Weekend One Talking Points

United Need Reinforcements

Louis Van Gaal got off to a losing start in his premier league debut at Old Trafford, losing 2-1 to Gary Monk's impressive Swansea City in the seasons opening fixture.  It’s clear Manchester United need help at several positions, most importantly center back.  Tyler Blackett isn’t ready to feature regularly, and without proper wing backs in the lineup United looked out of their depth.  

The system Van Gaal wants to implement gives both sides of the pitch to just one player; no fullback to cover for the winger and vice versa.  Van Gaal would be wise to move for a competent wingback who is familiar with the tactical set up, perhaps Daley Blind or Marcos Rojo.  At this point, however, any signing (as long as it’s not in the mould of the Fellaini deal) would lift the spirits at Old Trafford.

It Ain’t So Bad

The notion that Crystal Palace were in for a long afternoon Saturday was dismissed by the Golden Eagles, who put in a tireless shift at the Emirates.  Had it not been for a last-gasp winner from Aaron Ramsey, Keith Millen would have walked across London with a valuable point, but also a morale-boosting performance under his belt.  Even so, Palace fans and players alike should be proud of the way their team competed in the wake of Tony Pulis’ departure, as they soaked up Arsenal pressure so well all day.  

To the north, Southampton went into its opening fixture with the weight of losing so many key players on their shoulders in the transfer window.  Ronald Koemen’s men showed exceptional resolve today, at times outplaying Liverpool on their own ground.  Like Palace, Southampton walked away from their first fixture with no points to show for, but the spirit they showed is definitely a step in the right direction.  

Waiting for Wilshere

The tactical change to a 4-3-3 would ideally help Jack Wilshere, who took up a slightly deeper role than Aaron Ramsey but more advanced than Mikel Arteta.  However, as Lee Dixon pointed out, Wilshere was lazy with some of his touches, drawing in defenders and the odd tackle; it's no wondeer he's on the training table so much.  It’s just one game, but after so many years of waiting for some consistency out of the midfielder, patience could be running thin at the Emirates.  

Wilshere looked exceptional in the Emirates Cup and the Community Shield, but his role in the squad will be under pressure from the return of Mesut Ozil and the constant form of Aaron Ramsey.  There are 37 games to go, but how long will Arsenal wait to see the form Wilshere showed against Barcelona in the Champions League in 2011?

New SAS at Anfield?

If Liverpool are going to contend for the title again, the goals must come from elsewhere in the absence of Luis Suarez.  Today, Raheem Sterling scored the opener and created Daniel Sturridge’s winner, which gives Reds fans hope for life after Luis.  I was particularly impressed with Sterling, who was a constant thorn in side of the Southampton defense, playing higher up the pitch without the Uruguayan on the pitch.  His pace is electrifying, and it's hard to believe he's still just 19.  

Sterlings run from midfield was a thing of beauty in the buildup to the first goal, and it helped that Jordan Henderson delivered an inch-perfect left-footed ball.  What Liverpool were missing today though was the presence of Suarez when pressing for the ball.  At times, Suarez would bring Anfield to life with his tireless effort without the ball, something I didn’t see enough of today from the Reds, particularly Sturridge.  This will surely be a talking point for Brendan Rodgers in training this week.  

Vlaar the Star

Who predicted the rise of Ron Vlaars star this summer?  No one, unless you are the most optimistic of Aston Villa or Dutch fans.  For the second season in a row, Aston Villa opened the season with a shock upset on the road, this time around beating Stoke City 1-0 at the Brittania Stadium.  Vlaar was the rock of Villas clean sheet and proved to everyone watching that the World Cup was no fluke.  

Vlaar was one of the best defenders in Brazil for me, and today only further solidified his growing reputation in England.  Ronald Koeman is reportedly a huge admirer of his countryman, with others surely to be in tow searching for the services of the big Dutchman.  Vlaar is 29, but his rock hard style of play and expert positioning make him a valuable long-term asset to any club.