Seven things learned from the Premier League weekend feat. Arsenal, Manchester United

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5) This will be Arsene Wenger’s last season at Arsenal

It may be a new campaign, but it is the same old story for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger could do little more than look on as his team produced a second half defensive horror show which saw The Gunners suffer a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Whilst Jurgen Klopp’s new-look visitors put on a swashbuckling forty-five minutes of impressive attacking intensity, the spotlight will very much be on Wenger after his side were jeered off the pitch by their own fans.

In truth, the result is a reflection of the Frenchman’s inability to correct the obvious deficiencies in his Arsenal squad. For a number of seasons, it has been clear that they need a commanding central defender and a world class striker, something which Wenger has failed to right in the transfer market. The result was that Arsenal were left playing 20-year-old Rob Holding; who suffered relegation from the Championship last season with Bolton, in the centre of the defence whilst Alexis Sanchez was shoe-horned into playing as a lone striker.

Yes, The Gunners have injuries. Yes, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are yet to return following the exertions in the European Championships. Nevertheless, the Arsenal team that took to the field on Sunday were such a long way from being title candidates. The most worrying aspect for Wenger will have been the toxic atmosphere which was created by home the home supporters at the Emirates, frustrated at their teams poor performance and their managers inability to utilise the transfer market.

Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly continue as the manager of Arsenal for the remainder of the season, but it looks increasing likely that this will be his final season in charge.

6) There will be an almighty relegation scramble, and goals will be key

The one thing that is clear is that there is going to be an almighty scramble in the bottom half of the Premier League to avoid relegation. Whilst the newly promoted sides will be favourites for relegation, there will be a host of other clubs that will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the dreaded drop zone. However, if your club possess a goal-scorer, then there is no need to panic – well not much.

Goals are the one commodity in the Premier League which are hard to obtain, and those clubs which already have a proven goal-scorer in their ranks have a substantial advantage. Sunderland have Jermain Defoe, Middlesbrough have Alvaro Negredo and West Brom have Salomon Rondon. All three opened their accounts for the season over the weekend, and all three will play a crucial role in ensuring their clubs survival over the coming months.

Crystal Palace should look to follow in the footsteps of their peers. The Eagles; whose top goal-scorer from last season found the net just five times, looked toothless and nonthreatening as they were beaten on Saturday afternoon. Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Brom will survive this season whilst Crystal Palace, unless they sign a goal-scorer, will be in serious danger.

7) Match officials finally start to crack down on dissent

It was nice to see referee’s cracking down on dissent from players over the weekend. Stoke City goalkeeper Shay Given and winger Marko Arnautovic were both given cautions during their teams draw against Middlesbrough on Teeside for angrily berating match official Kevin Friend.

Dissent is one of the aspects of modern football that needs to be stamped out and if that means that players need to receive a fistful of extra yellow cards before they grasp the message so be it. Well done Kevin Friend. Now, let’s see what can be done about diving and shirt-pulling during set-plays!

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Christine Sanjaya