English Premier League talking points

Liverpool lack balance

A new-look Liverpool attack already looks an upgrade on the one that fired Arne Slot’s side to the title with four games to spare last season, but an array of attacking weapons has come at a cost.

Hugo Ekitike scored and provided an assist for Cody Gakpo on his English Premier League debut.

But the Reds needed two late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah

to see off Bournemouth

4-2 after blowing a 2-0 lead.

The second of Antoine Semenyo’s double for Bournemouth will ring particular alarm bells for Slot as the Ghanaian was able to gallop unchallenged from just outside his own box before firing past Alisson Becker.

“How many players were ahead of the ball – maybe eight players – when they were winning 2-1,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

“That can’t happen. It’s absolutely shocking at this level.”

More reinforcements at both ends of the pitch look set to follow as Liverpool pursue Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

However, Slot must find the formula to prevent his side being wide open on the counter-attack as a worrying trend from pre-season and the Community Shield continued into competitive action.

Reijnders steps into de Bruyne void

Manchester City are looking to bounce back from a campaign to forget that brought their run of four consecutive titles to an end.

Pep Guardiola’s squad has been refreshed after finishing a distant third last season. Their new recruits impressed in a

4-0 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers

at Molineux.

Tijjani Reijnders stepped into the void left by Kevin de Bruyne’s departure with a role in all of City’s opening three goals.

The Dutch midfielder’s quick feet opened up the Wolves defence for Erling Haaland’s opener.

Reijnders, a £46.5 million (S$80.8 million) signing from AC Milan, then slotted in his first goal for the club before teeing up Haaland’s second.

“We knew he is a top signing for the coming years for City,” said Guardiola.

“Lovely guy and has made an impact from day one.”

Forest’s gloom dissipating

Just a few weeks ago, things were not looking promising for Nottingham Forest, who had a creditable 2024-25 season which saw them qualify for Europe.

They lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle and Morgan Gibbs-White looked set for Tottenham, with a medical check-up already booked. The pair combined for 13 goals and 22 assists last term.

Ahead of their season opener against Brentford, manager Nuno Espirito Santo said his “unbalanced” side have a “major problem” as they are very far from where they should be.

He added: “We are very far in terms of preparation, in terms of planning, in terms of the squad. So we are all very worried.”

But the picture looks less worrying now. They comfortably

beat Brentford 3-1

, leading 3-0 before the break with Chris Wood, their top scorer last season, bagging a brace. Elanga’s replacement Dan Ndoye also scored on debut.

In addition, Nuno’s squad worries have at least been partially assuaged with the signings of winger Omari Hutchinson, midfielder James McAtee and striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. The club are also in talks to sign midfielder Douglas Luiz. AFP