Premier League history was made before a ball was even kicked this season as a record nine clubs started the campaign with new managers. The post-Pep Guardiola era at Manchester City began under Enzo Maresca, while Andoni Iraola took his first touchline steps at Liverpool after replacing the recently sacked Arne Slot. At Chelsea, Xabi Alonso arrived amid the club’s latest managerial carousel, following Mauricio Pochettino’s abrupt departure. So how did these nine newcomers fare in their opening weekend?
Three managers left feeling relieved
Marco Rose’s Bournemouth came within six minutes of pulling off a seismic upset at the Etihad Stadium, only for two late goals to deny them a famous victory. The German’s side showed resilience and quality in the opening 84 minutes, with the Cherries demonstrating the promise that helped them finish sixth last season. Rose will take encouragement from what he saw, even if the manner of City’s equaliser—Marc Guéhi unmarked at a corner—and the 90+4-minute winner from Joško Gvardiol left a bitter taste. The performance suggested Bournemouth could push on under Rose, provided they tighten their set-piece defending.
At Chelsea, Xabi Alonso’s reign began with a flurry of attacking intent. His side took the lead after 31 seconds through Cole Palmer, and the front three of Palmer, João Pedro, and Morgan Rogers combined to devastating effect. Yet Alonso’s first match also exposed a glaring weakness: Robert Sánchez’s unreliable handling cost Chelsea dearly, as he was at fault for both Fulham goals. The Spaniard must address his goalkeeper situation quickly if his project is to gain momentum, particularly with a back three system that demands composure from his defensive spine.
Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace endured a frustrating afternoon at Goodison Park, but the Frenchman will take solace from the fact his side could have left Merseyside with a more satisfactory result. Palace hit the woodwork twice in the first half and created chances, yet they were punished for wastefulness. Sage’s side showed flashes of promise, particularly in their pressing, but the final score did not reflect their performance. The question now is whether Palace can convert their dominance into points under his guidance.
Three managers left searching for answers
At Fulham, Marco Silva’s side struggled to impose themselves against Chelsea’s attacking trio. While Silva will have noted the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by his team, the bigger concern was the inability to contain Palmer, João Pedro, and Rogers. The Portuguese manager will need to tighten his defensive structure if Fulham are to avoid early-season struggles, particularly in transitions where Chelsea exploited space behind his full-backs.
At Liverpool, Andoni Iraola’s first match in charge ended in a narrow defeat to Ipswich Town. The Spaniard’s side showed character but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, with Mohamed Salah’s late strike not enough to salvage a point. Iraola will need to refine his attacking options if Liverpool are to recover from their opening-day setback and mount a serious title challenge, particularly in converting chances in high-pressure moments.
At Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi’s side laboured to a draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Italian’s high-pressing style looked disjointed at times, and his team struggled to break down a resolute Wolves defence. De Zerbi will need to sharpen his tactics if Brighton are to kickstart their season, particularly in finding a way to sustain their press without leaving gaps in midfield.
Three managers left with work to do
At Aston Villa, Steven Gerrard’s first match in charge ended in a heavy defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The former England captain will need to regroup quickly after a performance that lacked cohesion and structure, with Villa’s midfield overrun by Tottenham’s pressing. Gerrard’s side showed glimpses but were outclassed by Antonio Conte’s well-drilled side, raising questions about their defensive transitions.
At Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side were beaten by Arsenal, a result that exposed their defensive frailties. The Portuguese manager will need to address his backline if Forest are to avoid an early relegation battle, particularly in dealing with the pace of Arsenal’s wingers and the physicality of their forwards.
At Brentford, Thomas Frank’s side were held to a draw by Leicester City. The Dane will need to find a way to break down stubborn defences if his side are to improve on last season’s mid-table finish, particularly in finding a consistent source of goals beyond Ivan Toney’s absence.
Tactical takeaways
The new managers arrived with distinct philosophies, but the opening weekend revealed common challenges. Alonso’s back three at Chelsea hinted at a bold approach, while Rose’s Bournemouth showed tactical flexibility in their 4-2-3-1 shape. Silva’s Fulham struggled with defensive transitions, and Iraola’s Liverpool lacked a clinical finisher in their 4-3-3. These early tactical battles will shape the season’s narrative, particularly as clubs adapt to their new leaders’ demands.
The Premier League’s managerial carousel has already delivered drama, frustration, and moments of promise. For three managers, the opening weekend provided relief; for three, it raised questions; and for three, it was a call to action. The next fixtures will determine whether these early impressions are fleeting or the foundation of something more substantial.
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