Manchester United are fast improving, Jese Rodriguez could be the difference for Stoke and David Wagner’s men are in full flow
I FELT that Tottenham — regardless of whether they bought players — were going to find it tough to get used to Wembley.
They are a very front-foot team and when they lose the ball they will press quickly.
Spurs got 20 more points at home than they did away and did not lose at White Hart Lane last season. Only Liverpool and Leicester got draws there.
Now they have played one game at their so-called new home and already lost.
This season, because their pitch is much bigger, pressing is going to be more difficult.
Two things will now happen — either the press will get beaten because there will be space down the sides or over the top.
Or their energy levels are not going to be as strong because they’re not going to be able to press continuously — as they did at White Hart Lane.
They might have to take a little step back.
Mauricio Pochettino might have to say, ‘Press but if we haven’t won the ball back, then drop off after three or four seconds’.
WAG TAIL IS UP
David Wagner has done what he did last season at Huddersfield — got his signings in early so they could have a full pre-season together.
What I like about him is that he doesn’t buy players just because they’re good.
But because they fit into the system he wants to play.
They’re great to watch and a lot of teams will underestimate them.
I’m expecting to see some really interesting and exciting results this season — and I think they will stay up.
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PUL IN RIGHT DIRECTION
West Brom boss Tony Pulis is pigeonholed as a certain type of manager.
It’s not really about possession but what you do with it.
They played Bournemouth at home and had just 29 per cent possession and then 32 per cent at Burnley.
Tony always builds from the back and is strong on set-pieces.
Teams struggle with set-pieces given how they want to defend now, in particular with zonal marking.
Tony doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
People say it’s boring — but he’s just got six points out of six.
If you keep a clean sheet, you’ve got a point.
UTD FAST IMPROVING
Manchester United didn’t score four goals away from home at any point in the league last term.
They’ve scored four in their two opening games and I think they’ll score a lot away from home.
At the peak of their powers, United were a great counter-attacking team to watch.
They have got pace in Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The way they lined up last season, it was hard to be counter-attacking.
Now the ball can be in the back of the net within five passes.
STOKE’S HOT ROD
It was a fantastic start for Jese Rodriguez. The way the Stoke front three linked up against Arsenal suggests they are going to be good to watch this season.
Jese, Xherdan Shaqiri and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are all skilful — their movement will cause teams problems.
Jese’s link-up play could make a big difference for the Potters.
