In the first Friday 5iver of the 22/23 Premier League season, we touch on Mo Salah’s propensity for a fast start, Gabriel Jesus aiming to be the main weapon in Gunner’s arsenal and more!
The Premier League kicks off tonight in what is set to be a bumper football year! The quest for the Champions League spots took a dramatic turn last season. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were in the pound seat, but eventually had to settle for fifth after a late-season implosion.
Despite being left licking their wounds, the London outfit finished 11 points clear of sixth-placed Manchester United. New United boss, Erik ten Hag will be looking to turn things around at Manchester United, and with a pre-season thrashing of Liverpool, there is a quiet optimism around Old Trafford.
Those Two league heavyweights will go head to head to head later this month, but here are a few points to consider for this weekend’s opening fixtures!
All eyes on Jesus as Gunners look to dispel memories of last season’s nightmare start
Gabriel Jesus bagged three assists and helped himself to a goal across his first three league appearances of the 2021/22 season. The forward created eight chances during that period, which was only bettered by Jack Grealish’s nine from among his Manchester City teammates. The hitman now plies his trade for Arsenal who had nothing to show for their first three league fixtures last season. Interestingly, the Arsenal man has been selected by over 70% of all Fantasy Premier League teams ahead of the new campaign.
New season, New challenge! 2022/2023 🔴⚪️🙌🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/s3OYtR4eg6
— Gabriel Jesus (@gabrieljesus9) August 2, 2022
Lloris key as Spurs want look to replicate last season’s fast start
Hugo Lloris kept three clean sheets across his first three league appearances of the 2021/22 season. The Spurs shot-stopper was instrumental as his side occupied top spot, following their first three league outings last time out. Indeed, the Lilywhites started last year’s league campaign with three wins and three clean sheets for the first time in their history.
Pierluigi Gollini: "Tottenham have made me grow, especially working with a World Cup champion like Hugo Lloris."
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) July 15, 2022
- Football Italia pic.twitter.com/oEZHc6iBlz
Salah to fly out the blocks in typical fashion?
Mo Salah attempted a combined 13 shots across his first three league appearances of the 2021/22 season. The Liverpool talisman penned a contract extension with the Merseyside club and with the departure of Sadio Mane during the transfer window, Salah will be looking to open his account at the first available opportunity. The Egyptian has netted on the opening day of five consecutive seasons for Liverpool.
Last year, @MoSalah became the first @premierleague player to net in the opening fixture of five consecutive seasons 🔥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/cUGmqB0Hn2
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 3, 2022
Mount the main man for Chelsea this season
Mason Mount (11) was the only Chelsea player to have scored 10+ league goals in 2021/22. The midfield maestro has been a consistent performer for the Blues going forward and could find himself playing in a more advanced position, following Romelu Lukaku’s departure. Mount attempted 76 shots in the Premier League last season, at least 20 more than his next teammate. For a club in supposed turmoil, Mount will be the rock around which Chelsea’s season will be built.
Only three Premier League players registered 10+ goals & 10+ assists last season:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 4, 2022
M. Salah - 23⚽️ & 13🅰️
J. Bowen - 12⚽️ & 10🅰️
M. Mount - 11⚽️ & 10🅰️
Is Mason Mount one of the most underrated players in the league? 🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/TeYKr8nlBp
Antonio sets sights on City
Across his first three league appearances of 2021/22, Michail Antonio returned four goals and three assists. The West Ham forward attempted a league-high 16 shots during that period, with seven of those being on target. Furthermore, the forward created three big chances in that time and will be looking to replicate this form. The striker will have his work cut out for him, as he comes up against a Manchester City team who will be determined to put their best foot forward after losing out on the Community Shield to Liverpool.
A moment of brilliance from @Michailantonio 🤯#WHUMCI pic.twitter.com/yfmWj6EsEh
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 4, 2022
