⚽ Premier League 2026/2027 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Rengga Jati]

Arsenal won the championship as the least undeserving team in a pool where no one really deserved it... they ground out most of their matches 1-0, grabbing 3 points thanks to corner kick goals from players like Gabriel, Merino and Zubimendi.

It is insulting and foolish to say Arsenal were undeserving for their efforts to win the league last season. You’re just putting together all their 38 games played and calling it thrash.

Exactly, they deserved it. The scoreline does not really matter. As long as they consistently won matches. A narrow score does not mean that they did not deserve it? No.. It simply reflects the tough competition. Arsenal ultimately won the EPL title last season impressively. Moreover the first with Arteta. From 28 matches, they secured 26 wins. Only 7 draws, and suffered only 5 losses. They scored 77 goals. They also held a significant points gap over Man City. In my view, it was a highly satisfying result. It is truly strange and even insulting saying that Arsenal didn't deserve it.

[Showlove01]

Arsenal deserve to be the champion seeing how other teams performed last season but in this current season all I can say that anything is possible and I'm not disrupting anyone though Gunners have better chances because the majority of the other big teams changed management but still might not change anything because two seasons back a new manager, Arne Slot lifted the EPL title but we all can agree that this season will be more competitive.

Arsenal won the championship as the least undeserving team in a pool where no one really deserved it... they ground out most of their matches 1-0, grabbing 3 points thanks to corner kick goals from players like Gabriel, Merino and Zubimendi.

Arsenal deserves it in as much as I hate to agree, it's not like the two seasons back EPL title lifting from Liverpool was actually good, they were just the least undeserving also.

Gunners tried aside from the fact that though they have been almost getting it in recent seasons and failing, and last session was no different but others were slacking more and even with the pressure they were champions.

All I can only say is a well done to the Gunners for lifting the English premier League title last season, but this present season that is about to start, I can only advise them to double their hustle because it won't be an easy one for each and everyone of the teams, they are still in the competition no doubt but the opposition teams will definitely give them tough time if they are to win the English premier League title this season, I'm seeing Arsenal and Manchester United as the number one contenders this season.

Effort will really count and that is why they won last season, they put so much efford and their mentality was changed because I can remember some seasons they were very good but they could not win after topping the league for a long time and that was because they didn't had a change of mentality then but last season they do and I hope they continue with it else they won't be able to win again because I can see some premier league team building up quite well.

[Sarah Azhari]

The preseason games are mostly important for coaches, not for players if we exclude fitness. As players get fit during preseason, coaches use the period to make decisions.

That’s right, especially for new coaches. Coaches use preseason games to experiment with tactics that are suitable for their players. They also assess how ready players are to execute the tactics he implements, so he can determine who will be in the starting lineup when the league begins. That’s why coaches generally view preseason games as a good way to gauge their team’s strengths and weaknesses.

[knowngunman]

Arsenal won the championship as the least undeserving team in a pool where no one really deserved it... they ground out most of their matches 1-0, grabbing 3 points thanks to corner kick goals from players like Gabriel, Merino and Zubimendi.

Least undeserving? Let be honest but you're being too harsh here. Football is a game of strategy, you apply the one that work for you and earn you point. Corner kicks was the strategy that works for Arsenal and they use it to get a desire results. Goal margin doesn't matter as long as you're able to win. The fact that Arsenal consistently get points at every cost proved they deserve it. We banter them all these years for always throwing their chances when it matters the most and now they finally won but we still want to discredit their efforts for not scoring many goals? That's unfair in my opinion.

[shinratensei_]

It seems none is watching Liverpool's friendly against Monaco except me  . I feel so good to see Iraola's tactic is starting to work in this game. although their backine is a bit on the edge most of times, but they can also move the ball so quickly to the upfront once they won it back.
I see koumas can settle to the Iraola's tactic as well as Grav. I also see Gakpo is doing pretty good here, and i'm starting to think Liverpool may start to chance their stance on him to not to sell him.

So far Wirtz also has good half by creating everything in the club. Nvertheles it feels a bit weird to miss Salah's face from this club because how iconic he was for Liverpool, but life must go on. hehe.
It's interesting to see what rotiation will be doing by Iraola at 2nd half.

The first half is quite impressive, but i hope they can do better at the 2nd half. I'm watching this on youtube for free.

[Dreadboost]

Pre-season is an amazing opportunity for youngsters to come on and show what they've got. Arsenal youngsters impressed the coach today in the Emirates Cup. I am looking forward to seeing more of the youngsters come into the team. With a little more intensity, Tzolis, Arsenal's new left winger, played so well, getting two assists.

It was a lovely opportunity for the supporters to see a renewed mind in that left winger, considering the departure of Trossard, who left for Beşiktaş. Congratulations to Borussia Dortmund on winning the Emirates Cup final.

[len01]

Arsenal won the championship as the least undeserving team in a pool where no one really deserved it...

What you're saying makes a lot of sense in the first part of your statement, but I think the conclusion is a bit of an exaggeration. I fully agree that Arsenal had an excellent tactical setup last season and did a great job maintaining balance across all areas of the pitch. That said, if Man City hadn't been dealing with so many injury problems, it's hard to imagine Arsenal finishing at the top of the table by the end of last season.

[Halifat]

The preseason games are mostly important for coaches, not for players if we exclude fitness. As players get fit during preseason, coaches use the period to make decisions.

That’s right, especially for new coaches. Coaches use preseason games to experiment with tactics that are suitable for their players. They also assess how ready players are to execute the tactics he implements, so he can determine who will be in the starting lineup when the league begins. That’s why coaches generally view preseason games as a good way to gauge their team’s strengths and weaknesses.

This is usually how they get to know their players and their various positions, all changes can be done during this period because I consider it as an opportunity for them to reshuffle a lot of things to avoid being collapse when the season started, honestly there's a lot of advantage in this preseason, especially the young players who are opportuned to test the league and with this kind of opportunity, they can be known to public on how they are performing.

[Agbe]

The preseason games are mostly important for coaches, not for players if we exclude fitness. As players get fit during preseason, coaches use the period to make decisions.

That’s right, especially for new coaches. Coaches use preseason games to experiment with tactics that are suitable for their players. They also assess how ready players are to execute the tactics he implements, so he can determine who will be in the starting lineup when the league begins. That’s why coaches generally view preseason games as a good way to gauge their team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Yes they also use it to know the position of each player in the pitch. Coaches use it to select players in the main match and players to bench and substitute. But the min reason of preseason matches is to regroup and rebuild fitness of the players and to include the new comers/players in the teams and that is why old players do not see it as a serious game and they take it as a test running . matches for fitness.

[puloweh555]

The preseason games are mostly important for coaches, not for players if we exclude fitness. As players get fit during preseason, coaches use the period to make decisions.

That’s right, especially for new coaches. Coaches use preseason games to experiment with tactics that are suitable for their players. They also assess how ready players are to execute the tactics he implements, so he can determine who will be in the starting lineup when the league begins. That’s why coaches generally view preseason games as a good way to gauge their team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Yes. Preseason matches besides being important for coaches to work on their strategies are also an opportunity for them to see the potential of young players. In addition preseason games are a chance for young players to showcase their abilities to impress the coach and be considered as an alternative when key players get injured.

So indeed preseason matches aren't really about winning or losing they are an opportunity for coaches and young players to give their best for the team next season. Although preseason games can't be used as a full measure of performance they can also boost team morale when players hope to get good results during the preseason. So it's really wrong to say that preseason matches are completely useless.

[IceLincoln]

It seems none is watching Liverpool's friendly against Monaco except me  . I feel so good to see Iraola's tactic is starting to work in this game. although their backine is a bit on the edge most of times, but they can also move the ball so quickly to the upfront once they won it back.
I see koumas can settle to the Iraola's tactic as well as Grav. I also see Gakpo is doing pretty good here, and i'm starting to think Liverpool may start to chance their stance on him to not to sell him.

So far Wirtz also has good half by creating everything in the club. Nvertheles it feels a bit weird to miss Salah's face from this club because how iconic he was for Liverpool, but life must go on. hehe.
It's interesting to see what rotiation will be doing by Iraola at 2nd half.

The first half is quite impressive, but i hope they can do better at the 2nd half. I'm watching this on youtube for free.

So far, people have not been paying too much attention on the ongoing preseason friendlies, it hasn’t entirely been favourable to most bettors. Big teams don’t just giving away wins or draws is one thing.
Today I saw that Manchester City won Atletico Madrid 3:1 with Omar Marmoush scoring a brace and with the speculations surrounding his time at City even his coach isn’t confident with him, I believe he deserves to remain at City he’ll be a valuable asset to deploy anytime.
Liverpool ended up losing this game 3:2 to Monaco, Chelsea played a 3:3 against Johor. Not the results we all expected.

[Promocodeudo]

So far, people have not been paying too much attention on the ongoing preseason friendlies, it hasn’t entirely been favourable to most bettors. Big teams don’t just giving away wins or draws is one thing.
Today I saw that Manchester City won Atletico Madrid 3:1 with Omar Marmoush scoring a brace and with the speculations surrounding his time at City even his coach isn’t confident with him, I believe he deserves to remain at City he’ll be a valuable asset to deploy anytime.
Liverpool ended up losing this game 3:2 to Monaco, Chelsea played a 3:3 against Johor. Not the results we all expected.

I have not been taking the preseason serious although I'm not suppose to but one thing I have not failed to do is to go back to the statistics after the matches are been played to know the scoreline of most of the big teams, and what I find out is that, if you want to win, the best way to go about your bet is to bet on few big teams on over 2.5, BTTS has also been favourable, the most risky bet in this preseason is straight win especially on the favourite teams, if you want to lose just keep beting on those big teams to win, they'll end up cutting all your bet slip, this is preseason, Manchester city winning against Atletico Madrid mean nothing to me because there's nothing to win or lose by any team in this preseason.

[Juicyhome]

Arsenal losing two games in a row is worrisome as Premier League champion, Arsenal is not representing the league in this preseason games,  days ago they lost to real Betis by 3 goals to 1, today again they lost 3 goals to 2 to Dornumd at home. Arsenal need to strengthen their defense, they can't be conceding 6 goals in a friendly game. Liverpool bottled their 2 goals lead against As Monaco, they lost by 3 goals to 2. Is only Manchester united that have been representing well in this preseason among the Premier League team.

This season Arsenal will not be a threat for the league, Manchester United will be a better team than Arsenal this season, it will be a difficult season for all, but I'm looting formanchested United for the league.

[Ale88]

Arsenal losing two games in a row is worrisome as Premier League champion, Arsenal is not representing the league in this preseason games,  days ago they lost to real Betis by 3 goals to 1, today again they lost 3 goals to 2 to Dornumd at home. Arsenal need to strengthen their defense, they can't be conceding 6 goals in a friendly game. Liverpool bottled their 2 goals lead against As Monaco, they lost by 3 goals to 2. Is only Manchester united that have been representing well in this preseason among the Premier League team.

This season Arsenal will not be a threat for the league, Manchester United will be a better team than Arsenal this season, it will be a difficult season for all, but I'm looting formanchested United for the league.

As other users already said, this is called pre-season for a reason. The training are more intense, players are still struggling to find the right form, managers experiment with different tactics, there are many youngsters playing... I would never judge a team by the summer friendly matches, it doesn't make a lot of sense in my opinion.

[skarais]

~~~

Yes. Preseason matches besides being important for coaches to work on their strategies are also an opportunity for them to see the potential of young players. In addition preseason games are a chance for young players to showcase their abilities to impress the coach and be considered as an alternative when key players get injured.

So indeed preseason matches aren't really about winning or losing they are an opportunity for coaches and young players to give their best for the team next season. Although preseason games can't be used as a full measure of performance they can also boost team morale when players hope to get good results during the preseason. So it's really wrong to say that preseason matches are completely useless.

You are right, the performance of the team during pre-season is not a guideline even a team can be said to be bad or good in official competitions. Pre-season is just a Test match, whether it's strategy or young players, so it won't be the most important thing even if it's useful. I tend not to watch pre-season games, they are not exciting games for me, except the big matches between the two top teams.

By the way, the new season starts in 2 weeks and I think a lot of people are looking forward to the opening game. Arsenal will be the first team to start this season against Coventry City, but we will obviously know who will secure the 3 points.

[Localhostspeed]

Pre-season is an amazing opportunity for youngsters to come on and show what they've got. Arsenal youngsters impressed the coach today in the Emirates Cup. I am looking forward to seeing more of the youngsters come into the team. With a little more intensity, Tzolis, Arsenal's new left winger, played so well, getting two assists.

It was a lovely opportunity for the supporters to see a renewed mind in that left winger, considering the departure of Trossard, who left for Beşiktaş. Congratulations to Borussia Dortmund on winning the Emirates Cup final.

The come back was great but they didn't do well in the first half, the defense was bad but the way I saw the substitution, one will know that he was testing something. Maybe he wanted to see how his defense has been on he can improve and he did the substitution and everything became normal. What I didn't expect was the penalty, it's good expression for coach to know who can take penalty but this was not necessary, I learnt that is how Arsenal play.

I was interested in Gabriel and Eze unfortunately Eze was not around to play. Gabriel played the first half and was substituted. When Arteta knew that the match was going to have Penalty, he should have kept his main starters that were going to take penalty to check their penalty skills. It was because if their fear that made the team to lose in the penalty, they almost won the league if not for Eze and Gabriel in the Champions League last season.

[Humblevirus]

Arsenal losing two games in a row is worrisome as Premier League champion, Arsenal is not representing the league in this preseason games,  days ago they lost to real Betis by 3 goals to 1, today again they lost 3 goals to 2 to Dornumd at home. Arsenal need to strengthen their defense, they can't be conceding 6 goals in a friendly game. Liverpool bottled their 2 goals lead against As Monaco, they lost by 3 goals to 2. Is only Manchester united that have been representing well in this preseason among the Premier League team.

This season Arsenal will not be a threat for the league, Manchester United will be a better team than Arsenal this season, it will be a difficult season for all, but I'm looting formanchested United for the league.

I was not that worried when Arsenal lost their match against Real Betis, thinking that it was just a preseason match. But now, it seems that I am getting worried about Arsenal because losing preseason matches back to back is not a good sign. Despite knowing that preseason can never be like the main season, I think the defensive line is the worst because of Saliba, and they need to quickly look for another replacement for Saliba because I don't think any of the players they are using in Saliba position can really stand in for him.

My concern is not fully about them losing two matches, but the rate at which they have conceded goals in these two matches is what is disturbing me. But still, I see it as preseason, and Arsenal's season may be completely different from what they are playing now.It would be better not to start making conclusions about Arsenal now. It is too early to start saying that. I know that Manchester United are in good form and started towards the end of last season, they were also continuing with their great form. But that still doesn't mean we should say they will be better than Arsenal. There are some teams that have a rough preseason but end up doing better in the main season.

[Zanab247]

Arsenal losing two games in a row is worrisome as Premier League champion, Arsenal is not representing the league in this preseason games,  days ago they lost to real Betis by 3 goals to 1, today again they lost 3 goals to 2 to Dornumd at home. Arsenal need to strengthen their defense, they can't be conceding 6 goals in a friendly game.

We have seen situation like this in the friendly game but getting to premier league tournament make the clubs to be among the strong clubs in that season. As long Arsenal did not change their coach in this summer season, I still have hope on Arsenal, because their coach will still apply those strategies that made them to lift the trophy last season.

One thing you need to understand is that, this is friendly game, and when the real tournament start then you will see the real color of Arsenal, because I have that confidence that they will lead this tournament even though they are not going to win the trophy again.

[Just Say]

The preseason games are mostly important for coaches, not for players if we exclude fitness. As players get fit during preseason, coaches use the period to make decisions.

Honestly we think that through the pre-season matches, the coaches try to find out the tactics and mentality of the new players in the team, if the players get fit during the pre-season, they may be able to prepare well for the whole season. As the Blues will be on the field under the leadership of their new manager in the upcoming season, it seems to me these pre-season matches are very important for former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso because the results of these matches will be able to understand whether he can give the right direction to the players of the Premier League club.

It is already seen this team is performing well in their club friendlies, as evidenced by the fact that they defeated the Italian club AC Milan 3-0 and we all noticed Brazilian Joao Pedro scored a double in that match and they also drew against the Johor Darul Ta'zim club, at this stage it seems that under his leadership Chelsea will be able to play more offensively in the Premier League next season.

[The Founding Titan]

Arsenal losing two games in a row is worrisome as Premier League champion, Arsenal is not representing the league in this preseason games,  days ago they lost to real Betis by 3 goals to 1, today again they lost 3 goals to 2 to Dornumd at home. Arsenal need to strengthen their defense, they can't be conceding 6 goals in a friendly game.

We have seen situation like this in the friendly game but getting to premier league tournament make the clubs to be among the strong clubs in that season. As long Arsenal did not change their coach in this summer season, I still have hope on Arsenal, because their coach will still apply those strategies that made them to lift the trophy last season.

One thing you need to understand is that, this is friendly game, and when the real tournament start then you will see the real color of Arsenal, because I have that confidence that they will lead this tournament even though they are not going to win the trophy again.

The worst thing that can happen to a team like Arsenal's is for them to go all in right now and and start the main league with injuries to their major players, there is very little to be gained from these preseason games, it's more for teams with new coaches to get used working with eachother, for a team like Arsenal they don't really need it that much so they will make sure to save their energy for when the season begins for real, when losses and winnings actually start to count.