PREMIER LEAGUE
2021-22 PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW
LIVERPOOL The Reds should be much stronger than last season with Virgil van Dijk returning to the starting line-up. The arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig brings proper competition and cover to Jurgen Klopp’s defence, although Liverpool’s squad is lacking in depth compared to some of their title rivals. Further reinforcements should help in that respect, as the Reds bid to recapture their form of 2018-19 and 2019-20. Liverpool are irresistible on their day, and with the talismanic Van Dijk back in the team, they should have far fewer off days than last season. They ought to be back in the title picture. LAST SEASON FINISH: 3RD
MANCHESTER CITY In contrast to Liverpool, Man City have a superb squad with excellent cover across the pitch. The only issue is in the goalscoring department, with their pursuit of Harry Kane a pivotal summer transfer saga. The Blues are incredibly strong everywhere else, winning the Premier League courtesy of a 12-point margin over local rivals Manchester United last season. Pep Guardiola is now in his sixth season at the Etihad Stadium, claiming the title in three of his previous five campaigns. The Citizens are the favourites to retain their crown after lavishing £100m on the likes of Jack Grealish, although the true measure of their success is increasingly turning towards lifting the Champions League. LAST SEASON FINISH: 1ST
NEWCASTLE UNITED Magpies boss Steve Bruce was probably glad to have an empty stadium for the vast majority of last season. It’s tough to build optimism at St James’ Park these days, but the Magpies managed a respectable 12th place despite significant problems with injury and illness. Although Joe Willock’s loan from Arsenal has been turned into a permanent deal, a lack of sustained investment will continue to harm their chances of bringing the glory days back to the North East. However, if they can keep key forwards Callum Wilson and Allan SaintMaximin fit and firing, there’s every chance the Toon Army will witness a much more enjoyable season than some of their recent ones.
NORWICH CITY Norwich’s yo-yoing brings them back into the Premier League for a sixth time in 11 seasons. Four of the last five have been spent in the Championship though, and a refusal to spend their TV money on new signings meant they suffered an immediate return to the second tier in 2019-20. The Canaries are stronger after cantering to the Championship title last season, while they’ve invested in their squad right across the pitch this summer. Staying up will be tough, but Norwich have a better chance than their last crack at the top flight.
LAST SEASON FINISH: 12TH
DID YOU KNOW? 24
After beating Leicester, West Ham ended the day top of the Premier League for only the second time ever, after also doing so on August 22nd, 2006.
SOCCER360 SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2021
PROMOTED TO EPL
MANCHESTER UNITED Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been building steadily over the last couple of years, while Man United appear to be learning from past mistakes. Big signings were secured early this summer, as the Red Devils recruited well in the shape of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and, more recently, Ronaldo Cristiano. That addressed two key areas, with United targeting quality over quantity. The squad at Old Trafford is starting to look very strong, with the standout Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings, while there’s an attractive fluidity to their attack as seen in the 5-1 opening day demolition of Leeds. If Varane improves the defence as expected, United should have the foundations for perhaps their most sustained title challenge since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
RIGHT, BOTTOM: Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Everton FC
LAST SEASON FINISH: 2ND
SOUTHAMPTON Could this be the season where it all goes horribly wrong for Southampton? The Saints have an excellent manager in Ralph Hasenhuttl, but their model of constantly selling their best players surely cannot be sustained forever. Last season’s top scorer, Danny Ings, has departed, along with key defenders Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand, as well as midfielder Mario Lemina. Adam Armstrong has arrived from Blackburn Rovers, and his ability to hit the back of the net is going to be crucial. If the 24-year-old can carry last season’s goalscoring form in the Championship into the Premier League, Southampton should be fine. If not, they could be in for a relegation scrap.
ABOVE, LEFT: Liverpool will be much stronger with the returning Virgil van Dijk ABOVE, MIDDLE: Bruno Fernandes is crucial to Manchester United and their prospective title challenge
LAST SEASON FINISH: 15TH
Mikel Arteta suffered his 20th defeat as Arsenal manager in the Premier League, in what was his 60th game while Arsène Wenger didn’t register his 20th defeat with the Gunners in the competition until his 116th game.
Following the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, Arsenal ended a day in the relegation zone with more than one game of the season played for the first time since August 1992.
