Five Premier League talking points, including Arsenal's defence and Mourinho's search for a striker

The Premier League is back with Arsenal on song while Mourinho must look to the blue side of Merseyside, rather than the red, for inspiration. Here are five talking points from the opening weekend.

Arsenal’s defensive unit earns plaudits…

Scott Parker’s decision to leave Aleksandr Mitrovic on the bench raised more than a few eyebrows ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Fulham. However, given the way that events panned out on the pitch in the 3-0 defeat, it is unlikely that the Serbian’s presence would have made too much of a difference. A couple of early scares aside, the visitors’ defence looked comfortable as Mikel Arteta deployed a similar system to the one that brought victory in the FA Cup Final and Community Shield. Ainsley Maitland-Niles resumed his role as wing-back/central midfielder, allowing auxiliary centre back Kieran Tierney to get forward on the left flank when the Gunners took possession; 32 of the Scot’s touches came inside the Fulham half.

Alongside him, the previously outward-bound Rob Holding retained his place following injury to David Luiz and produced a foray forward in the build-up to the second goal of which the Brazilian would be proud. Meanwhile Luiz’s compatriot, Gabriel, added his name to the scoresheet to become the tenth player to score on his Premier League debut for Arsenal (a list, coincidentally, including Saturday’s fellow goalscorers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang).

With Arsenal’s desire to bring in further midfielders (namely Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar) an open secret, Arteta may look to deploy a more orthodox midfield trio and centre back pairing in the future. For now, this system suits his side just fine.

…while Liverpool should not be concerned about theirs

Liverpool’s chaotic 4-3 win over newly-promoted Leeds may have given their fellow contenders renewed faith of wrestling the trophy from them this time around. Virgil Van Dijk produced an uncharacteristic error to hand Patrick Bamford the opportunity to equalise for the visitors’ second goal, while substitutes Fabinho and Curtis Jones were caught on their heels as Mateusz Klich put Leeds level yet again after half time.

Those harbouring such hopes have short memories, though. Last season began in similar fashion for Liverpool, as Championship winners Norwich caused Jurgen Klopp’s side plenty of problems on the opening day despite running out 4-1 losers. In fact, the Reds kept only two clean sheets in their first 15 league outings last term, winning all but one. That was followed by a run of 11 matches in which they conceded just once.

Furthermore, while Leeds had more of the possession on Saturday, they could only manage six shots to the hosts’ 22 (excluding both efforts disallowed for offside). They also failed to win a single corner.

Of course, Liverpool will not be gifted two penalties every week as they were here, but there is no cause for concern just yet.

Hendrick announces himself at Newcastle following unspectacular arrival

It would not be unfair to Jeff Hendrick to comment that his arrival as Newcastle’s first summer signing was not the one for which fans had hoped. The close season saw yet more rumours of a takeover at the Tyneside club, only for the deal with a Saudi Arabian consortium to fall through. As a result, it was not Philippe Coutinho or Diego Costa photographed side-by-side with Steve Bruce, but the Republic of Ireland midfielder instead after his contract at Burnley ran out.

More signings followed this week, most notably forwards Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser. Nonetheless, it was Hendrick who started ahead the latter at West Ham, as well as Miguel Almiron and the indefinable Joelinton. Positioned in a familiar role on the right of a four-man midfield, he repaid Bruce’s faith with a goal and assist as the Magpies started the Premier League season with a win for the first time since 2012. It is unlikely that Bruce will stick to this formation, or indeed personnel, but Hendrick has made his case for inclusion.

Mourinho and Ancelotti stamp personality on their respective teams… but old hallmarks remain

Leeds’ first top-flight match in 16 years aside, Tottenham’s meeting with Everton was the standout match when the opening fixtures were announced last month. Managers Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti boast five Champions League winners’ medals between them and both are seeking to break into the top four in their first full seasons at their respective clubs.

One cannot help but feel that their success will depend on whether are able to mould their sides as they see fit. The Portuguese handed debuts to summer signings Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on Sunday, while Ancelotti switched from the 4-4-2 formation utilised last season to a 4-3-3. His starting line-up featured Allan and James Rodriguez, both of whom he had coached at previous clubs, as well as fellow new recruit Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Despite this, the game’s only goal came from a familiar source as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees’ joint-top scorer in 2019/20, converted a cross from Lucas Digne. At the other end of the pitch, it was more of the same for Tottenham as Harry Kane lacked fitness; not for the first time, he played on regardless.

Mourinho has not been quiet about his belief that Tottenham should land another centre forward before the transfer window shuts next month. It appears that he does not trust Son Heung-Min or Lucas Moura to play as a number nine, leaving him short of alternatives in attack. As it stands, Ancelotti and Everton have stolen a march.

Could Wolves upset established order without European distractions?

Much was made of Wolves’ schedule last season, and with good reason too. The reward for finishing seventh upon their return to the top flight in 2018/19 was entry to the Europa League qualifiers, meaning that their quarter-final exit to eventual winners Sevilla was their 59th game of the season in all competitions.

Another seventh-place finish in the Premier League was not enough to grant them a return, though, as Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph saw them claim qualification at the expense of Nuno Esprito Santo’s side. The Black Country outfit started this season at Sheffield United, another side who impressed last term following their own promotion. Having been one of a number of teams to lose at Bramall Lane last season (alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham), many expected the trip to be a tough test for Wolves. Such suggestions were scorned within six minutes as the visitors raced into a two goal-lead, onto which they held for the remainder of the match.

As a result, they have already picked up as many points in their first league game this season has they did in the first five matches last time around, and their first three in 2018/19. However, the loss of full backs Jonny and Doherty to injury and Tottenham respectively have been a big blow, and the competition from a revitalised Arsenal and Everton will be tough. Will Santo’s men be able to go one better than their last two attempts and break into the top six?

Stats via WhoScored.