The most followed sport in the world ‘ Football ‘ is up and running after a brief vacation as all the major leagues started the new season this Saturday. The build up to the opening day is huge with loads of expectations and anticipation for something new and startling. The first day of the English Premier League (EPL) was no different either. With lots of new players coming into the League and new coaches taking over teams, the tension was palpable too, which has motivated me to pen this post today.
The First day was nothing short of Drama at the EPL. There were some hard fought games, some one sided affairs, a couple of serious reversals, some excellent debuts and some forgettable ones and eventually some ecstasy and a bit of despair. The day was truly exciting with the most talked about debut of Erling Haaland for reigning Champions Manchester City and Erik ten Hag, the new Manager of Manchester United. Both the debuts were starkly contrasting and are the points of discussion today.
Erling Haaland
The 22 year old, 6’5” tall Norwegian striker had been on Manchester City’s radar for a year and they eventually got him transferred from Borussia Dortmund for a staggering sum. There is no doubt about the massive potential of the young Norwegian with his ability to score . His blistering pace , ball control and height make him a dangerous player infront of goal. Erling Haaland proved everything said about him to be right in the first match against a good solid West Ham United Team by scoring two goals and ensuring victory for his new Club at West Ham’s home ground in London.
The second goal in particular was a superb effort from Haaland scoring a lovely left footer on the run, beating the outstretched right arm of the goal keeper. It was a debut to savour and would have calmed nerves at the Club too. With Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko leaving Manchester City, there was a bit of concern, but with the arrival of Haaland and his spectacular showing have laid all doubts to rest. Manchester City have made a strong statement in the initiation of their Title defence, though it is not going to be easy with arch rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool putting up good performances, on the first day too.
Erik ten Hag
200 kms away from London, at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, Erik ten Hag was carrying the hopes of millions of Manchester United fans, as he took the field against Brighton for the first time as Manager of the team. The expectations were massive from Erik ten Hag. The Manchester United Management and the fans alike were expecting a strong show in the first match. However what transpired was nothing short of dismay and heartbreak. Brighton drilled in two goals and scored an own goal to come out triumphant with a 2-1 margin.
Manchester United had lost to Brighton after 113 years and that too at their home ground Old Trafford. The listless performance showed that nothing much had changed at Manchester United. They had struggled last year too and have not been able to win the EPL since a decade. Starting with Christian Erikson , the now ageing Danish legend, and keeping Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench was an inexplicable move from Erik Ten Hag. The midfield too appeared clueless with not many chances being created for the talented duo of Sancho and Marcus Rashford in the front. Even the dependable Bruno Fernandes left no impression on the match. The game finally precipitated into a painful loss for Manchester United and a painful debut for Erik ten Hag. The team management have lots of work to do when they take on a resilient Brentford on 13th August.
The Road Ahead
Ecstasy for Erling Haaland and despair for Erik ten Hag is how the two debuts played out on a remarkable first day at the EPL season 22-23. However these are very early days and history is laden with stories of fluctuating fortunes. Haaland still has to keep going and be consistent, otherwise his first match performance might be quickly forgotten. On the other hand Erik ten Hag has a major task at hand. He has to find a winning formula from amongst the players at his disposal and assure the Fans ( I am one of them ) and the Administration that Manchester United is in safe hands.
Football is a breathtaking sport, filled with umpteen vagaries in a short span of 90 minutes. No wonder, the world loves it.
Riz Khan is a fervent fan of sports and has a deep insight of it.Thus he has given his own interesting assessment on the debut of Erling and Eric.
Thank you