⚽ Premier League 2026/2027 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Hardyrobust]

In my opinion, this season has got to be the easiest league title ever for Arsenal. The usual suspects are not in form, the only club capable of posing a real threat to Arsenal is Manchester United unless some dark horse comes along and cause upset like the time Leicester City won the league. With the quality Arsenal has, I’d say they can very well compete for the champions league without feeling pressure, and hopefully win their first under Arteta.

In the Premier League, Arsenal’s path to reclaiming the title might seem smooth, as top teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are currently in a transitional phase due to coaching changes. However, even though Manchester United might appear to be a contender for Arsenal, their squad isn’t strong enough. However, when it comes to Arsenal winning the Champions League title, I’m a bit pessimistic, not because of the quality of their squad, but more because of their winning mentality. We saw last season how Arsenal lost in the Champions League final precisely because they lacked that winning mentality.

 Arsenal losing champions league final last season has nothing to with there mindset or winning mentallity as you described it. They lost as a result of there pattern of play. Arsenal was always playing defensive game and this was what actually make them to lose the champions League final because that pattern didn't work against PSG. However, with there recent matches against Manchester city it shows that there is really an improvement in there midfield. Although, I want conclude yet because Manchester city is still having issues and this maybe the real for Arsenal winning and scoring that much goals.
Arsenal stand a better chance of winning the premier League this season than any other season because almost all the top teams are not in good form.

[Obari]

Enzo Maresca is definitely winning something with Manchester City but certainly not this season, maybe next season, all he should focus on is how to make the players adapt to his tactics, because his tactics is different from that of Pep, and the players are already used to Pep's tactics so it will stress them a little bit, that's why I'm not expecting any trophy from him now, that goes to Xabi Alonso too, they are both on putting things in order first before they can kick start of planning to win any trophy for their various clubs.

Enzo Maresca is now facing more backlash from fans because he was humiliated in the community shield against Arsenal. This is not the Manchester City we knew under Pep Guardiola management, alot have changed and we're starting to doubt the new boss around. Why lose 3-0 to Arsenal, common Enzo Maresca, you can do better. Manchester City fans wouldn't be happy to see their favorite side losing on streak to Arsenal who are scraping every surface and timing their strength to win the EPL this season.

Do you know Mikel Arteta plan? He's just here to ensure he dominate the EPL just as Pep Guardiola did when he was manage for Manchester City. He outplayed other rivalries and this is the exact same thing Mikel Arteta is trying to carry out.

[AprilioMP]

I just wanted to mention that the Premier League kicks off this week, and the transfers made by the English Premier League teams have been solid and well-suited to their respective needs. Most recently, Aston Villa signed Suzuki as their goalkeeper.
On Saturday, August 22, there are six matches we can watch. Of those six, the Brentford vs. Tottenham match will be the one that, in my opinion, will draw the most attention, given that Spurs are heading into the new season having signed players who were targeted by other teams but chose to join Spurs instead.

[Nightwatchmare]

Definitely Enzo Maresca will do a good job here in Manchester City, but certainly not this season, he's still got some huge work to do for now, he doesn't understand Pep pattern so he will have to rebrand the pattern of play from the team to his own, and that will take him time to achieve, so deep down I am not really expecting anything from him now, the least I'm expecting from him is making it to the UEFA Champions League next season, but lifting a trophy is a no to me, nothing even the FA cup.

Did you know that Enzo Maresca was Pep Guardiola assistant coach at Manchester City? I believe during the time of Enzo Maresca was assistant coach at Manchester City he learnt from Pep Guardiola and he knows the pattern of play that will suit Manchester City, but i think the problem at Manchester City is far beyond Enzo Maresca knowing the pattern Pep Guardiola was using at Manchester City. Manchester City did not do well last season their performance declined which make them to struggle and lose the league title to Arsenal, the major work of Enzo Maresca this season is to cover the lapses in the Manchester City team last season, if he cannot cover it even if he uses Pep Guardiola pattern of play he will not do well at Manchester City.

[Sarah Azhari]

In my opinion, this season has got to be the easiest league title ever for Arsenal. The usual suspects are not in form, the only club capable of posing a real threat to Arsenal is Manchester United unless some dark horse comes along and cause upset like the time Leicester City won the league. With the quality Arsenal has, I’d say they can very well compete for the champions league without feeling pressure, and hopefully win their first under Arteta.

In the Premier League, Arsenal’s path to reclaiming the title might seem smooth, as top teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are currently in a transitional phase due to coaching changes. However, even though Manchester United might appear to be a contender for Arsenal, their squad isn’t strong enough. However, when it comes to Arsenal winning the Champions League title, I’m a bit pessimistic, not because of the quality of their squad, but more because of their winning mentality. We saw last season how Arsenal lost in the Champions League final precisely because they lacked that winning mentality.

I disagree. Arsenal has a strong winning mentality. They have built resilience over the years and finally won the EPL title. Don’t forget they lost the final to a PSG - a far better team that’s won the CL multiple times and do not have the challenges of the premier league. I wouldn’t use that loss to conclude that Arsenal do not have a winning mentality.

Here’s the thing, friend. what I mean when I say Arsenal lacks a winning mentality isn’t in the Premier League, but in the Champions League. Now, if we look at why Arsenal lost to PSG in last season’s Champions League final, it’s clear to me that Arsenal lacks a winning mentality. Because, although Arsenal took the lead over PSG in the opening minutes, since they lacked that winning mentality, they didn’t know how to secure a victory that was right within their grasp. That’s why, so far, I still believe that in the Champions League, Arsenal doesn’t yet have a strong winning mentality. Even if, let’s say, Arsenal were to make it back to the final and face a team like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or PSG, they’d still lose. Unless, of course, Arsenal were to face a team that has never won the Champions League title, then maybe they’d win it. That’s my take and analysis, my friend.

[Black Mbaye]

Definitely Enzo Maresca will do a good job here in Manchester City, but certainly not this season, he's still got some huge work to do for now, he doesn't understand Pep pattern so he will have to rebrand the pattern of play from the team to his own, and that will take him time to achieve, so deep down I am not really expecting anything from him now, the least I'm expecting from him is making it to the UEFA Champions League next season, but lifting a trophy is a no to me, nothing even the FA cup.

Did you know that Enzo Maresca was Pep Guardiola assistant coach at Manchester City? I believe during the time of Enzo Maresca was assistant coach at Manchester City he learnt from Pep Guardiola and he knows the pattern of play that will suit Manchester City, but i think the problem at Manchester City is far beyond Enzo Maresca knowing the pattern Pep Guardiola was using at Manchester City. Manchester City did not do well last season their performance declined which make them to struggle and lose the league title to Arsenal, the major work of Enzo Maresca this season is to cover the lapses in the Manchester City team last season, if he cannot cover it even if he uses Pep Guardiola pattern of play he will not do well at Manchester City.

Why would he use Guardiola's playing style? He has his own style and tactical understanding. That's why I don't underestimate Enzo Maresca's chances of being as successful as Guardiola. He can certainly be a successful manager like Pep Guardiola. The important thing is to assess the quality and condition of the players and act accordingly. Manchester City has been experiencing a decline in form recently. He came here to turn that around. If they don't continue well until the first half of the season and get bad results, perhaps the management might consider replacing him as well.

[Comeacross]

Enzo Maresca is definitely winning something with Manchester City but certainly not this season, maybe next season, all he should focus on is how to make the players adapt to his tactics, because his tactics is different from that of Pep, and the players are already used to Pep's tactics so it will stress them a little bit, that's why I'm not expecting any trophy from him now, that goes to Xabi Alonso too, they are both on putting things in order first before they can kick start of planning to win any trophy for their various clubs.

Well, the problem is would the management give them the time to put things together before expecting them to win trophy? Enzo Maresca case with Manchester city is understandable because Manchester City might be patience with him for the season even if things are not right but what of Xabi Alonso and Chelsea? Do you think Chelsea is the type of team that care what the plan of coach is? You really think they can give him time to put things together? Chelsea is the type of club that send away a coach at slightest mistake despite knowing the effect that action has caused them but they still never learn any lesson. If things really get ugly and Xabi is able to finish the season with Chelsea, he should consider himself lucky.

[SatoPrincess]

Why would he use Guardiola's playing style? He has his own style and tactical understanding. That's why I don't underestimate Enzo Maresca's chances of being as successful as Guardiola. He can certainly be a successful manager like Pep Guardiola. The important thing is to assess the quality and condition of the players and act accordingly. Manchester City has been experiencing a decline in form recently. He came here to turn that around. If they don't continue well until the first half of the season and get bad results, perhaps the management might consider replacing him as well.

People just assume because Maresca worked with Pep, he would be playing a similar pattern of football. They forget that how he was playing at Chelsea, that’s not a manager that can turn a decline into success.

Here’s the thing, friend. what I mean when I say Arsenal lacks a winning mentality isn’t in the Premier League, but in the Champions League. Now, if we look at why Arsenal lost to PSG in last season’s Champions League final, it’s clear to me that Arsenal lacks a winning mentality. Because, although Arsenal took the lead over PSG in the opening minutes, since they lacked that winning mentality, they didn’t know how to secure a victory that was right within their grasp. That’s why, so far, I still believe that in the Champions League, Arsenal doesn’t yet have a strong winning mentality. Even if, let’s say, Arsenal were to make it back to the final and face a team like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or PSG, they’d still lose. Unless, of course, Arsenal were to face a team that has never won the Champions League title, then maybe they’d win it. That’s my take and analysis, my friend.

This is a premier league thread and we are discussing events in the EPL but you keep referencing last season’s champions league final. I can no longer argue with you about your take because it is your opinion, we just have to wait and see who wins the league at the end of the season.

[Stavri]

well so many talks about Manchester City. but imo they has lost its edge. until they bring in a proper manager, they won't succeed even if they build a 3 billion euro squad

[Charcol]

Definitely Enzo Maresca will do a good job here in Manchester City, but certainly not this season, he's still got some huge work to do for now, he doesn't understand Pep pattern so he will have to rebrand the pattern of play from the team to his own, and that will take him time to achieve, so deep down I am not really expecting anything from him now, the least I'm expecting from him is making it to the UEFA Champions League next season, but lifting a trophy is a no to me, nothing even the FA cup.

Did you know that Enzo Maresca was Pep Guardiola assistant coach at Manchester City? I believe during the time of Enzo Maresca was assistant coach at Manchester City he learnt from Pep Guardiola and he knows the pattern of play that will suit Manchester City, but i think the problem at Manchester City is far beyond Enzo Maresca knowing the pattern Pep Guardiola was using at Manchester City. Manchester City did not do well last season their performance declined which make them to struggle and lose the league title to Arsenal, the major work of Enzo Maresca this season is to cover the lapses in the Manchester City team last season, if he cannot cover it even if he uses Pep Guardiola pattern of play he will not do well at Manchester City.

Many people think that if Enzo Maresca follows Pep Guardiola's tactics, Manchester City will return to their previous position. But I don't think it's that simple. Maresca worked under Pep Guardiola and may have a good understanding of Manchester City's style of play, and this is a big advantage for him. But then he was an assistant coach, the role of a head coach is completely different. Now, as a head coach, it's not enough to just continue the previous system, but he has to understand the current problems. Because Manchester City's problems last season were not only in tactics but also in consistency, player form and team balance.

[Razmirraz]

Snip.

Definitely Enzo Maresca will do a good job here in Manchester City, but certainly not this season, he's still got some huge work to do for now, he doesn't understand Pep pattern so he will have to rebrand the pattern of play from the team to his own, and that will take him time to achieve, so deep down I am not really expecting anything from him now, the least I'm expecting from him is making it to the UEFA Champions League next season, but lifting a trophy is a no to me, nothing even the FA cup.

City hired Enzo Maresca because he knows the club’s philosophy inside out from his time as Pep’s assistant. I get the Your concern. But knowing the philosophy isn’t enough. City’s problems last season weren’t just tactical. They had no depth after injuries to key players and a few big drop-offs in form. Maresca main job this season is to fix that gap. He needs to take the Guardiola style patterns he learned and adapt them to solve the fitness, rotation, and mentality issues.

City didn’t bring him in to be a Pep clone. If he can’t adapt to this squad, he’ll struggle. Knowing Pep’s playbook is a plus, but whether he succeeds depends on how quickly he fixes what went wrong last season, not on how much he copies Pep. He’s got trophies on his CV too, winning the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea. At the end of the day, it’s not about tactics. It’s about whether he can sort out City’s bigger problems.

[shinratensei_]

well so many talks about Manchester City. but imo they has lost its edge. until they bring in a proper manager, they won't succeed even if they build a 3 billion euro squad

That's it. City's current manager is just like a stone compared to Pep who was gold. If they brought Enrique, Ancelotti or someone else who have similar quality to the Pep, they might be fine when Pep's gone. However, counting on Maresca who often doing dumb experiment is so stupid.
The Conference league and CWC trophy doesn't justify if he's a good coach. Community shield is the proof how their gameplay totally different than last seaason.

Remember Pep's City was beating Arsenal last season(EFL), while this time Maresca's debut lost 3-0 to Arsenal. it makes Maresca being one of manager with the worst managerial debut ever recorded in City.
Maresca can have Pep's blue print, but Pep's brain will always hit different. It seems City's golden time end now.

They won't able to compete for the trophy unless they sack Maresca, then bring world class manager in.

[Adbitco]

Maresca can have Pep's blue print, but Pep's brain will always hit different. It seems City's golden time end now.

Never, I totally agree with this point, Maresca can never have Pep's brain but this is exactly what makes them different, they are both 2 different individuals but Pep is miles ahead of him. It won't be business as usual again for Manchester City as it stands now, there will be up hill and downhill for them these periods because even the fans are not convinced Manchester City will be at the summit after Pep, this is the period these guys wished never came to pass that's Pep leaving but nothing lasts forever and that's the reality that's hitting them now. The management knew it won't be easy getting a suitable replacement for him that easy that's why they were helm bent on keeping him, I like the fact that Pep left so things don't get messy for him.

[Stavri]

well so many talks about Manchester City. but imo they has lost its edge. until they bring in a proper manager, they won't succeed even if they build a 3 billion euro squad

That's it. City's current manager is just like a stone compared to Pep who was gold. If they brought Enrique, Ancelotti or someone else who have similar quality to the Pep, they might be fine when Pep's gone. However, counting on Maresca who often doing dumb experiment is so stupid.
The Conference league and CWC trophy doesn't justify if he's a good coach. Community shield is the proof how their gameplay totally different than last seaason.

Remember Pep's City was beating Arsenal last season(EFL), while this time Maresca's debut lost 3-0 to Arsenal. it makes Maresca being one of manager with the worst managerial debut ever recorded in City.
Maresca can have Pep's blue print, but Pep's brain will always hit different. It seems City's golden time end now.

They won't able to compete for the trophy unless they sack Maresca, then bring world class manager in.

yeah... especially first half of the recent Arsenal vs Manchester City match played out like a 45 minute documentary titled damn, Pep is such a good manager...   Arteta must be the happiest man alive, he has no competition left in the league now  

[ASloveapg]

well so many talks about Manchester City. but imo they has lost its edge. until they bring in a proper manager, they won't succeed even if they build a 3 billion euro squad

That's right, I will never trust Enzo Maresca either, he will never be able to play the team as strong as Pep Guardiola. If he was really as talented as Pep Guardiola, then we would never have seen Manchester City lose the match so badly in the FA Community Shield match, if Pep Guardiola was there in the same match, then I am sure that Manchester City would not have lost the match so badly, and would not have had to concede a goal in the first minute before realizing anything. So we may be going to see a bad season for Manchester City. If a good coach is not brought in, then City will lose the title. Now the question is whether City can realize this and bring in a good coach.

[len01]

Of those six, the Brentford vs. Tottenham match will be the one that, in my opinion, will draw the most attention,

After looking at the bookmakers' odds, the difference is not particularly large, and Brentford are actually the favorites. This is not an easy one to predict, and usually, when the odds are relatively close but the home team, which is expected to be the weaker side, is still favored, there could be a surprise in store. I assume that at the start of this season, Brentford will want to try to get 3 points against Spurs in order to build the squad's confidence and mentality for the challenges ahead this season. However, if they fail to achieve that, Brentford may revert to the defensive tactics they used last season, which could ultimately result in a draw.

BTW, don't forget to pick Arsenal and Man United to win. That could be a profitable bet, even though adding both selections to a parlay would only give you combined odds of @1.65.

[Solodoski]

Enzo Maresca is definitely winning something with Manchester City but certainly not this season, maybe next season, all he should focus on is how to make the players adapt to his tactics, because his tactics is different from that of Pep, and the players are already used to Pep's tactics so it will stress them a little bit, that's why I'm not expecting any trophy from him now, that goes to Xabi Alonso too, they are both on putting things in order first before they can kick start of planning to win any trophy for their various clubs.

Enzo Maresca is definitely a good manager,  but I also don't expect him to win a major trophy this season,  because I think he is just building his team, so it should take him sometime before bringing in major trophy and that goes to Alonso too. My only issue is if their respective club owners are going to give them the time,  especially Manchester City that are used to winning trophies. I really think they both deserve to be giving time if they want to get the best out of them.

[Shineup]

In my opinion, this season has got to be the easiest league title ever for Arsenal. The usual suspects are not in form, the only club capable of posing a real threat to Arsenal is Manchester United unless some dark horse comes along and cause upset like the time Leicester City won the league. With the quality Arsenal has, I’d say they can very well compete for the champions league without feeling pressure, and hopefully win their first under Arteta.

In the Premier League, Arsenal’s path to reclaiming the title might seem smooth, as top teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are currently in a transitional phase due to coaching changes. However, even though Manchester United might appear to be a contender for Arsenal, their squad isn’t strong enough. However, when it comes to Arsenal winning the Champions League title, I’m a bit pessimistic, not because of the quality of their squad, but more because of their winning mentality. We saw last season how Arsenal lost in the Champions League final precisely because they lacked that winning mentality.

 Arsenal losing champions league final last season has nothing to with there mindset or winning mentallity as you described it. They lost as a result of there pattern of play. Arsenal was always playing defensive game and this was what actually make them to lose the champions League final because that pattern didn't work against PSG. However, with there recent matches against Manchester city it shows that there is really an improvement in there midfield. Although, I want conclude yet because Manchester city is still having issues and this maybe the real for Arsenal winning and scoring that much goals.
Arsenal stand a better chance of winning the premier League this season than any other season because almost all the top teams are not in good form.

The fact Arsenal lost the UEFA Champions League final to Paris Saint German doesn't mean they were weak or something, Paris Saint German was the better side for the game, and again the moment Paris Saint German knocked Bayern Munich out of the competition, that was when I knew the trophy is already theirs so let by gone be by gone, we are into the next phase of the tournament, and if care is not taking Arsenal might end up winning the trophy, and for the English premier League you never can tell, as I still believe there are teams ready to fight fiercely for that title.

[Gost ms]

In my opinion, this season has got to be the easiest league title ever for Arsenal. The usual suspects are not in form, the only club capable of posing a real threat to Arsenal is Manchester United unless some dark horse comes along and cause upset like the time Leicester City won the league. With the quality Arsenal has, I’d say they can very well compete for the champions league without feeling pressure, and hopefully win their first under Arteta.

In the Premier League, Arsenal’s path to reclaiming the title might seem smooth, as top teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are currently in a transitional phase due to coaching changes. However, even though Manchester United might appear to be a contender for Arsenal, their squad isn’t strong enough. However, when it comes to Arsenal winning the Champions League title, I’m a bit pessimistic, not because of the quality of their squad, but more because of their winning mentality. We saw last season how Arsenal lost in the Champions League final precisely because they lacked that winning mentality.

 Arsenal losing champions league final last season has nothing to with there mindset or winning mentallity as you described it. They lost as a result of there pattern of play. Arsenal was always playing defensive game and this was what actually make them to lose the champions League final because that pattern didn't work against PSG. However, with there recent matches against Manchester city it shows that there is really an improvement in there midfield. Although, I want conclude yet because Manchester city is still having issues and this maybe the real for Arsenal winning and scoring that much goals.
Arsenal stand a better chance of winning the premier League this season than any other season because almost all the top teams are not in good form.

We can never underestimate the competition in the Premier League and although some teams are not in their best form but they are definitely in a strong position to fight hard. It will not be easy for Arsenal to win the trophy this season, if they think that this season will be easy for them then they must have made a stupid decision.

Yes, I completely agree with what you said about Arsenal and the UCL. But this season we may see some changes in the way Arsenal play. Because Arsenal have made great changes in the midfield and their midfield has become very strong and the attacking part is in a very strong position compared to the previous season.

[Pandorak]

well so many talks about Manchester City. but imo they has lost its edge. until they bring in a proper manager, they won't succeed even if they build a 3 billion euro squad

It doesn’t matter if Manchester City has a golden squad or the best players in the world. But if the coach leading them isn’t competent enough, that squad won’t be very useful, because the coach can’t maximize the players potential. Right now, anyone would be skeptical, especially after seeing Manchester City get mercilessly crushed by Arsenal without scoring a single goal in response, this should be a harsh blow for Enzo. Imagine a team that used to be very hard to beat, now it looks like it has lost control of its game. He isn’t even worth comparing to Pep Guardiola, Pep is on a whole different level.