Premier League - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Arsenal

With Alexis Sanchez absent from the starting line-up for the season opener against West Ham, Arsenal seemed to struggle to find their feet despite a promising pre-season. Fans would have been filled with hope after their Community Shield victory against Chelsea, but may have been left unsure after the opening game as the Gunners disappointed in a 2-0 opening day loss. Olivier Giroud struggled throughout the game and Wenger could well go back into the transfer market to look for a new striker to lead the attack. Talk of Karim Benzema arriving has simmered down to mere whispers which may upset the Arsenal faithful. Petr Cech’s competitive debut was less than convincing, however I’m sure it was simply a blip in form and he will prove his worth in the upcoming fixtures. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was possibly the Gunners’ only bright spark during the game, however Sanchez’s return following his rest after the Copa America saw him return to the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.

Sunderland - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Questions rose about the solidity of Sunderland’s defence as they fell short in a 4-2 defeat away to Leicester City in their opening fixture of this Premier League season. Dick Advocaat’s men had little to shout about at half time, conceding three goals in the opening 30 minutes of the game. New signing Younes Kaboul seems to have struggled to settle in his new role leading the Black Cats back line, as John O’Shea’s omission from the starting line-up may have surprised some after a solid 2014/15 campaign. Advocaat will have been happier at full-time than half-time, despite the loss, following his side’s attempt to drag themselves back into the game with goals through strikers Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher.

2015/2016 Preview - Sunderland

Narrowly avoiding relegation last year, Sunderland know it will be tough again this year, but I think they can hover outside the relegation zone once again, finishing in 16th place this time around. Younes Kaboul looks to be a great signing as a rock at the back, while Jermaine Defoe will look to bang in the goals again. Advocaat did a brilliant job last season, and I'm sure he can repeat his heroics this year, hopefully more comfortably than last time around.