LAURA WOODS: I’D BE BUZZING TO SEE BACK OF ISAK
I WOULDN’T WANT ISAK AT ARSENAL
Based on what we saw from Newcastle on Monday night and the fight they showed with 10 men, I find a player [Alexander Isak] who has basically removed themselves from the situation pretty low.
If he were an Arsenal player, I wouldn’t want to keep him around and I’d be absolutely buzzing to see the back of him.
He’s a world-class player but attitude says so much more than ability.
In all honesty, I’m pretty bored of the whole situation. If he goes to Liverpool then great but if we don’t see him in the Premier League again I’m not that bothered either.
I think he’s really tarnishing his reputation not just for the Newcastle supporters but for other fanbases too.
If Arsenal were linked with him, I’d be pretty unconvinced about him joining now. I feel he’s tarnished his reputation that much.
You just look at Anthony Gordon and the energy and work rate he put in against Liverpool.
OK, he got sent off for a silly challenge but that effort is what Newcastle need and their supporters crave.
WORRY FOR POTTER & ‘DREADFUL’ WEST HAM
You do have to fear for West Ham based on what we’ve seen so far.
They’ve done little in the transfer market and selling Mohammed Kudus left a big hole.
The big problem at West Ham is that, if the fans get on top of them, it can turn very toxic and be a pretty hard place to be.
The fans don’t like the stadium and it doesn’t appear they’re very happy with the football either, so it does look like they’re set for a long season.
To lose to a newly-promoted side 3-0 on the opening day is a dreadful result. You can’t really sugarcoat it in any way – results need to improve fast.
I know they’ve said Graham Potter’s job isn’t in trouble but I wouldn’t take that as gospel.
Unless they find a way to turn things round very, very quickly and restore some stability, I think you could see him in a very tough spot soon.
The West Ham board do tend to give managers time, like with David Moyes, so I don’t expect any changes imminently, but things will need to get better or it could get pretty tough.
IMPRESSED BY SUNDERLAND
I know we’ve only had two rounds of fixtures but I’ve been really impressed by Sunderland.
It was only West Ham but to win 3-0 on your first game back in the Premier League was a fantastic achievement.
They need to follow it up – and so do Leeds. I give both of them more of a chance of survival than Burnley, who I still feel strongly will go back down.
I feel Sunderland went so low down the football pyramid that now they’re back in the big time, they’re not going to let it slide away at the first opportunity.
It won’t be easy but I think the fact that there are plenty of poor sides this season will really help them out.
Burnley to be relegated from the Premier League is 7/20 with BetMGM
ARSENAL CONFIDENCE GROWING
As an Arsenal fan, I’m genuinely chuffed we’ve signed Eberechi Eze.
He’s top class and I can’t wait to see what he does in an Arsenal shirt.
I do feel now that the starting XI that Mikel Arteta has at his disposal is one that is going to get fans off their seats.
There are so many dangerous players at Arsenal now and I’m excited to see them all play together.
Arsenal to win the Premier League is 7/4 with BetMGM
I’m starting to feel more confident about a proper go at the title. They struggle with composure in the big moments – if the team can just get a bit better at keeping it together when it matters, this is a side that looks like it has everything.
I don’t really see any excuses.
What more could Arteta want? He’s got his striker now in Viktor Gyökeres, he’s got Eze, he’s got Martín Zubimendi and he’s brought in cover in a defence which was already one of, if not the best in the league.
Come on lads, this is your time!
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
