as a competitive player yet I never expected a goal at that moment was surprised how he struggle to score  well every team should be ready.

He has indeed worked hard to become a solid member of his new club. Arteta also stated that Gyokeres will be very dangerous for opponents, especially in 1-v-1 duels. He even acknowledged Gyokeres' abilities and expressed confidence that he would improve even further in the future.


Source: Arteta on Gyökeres

[Obari]

I enjoyed watching Arsenal gameplay today. I liked the simulation which played out in the team's performance today. The encourage given to Gyokores which allowed him to score the first goal was incredible as that was the second chance he got only that the first chance was wasted due to his weak strike which was confidently saved by Unai Simon. The team still pulled.up the game to Gyokores to ensure he scored his debut goal wearing the Arsenal jersey. I want to encourage the club to do more in their subsequent performances which also means when the season Kickstarts fully

What's the forcing room to watch Gunners exploring and winning games? They're ready for whatever thing that is coming and wouldn't be relenting if they spot an opportunity. Viktor Gyökeres gradually fitting into the system, it's been quite a huge brace for the new signings. This is what we've been talking about, Arsenal needs a top nine and they got one. It's just a matter of time before Viktor Gyökeres display his potential at Emirates Stadium, just sit tight and get ready for the big run. Arsenal headcoach, Mikel Arteta is under pressure base on his speech given in the press, a win is always an ultimate source and ready to give his all for the club.

[SatoPrincess]

Shall we have a look at the Manchester United squad now?



It's a little old image though. Sesko is also done deal as we've said. So what's the total cost of the attacking trio here?

• Cunha = €74m
• Sesko = €76.5m (in fact it goes up to €85m with add-ons  )
• Mbeumo = €75m

Total cost = €225m

A quite expensive line it is! But if you ask me it's better than before. Let's just hope Mbeumo isn't a seasonal player and Sesko also improves his goalscoring stats more...

Thisis a much better squad compared to what Manchester United had the previous two seasons. For the money they have spent this summer I can agree that it is worth it and soon the results will begin to show. Ten Hag wouldn’t have made this signings even with this amount so I commend Amorim’s decision making.

[Stormisover]

I was not even expecting to see them do something better, as we all know that Erik ten Hag will not be able to do something better. We all know that the coach will not be able to do better in the team, and we all saw how Chelsea played them. It’s not as easy for them this season. Bayer Leverkusen’s performance will go back, as Erik ten Hag left the team, although maybe they will be able to do something better in the team.

Erik Ten Hag's job is not easy because he has to build the team after losing several key players. I think it's quite natural that Leverkusen is experiencing a decline because they haven't found the right strategy and it seems that the new players who replaced the previous players haven't had a positive impact either. But I'm curious about what Ten Hag will do next season. It's clear that Leverkusen expects good results which of course are not much different from when they were still with Xabi Alonso.

It's kinda a disgrace for Arsenal to have celebrated that win against Bayern Leverkusen, because from starting of this preseason I have never seen any good ratings for the team, like their performance has been very poor like nothing to write home about, so if Arsenal sees that winning as big deal then I must say they must be kidding, and for Erik Ten Hang, a team that was doing absolutely well before his arrival to the team, all of a sudden began to slide and losing game, and all he could do was to sell out some of the key players, now I believe he's expecting miracle to happen in other to keep the team moving on their winning ways.

[JeffBrad12]

Shall we have a look at the Manchester United squad now?



It's a little old image though. Sesko is also done deal as we've said. So what's the total cost of the attacking trio here?

• Cunha = €74m
• Sesko = €76.5m (in fact it goes up to €85m with add-ons  )
• Mbeumo = €75m

Total cost = €225m

A quite expensive line it is! But if you ask me it's better than before. Let's just hope Mbeumo isn't a seasonal player and Sesko also improves his goalscoring stats more...

I'm not doubting Cunha and Mbeumo competence as they're PL proven. However, i'm not really sure about Sesko since this is his first time play in EPL.

As for Sesko, needs to adapt, and i give him his first season as a trial and error. I have no expectation for him consider he may flop at his first season. Also MU rarely got a proper striker since they bought Zirkzee and Hojlund. He must be building chemistry with his teammates, yet it may take months or a year to make it happen.
So, his price may not really worth with his performance at the start, but let's give him some times.

[Sim_card]

I was not even expecting to see them do something better, as we all know that Erik ten Hag will not be able to do something better. We all know that the coach will not be able to do better in the team, and we all saw how Chelsea played them. It’s not as easy for them this season. Bayer Leverkusen’s performance will go back, as Erik ten Hag left the team, although maybe they will be able to do something better in the team.

Erik Ten Hag's job is not easy because he has to build the team after losing several key players. I think it's quite natural that Leverkusen is experiencing a decline because they haven't found the right strategy and it seems that the new players who replaced the previous players haven't had a positive impact either. But I'm curious about what Ten Hag will do next season. It's clear that Leverkusen expects good results which of course are not much different from when they were still with Xabi Alonso.

It's kinda a disgrace for Arsenal to have celebrated that win against Bayern Leverkusen, because from starting of this preseason I have never seen any good ratings for the team, like their performance has been very poor like nothing to write home about, so if Arsenal sees that winning as big deal then I must say they must be kidding, and for Erik Ten Hang, a team that was doing absolutely well before his arrival to the team, all of a sudden began to slide and losing game, and all he could do was to sell out some of the key players, now I believe he's expecting miracle to happen in other to keep the team moving on their winning ways.

I get your point that Arsenal are taking this victory too serious as if they have won a trophy and i just read where Arteta was boasting of Gyokeres to destroy Arsenal rivals. only because they defeated weak Leverkusen with a coach whose victory depends on luck. Ten Hag believes more in luck than skill and that's where his problem lies. This season will determine if Arsenal is dangerous or not. Arsenal will play United in their first match on Sunday at Old Trafford.

[Velvet78]

Saka will finally be able to play properly after a serious injury period he had last season. He is very important for Arsenal. Having him and Gyökeres both on the field is a huge plus for the team. 

I'm wondering how the new attacking trio of Cunha - Sesko - Mbeumo will answer Arsenal's deadly attackers. It might take some time for this trio to get by as well. Because all of them are new at the Red Devils.

[Africolo]

Saka will finally be able to play properly after a serious injury period he had last season. He is very important for Arsenal. Having him and Gyökeres both on the field is a huge plus for the team. 

I'm wondering how the new attacking trio of Cunha - Sesko - Mbeumo will answer Arsenal's deadly attackers. It might take some time for this trio to get by as well. Because all of them are new at the Red Devils.

Looks like the new Manutd signing are still having difficulties blending into the team and this game came so early. Arsenal team with more than 90% of their old players is at advantage for this one as Manutd are expected to lineup with at least 30% of entirely new players in their squad.

It's going to be tough as usual but I would expect Arsenal to get a narrow win on this one. Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo would come good that's certain but I don't know long that would take.

[Akbarkoe]

I enjoyed watching Arsenal gameplay today. I liked the simulation which played out in the team's performance today. The encourage given to Gyokores which allowed him to score the first goal was incredible as that was the second chance he got only that the first chance was wasted due to his weak strike which was confidently saved by Unai Simon. The team still pulled.up the game to Gyokores to ensure he scored his debut goal wearing the Arsenal jersey. I want to encourage the club to do more in their subsequent performances which also means when the season Kickstarts fully

What's the forcing room to watch Gunners exploring and winning games? They're ready for whatever thing that is coming and wouldn't be relenting if they spot an opportunity. Viktor Gyökeres gradually fitting into the system, it's been quite a huge brace for the new signings. This is what we've been talking about, Arsenal needs a top nine and they got one. It's just a matter of time before Viktor Gyökeres display his potential at Emirates Stadium, just sit tight and get ready for the big run. Arsenal headcoach, Mikel Arteta is under pressure base on his speech given in the press, a win is always an ultimate source and ready to give his all for the club.

In the first week, Arsenal will face Manchester United. This will be a very exciting match to watch, especially as both teams are revamping their squads, especially in attack. Regarding Viktor Gyokeres, he was initially a top target for the Red Devils, but the player chose to join the Gunners.

This will be quite an interesting match. Ruben Amorin is with Manchester United, who is also the manager who successfully restored Gyokeres to his best form. Amorin certainly knows Gyokeres' skills and how he plays on the pitch, so I think he knows exactly how to anticipate this player. We'll see how Gyokeres performs in his first match for Arsenal in the English Premier League.

[Jostern]

Shall we have a look at the Manchester United squad now?



It's a little old image though. Sesko is also done deal as we've said. So what's the total cost of the attacking trio here?

• Cunha = €74m
• Sesko = €76.5m (in fact it goes up to €85m with add-ons  )
• Mbeumo = €75m

Total cost = €225m

A quite expensive line it is! But if you ask me it's better than before. Let's just hope Mbeumo isn't a seasonal player and Sesko also improves his goalscoring stats more...

Thisis a much better squad compared to what Manchester United had the previous two seasons. For the money they have spent this summer I can agree that it is worth it and soon the results will begin to show. Ten Hag wouldn’t have made this signings even with this amount so I commend Amorim’s decision making.

What you should understand is that football is played on the field and not on paper, well I believe that Manchester United have made some grate signings with Premier League experience, that’ is quite a huge boost for them, but that doesn’t guarantee anything, first of all I’m not a fan of Amorim style of play, where he is playing with 3 at the back that is a huge red flag for me, and I want to see how the likes of Amad and Dalot will adapt to this style of play Onana and Maino that is awful midfielder and Goalkeeper at his age isn’t good enough for the style of play, well I guess that is why he is interested in Carlos Baleba, the only successful manager with this formation in Premier League was Antonio Conte with Chelsea in 2015 and we all know how it ended, it was a one season wonder, and that was a very long time, so I really doubt how Amorim thinks he will deliver something with his style of play, Amad isn’t a wing back but he choose to convert him there, that’ is the first weak side I’m seeing in this team, this is not a scary line up, I think managers in the Premier League will be easy to predict Manchester United with this formation. What makes a successful manager is someone who can possibly tweak their midfield style and formation and style of play. Amorim only knows how to play this formation and I doubt how it’s going to work out for him. If he continues with this style it will not be long he will get sacked, teams with this formation are teams who are very strong with low blocks and I don’t know Manchester United for playing low block.

[bitgolden]

Manchester United is always the same about spending. They just don't care about how much they need to pay for a player. If they have set their target it's over.    This is why there've been expensive transfers made by them which turned out to be fiasco later.

I hope Sesko doesn't join this train. For example you know how much they spent for Hojlund - nearly 80m euros. What happened? He is a big failure. Now Sesko has cost them more than 80m euros in total. We'll see.

They keep overspending on players that are low level. There are a lot of situations where United just spent way way too much on players who after they got to United, ended up playing bad and then the whole team got worse. They are really not good at anything when it comes to transfer window, so it's going to be a tough period for them this year as well.

This year, they have made just three transfers, Mbuemo, Cunha, and now Sesko, you think the team that was 15th last year, will get these players ,and end up being far greater? Of course not, they are not going to be much better, and Amorim doesn't have what it takes to move them further in the line neither. They are going to be not a good team and should be waiting for a bad period again.

[Just Say]

Crystal palace are continuing their top form from last season. To go down twice and came back both times against a fully stacked Liverpool team is great. Crystal palace has the most underrated defense in the English premier league, people don't talk about how good their defense down to the keeper has been.
Crystal palace are also great in attack, today's game also should be a reminder to Liverpool that they need to also invest in their centre backs, it's time to get fresh blood in .

Literally Crystal Palace have managed to maintain their best form since last season but their recent victories against Liverpool may be down to the new additions to their squad. It is largely true that Crystal Palace may have been able to win the FA Community Shield title for the first time, there was a lot of excitement among them in this match. In my opinion the hero in the shootout in this Community Shield match was the Crystal Palace goalkeeper because he was able to stop Mac Allister's shot, one of the Liverpool players who have recently been nominated for the Ballon d'Or. We all saw that some of Liverpool's big summer signings took to the field but they couldn't put in a satisfactory performance against Crystal Palace.

[Velvet78]

They keep overspending on players that are low level...

What the Red Devils really need is more guaranteed players instead of taking bigger risks by paying tons of money. For example, they are in search of a solid scorer? Then they will go for the best ones in the market.

I understand people's concern about whether Sesko becomes like Højlund later on. And when it comes to Mbeumo, his cost is also huge... He is 26 which is just in the age range to become more productive though. Maybe it might not be a performance for only one season. 

The same for Cunha... I just hope Amorim knows what he is doing. I really want to see Manchester United back on track.

[Bobrox]

What the Red Devils really need is more guaranteed players instead of taking bigger risks by paying tons of money. For example, they are in search of a solid scorer? Then they will go for the best ones in the market.

I understand people's concern about whether Sesko becomes like Højlund later on. And when it comes to Mbeumo, his cost is also huge... He is 26 which is just in the age range to become more productive though. Maybe it might not be a performance for only one season. 

The same for Cunha... I just hope Amorim knows what he is doing. I really want to see Manchester United back on track.

Surely Manchester United back on the track? just signed striker player only without sign any back up position at goal keeper, defender and midfielder how possibility back on the track for winning EPL? Amorim not balance when signing players they have signed 3 striker without sign new defender, we know last season Manchester United become the EPL most conceded teams by finish at 15th position.
I think signed 2 striker more enough because have Højlund for back up and need to sign several crucial position at midfielder and looking top defender players. I don't sure yet with Manchester United performance next season have any special thing and looks finish at middle position around 10th to 8th placed as the realistic achievement..

[masulum]

Surely Manchester United back on the track? just signed striker player only without sign any back up position at goal keeper, defender and midfielder how possibility back on the track for winning EPL? Amorim not balance when signing players they have signed 3 striker without sign new defender, we know last season Manchester United become the EPL most conceded teams by finish at 15th position.
I think signed 2 striker more enough because have Højlund for back up and need to sign several crucial position at midfielder and looking top defender players. I don't sure yet with Manchester United performance next season have any special thing and looks finish at middle position around 10th to 8th placed as the realistic achievement..

A prediction that's very difficult to reject  . But I think a slightly higher prediction could potentially be in the top 5-6, with the top four teams being Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Manchester United brought in three forwards to boost their goal-scoring output. Indeed, they also need defenders, and United should have acquired a strong defender even just one. However, with 44 goals scored last season, this could indicate that Manchester United needs a good quality goal-scoring players. I think, this is the reason why Manchester United brought in three forwards. Let's see whether this trio can improve MU or not.

[abhiseshakana]

Surely Manchester United back on the track? just signed striker player only without sign any back up position at goal keeper, defender and midfielder how possibility back on the track for winning EPL? Amorim not balance when signing players they have signed 3 striker without sign new defender, we know last season Manchester United become the EPL most conceded teams by finish at 15th position.
I think signed 2 striker more enough because have Højlund for back up and need to sign several crucial position at midfielder and looking top defender players. I don't sure yet with Manchester United performance next season have any special thing and looks finish at middle position around 10th to 8th placed as the realistic achievement..

A prediction that's very difficult to reject  . But I think a slightly higher prediction could potentially be in the top 5-6, with the top four teams being Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Manchester United brought in three forwards to boost their goal-scoring output. Indeed, they also need defenders, and United should have acquired a strong defender even just one. However, with 44 goals scored last season, this could indicate that Manchester United needs a good quality goal-scoring players. I think, this is the reason why Manchester United brought in three forwards. Let's see whether this trio can improve MU or not.

Man United may have found a way to find a solution for their front line, as Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko are projected to make Man United score more goals than before, but their problem is not only in the front line, but in almost all lines. Therefore, Man United should also need to improve, especially in the back line. Man United are rumored to be making approaches for Carlos Baleba and Donnarumma, and I think if Man United can really realize the agreement with the two players, then it could be a solution for their back line.