5 Things We Learned: Premier League Matchday 1

Story posted September 16, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Charlie Knezevic

After a short break, English soccer is finally back and Week 1 action didn’t disappoint. 16 of the 20 clubs were in action this weekend and provided a lot of entertaining matches. Let’s take a look at five things we learned:

1. Jamie Vardy is eyeing the Golden Boot, again

After leading the Premier League in goals in the 2019-2020 season, Vardy started the season off with two goals this past weekend. The Leicester City goal machine scored two penalties late in their game against West Brom and will look to continue to build on his performance.

After scoring 23 goals a year ago, Vardy will be dreaming to break not only his personal best from a season ago, but possibly the single-season record of 32, currently held by Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

2. Jose Mourhino still has a lot to prove

The Tottenham manager took over last season and received a lot of backlashes early on. Mourhino then slowly turned the ship around and had the Spurs looking in form at the end of last season.

However, the Spurs suffered a poor 1-0 loss to Everton this past weekend and Mourhino is running out of excuses. After a couple of signings this summer to fit the legendary manager’s scheme, the Spurs should be in better form.

Although there are many rumors of Tottenham signing another striker such as Gareth Bale, Mourhino has the pieces he needs and must prove it before it is too late.

3. Chelsea is good, really good

Chelsea made the most noise out of any Premier League team during the transfer window when they signed a handful of high-class players. German Bundesliga signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz both got the start in their debuts, however, they both underperformed.

Despite the sloppy play of the young stars, Chelsea still managed a 3-1 victory, which proves how much power this team really has. If Chelsea can find consistent goalkeeping, they have a real shot to challenge for the title this season and make a deep run in the Champions League.

4. Leeds is back and in exciting fashion

After a 16 year absence from top division football, Leeds United has finally been promoted back to the Premier League, a league they have won three times. Leeds was giving a tough welcome back by having to play the defending champions, Liverpool, in their opening match.

However, Leeds kept the game close and exciting despite falling short to a last-minute Mohamed Salah goal. Don’t expect Leeds to be a team that gets walked over in their first season back, as they are on a mission and have a lot to prove.

Keep an eye out for Leeds to challenge top teams this season and prove that they belong.

5. Liverpool is still Liverpool

Despite a weird result this weekend, Liverpool continued to show why they won the league by such a large margin last season. Despite allowing three goals, their offense produced four and the club was able to secure three points.

Mohamed Salah was able to put three tallies next to his name as he found the back of the net three times on Saturday, two of which were penalty kicks. The front three of Liverpool are going to dominate English back lines all season long.

Liverpool should have no problem securing a spot in the Champions League this season and making a serious case to defend their title. Expect to see Liverpool on top of the table for most of the season yet again.


Charlie Knezevic is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email charlieknez@gmail.com.