From Silva anger to added time: notes from the start of the Premier League
City not at their best but they do not need to be
Four wins from four without too much stress sees Manchester City two points clear at the top. The football played under Pep Guardiola – and Juanma Lillo – is clinical, the players are almost robotic in their actions to best opposition. City average 68% possession per match as opponents are forced to sit back and hope for the best, although that tactic has come under scrutiny from Erling Haaland, who has already scored six goals this season. Considering City sold a number of players over the summer and have done limited work signing replacements, others might have thought there is a chance they can take advantage of this but Guardiola is ensuring standards do not slip, whether he is on the training ground or recovering from back surgery in a different country. When City finally get up to speed, opposition managers will be even more afraid.
Related: It’ll always be VARsonists v eVARngelists but TV tell-all is a positive step | Max Rushden
Promoted clubs have one point
The gap between the Premier League and the Championship is a huge one to close in the space of a summer as plucky top-flight newcomers Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton are finding out. Between them they have earned a solitary point, thanks to the Blades drawing with fellow relegation candidates Everton. Burnley have conceded 11 goals in three matches, while Luton a more respectable nine. Alongside Everton, it is the first time in history that four clubs have lost their opening three matches of the campaign. This set of defeats is unfortunate for everyone involved but perhaps most so for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, who has lost in 20 of his past 21 Premier League appearances, the other 18 coming with Sheffield United. One suspects it will be a long old season for the three promoted sides.
The most fiery manager in fo
Fourth officials at Fulham matches know what they are in for when Marco Silva is patrolling the technical area. The Portuguese manager is not afraid to get in people’s faces and is more than happy to share his opinions on every decision that goes against his side, leading to an impressive three bookings in as many matches at the start of the season and a touchline ban for their Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham. Even more impressively, despite his protestations and frustration at the erroneous decision to allow Nathan Aké’s goal for Manchester City, Silva did not collect a fourth yellow. “I have to adjust,” Silva said after his suspension was confirmed. “Probably the best way to adjust is to be sitting on the bench. I have to tell you, that is almost impossible for me because my players need me.” Will he heed his own advice?
