The 2019/20 season of the Premier League kicked off last weekend. The new campaign started in familiar fashion with both title challengers Manchester City and Liverpool recording victories.
Liverpool seemingly sent out a message of intent at home to Norwich on Friday night. The Reds recorded a 4-1 win over the Canaries and were four goals up at half-time.
If Jurgen Klopp’s team had pushed on, then it could have been any score. However, to their credit, Norwich came out and produced a much-improved performance in the second period. Liverpool also took their foot off the gas too.
Reigning champions Manchester City looked to have a slightly tougher task on the opening weekend with a trip to West Ham, who have spent relatively big this summer on new recruits.
The first half was fairly even, although City did take the lead through a Gabriel Jesus strike. In the second half, quite simply the Hammers had no answer to Pep Guardiola’s team, who eventually wore the home side down to defeat them 5-0.
The two results showed that anything Liverpool can do City can do better. Liverpool appears to be the champions nearest and probably only realistic title challengers this season just like the previous campaign.
Klopp’s side’s problem is that no matter what they seem to do, City remains such a formidable opponent. Even with the calming influence of centre-back Vincent Kompany now gone, the Citizens still looked so assured at West Ham.
Last season was a close call when it came to winning the title for Liverpool. The fact that City won the league title by just one point showed just how close the Merseysider’s were to ending their title drought.
However, City’s first performance of the season suggests that they are unfazed by the threat of the Merseysider’s, and will simply carry on winning their games.