The TNT Sports presenter assesses three of the major talking points in this season’s Premier League.
After a wait of 22 years to win the Premier League once again, Arsenal finally got their hands on the title. The big question now is whether Mikel Arteta’s team can retain their crown.
It will be fascinating to watch their mentality and approach; whether the relief of finally getting over the line has any effect, or whether it instead fuels an even greater hunger to do it all over again now that they have tasted the success they were chasing.
With so many managerial changes elsewhere in the league, Arsenal’s continuity on the touchline and the settled nature of their squad could prove crucial in any title defence. Their depth last season played a major part in helping them overcome several difficult moments, and they have strengthened further this summer. The Gunners have added more quality and proven top-level experience in Bruno Guimaraes, giving them one of the strongest midfields in the division.
There were a few concerns at the start of the season, with important players such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke working their way back to full fitness after reaching the final weekend of the World Cup, while William Saliba was also recovering from injury, but there was hope that the squad had enough to come through the opening weeks.
Arsenal also went very close to winning the Champions League for the first time in May, and perhaps that could become their main objective this season. There can be no greater motivation than becoming kings of Europe while also securing back-to-back Premier League titles. Given their quality, squad depth, stability and experience, Arsenal are still the team to beat this season.
Morgan Rogers joining Chelsea was one of the surprise moves of the summer. There had been an expectation that the 24-year-old would leave Aston Villa, but the record-breaking £117m deal is hugely exciting for the Blues.
With new head coach Xabi Alonso in charge, Chelsea head into the season with a fresh perspective, a revamped squad, and two of the finest number 10s in world football. It will be especially interesting to see Rogers and Cole Palmer, close friends away from football, lining up in the same side and how that understanding can make a positive difference. Their versatility means they can feature in the same starting XI, or fill each other’s role depending on the system Alonso chooses.
After finishing 10th last season, Chelsea have no European football to deal with. That gives Alonso and his many new signings valuable time on the training ground. They also have Palmer fully rested after missing the World Cup, ready and refreshed for the campaign. Chelsea could be one of the major challengers this season, particularly in the domestic cup competitions.
With plenty of managers switching clubs and many new arrivals entering the Premier League, the opening few weeks look highly unpredictable. One of the most interesting new appointments is Matthias Jaissle. The 38-year-old may not be as well known as some of the other incoming bosses, but he is viewed as one of Europe’s best young coaches.
After suffering an ACL injury during his playing career, the German moved into coaching at a young age after being given an opportunity through Ralf Rangnick at RB Leipzig. He then went to Red Bull Salzburg, where he guided the club to two Austrian titles, before moving to Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and winning two continental trophies.
He now arrives in England with a huge chance and a strong desire to make an impression — and his attacking, high-pressing football should excite Geordies. Jaissle’s track record of developing young players at Salzburg will have been a major attraction for Newcastle as the club begins a new era focused on younger talent after losing established stars Sandro Tonali to Spurs, Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
As the new signings look to impress their new manager, along with the rest of the squad, Newcastle are certainly an intriguing proposition during the 2026-27 season.
Jaissle’s predecessor Eddie Howe ended Newcastle’s long wait for silverware, so what can the young German add? After last summer’s difficult transfer window, the Alexander Isak saga and a punishing domestic campaign, a fresh start feels very welcome in the North East.
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