How did all nine new managers fare in Premier League openers?
Who impressed and who has work to do? BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty looks at how the nine new managerial appointments fared on the opening week of the Premier League season.
In the Premier League's opening games, nine clubs began with new managers. Manchester City welcomed Enzo Maresca, Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola, and Chelsea welcomed Xabi Alonso. Maresca nearly claimed an early victory, but later succumbed to a heartbreaking loss. Iraola started well but couldn't stop Fulham from scoring twice.
Alonso, on the other hand, watched Chelsea's defense struggle, with Robert Sanchez being a particular concern as a goalkeeper. Sage at Crystal Palace had a disappointing first game but showed promise in the second half. Arbeloa faced his first Premier League defeat as a new manager. For Fulham, Ozil and King shone in their debut.
In Newcastle, Iraola's team struggled against Liverpool's swift counter-attacks, while Guardiola's successor at City, Maresca, celebrated a near-win. The Italian was relieved after City's Community Shield loss. Maresca described his day as perfect, but his team's possession-heavy but less effective play left something to be desired.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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