The opening weekend of the Premier League season has already given us plenty to talk about.
From Manchester United being stunned by newly promoted Hull City, to Brentford making a statement under new manager Keith Andrews, and Aston Villa suffering a heavy defeat at Brighton, there are already some intriguing questions emerging.
Here are three things that stood out to HAMZAH KHOLWADIA.
1. Manchester United may be missing Casemiro more than they realise
Manchester United’s 2–0 defeat at Hull City was one of the biggest surprises of the opening weekend.
United dominated possession and had plenty of opportunities, but they struggled to turn that control into meaningful chances. For all their time on the ball, they lacked the midfield control required to dictate the game.
Andrey Santos’ arrival has generated plenty of excitement, with the midfielder expected to play an important role in United’s new-look midfield. However, his debut against Hull highlighted just how much responsibility comes with playing in the centre of the pitch for Manchester United.
The absence of Casemiro was particularly noticeable.
The Brazilian’s importance isn’t simply about tackles or defensive statistics. His ability to read transitions, protect the defence and provide security when possession is lost has been a major part of his value.
United had around 72 per cent possession and registered 21 shots, yet still lost 2–0. That tells its own story.
Unable to consistently break Hull down through the middle, United resorted to crosses, putting in 34 from open play, their highest Premier League total in almost eight years.
The issue, therefore, wasn’t a lack of possession. It was a lack of control.
Santos may eventually become the answer, but Manchester United need to find a way of replacing the balance Casemiro provides.
For now, getting ‘mauled by the Tigers’ has raised some serious questions about United’s midfield.
2. No second-season syndrome so far for Brentford boss Keith Andrews
If Manchester United provided one of the weekend’s biggest shocks, Brentford offered one of its most impressive performances.
Keith Andrews could hardly have asked for a better start to his second Premier League campaign in charge, with Brentford defeating Tottenham 3–0.
What made the result particularly impressive was the manner of the victory.
Brentford weren’t simply clinical. They looked organised, aggressive and confident, while Tottenham struggled to impose themselves on the game.
It was an encouraging early indication that Andrews continues to establish a clear identity within his side.
One player who particularly caught the eye was Mamadou Sangare.
The Brentford signing made his competitive debut and immediately looked comfortable in the system, contributing an assist as Brentford dismantled Spurs.
His performance also highlighted something Brentford have consistently done well: recruitment.
While Tottenham have invested heavily in their squad, Brentford have continued to focus on finding players who fit their footballing philosophy.
That distinction could prove important this season.
Good recruitment isn’t necessarily about signing the biggest names. It’s about finding players who complement the manager’s ideas.
And if Sangare’s debut is anything to go by, Brentford may have found another player who fits that philosophy perfectly.
For Andrews, it’s an excellent opening statement to the season.
3. Aston Villa have lost more than just players
Aston Villa’s 4–0 defeat away at Brighton was arguably the most concerning performance of the weekend.
The result was bad enough. The circumstances make it even more interesting.
They became the first team since October 2022 to complete a Premier League match without registering a shot on target, while Brighton scored four times inside the opening 31 minutes.
Joao Gomes’ red card before half-time only compounded the problems.
The defeat raises a bigger question for Unai Emery: have Aston Villa lost too much of their identity during the summer?
Tielemans provides control in midfield. Rogers provides creativity and unpredictability. Watkins provides a focal point and goal threat.
Remove all three and Emery suddenly has to find a new way of making his team function. That is the challenge facing Villa now.
This isn’t simply about replacing individual players. Emery needs to rebuild the balance and identity that made Villa so effective.
There was also a disappointing moment after the final whistle, when Emery went straight down the tunnel without shaking Fabian Hurzeler’s hand.
Emery was understandably frustrated after such a heavy defeat, but regardless of the result, there is an expectation of respect towards the opposition manager.
Ultimately, though, the bigger concern for Villa is what happens next.
One heavy defeat does not define a season.
But it has highlighted just how much work Emery may have to do to rebuild this Aston Villa side.
Three games, three very different lessons, but that’s exactly what makes the Premier League so compelling.
Manchester United have questions to answer in midfield, Brentford have a platform to build upon, and Aston Villa may be entering a period of significant change.
