Premier League Pre-Season Review: Liverpool's Depth Concerns and Aston Villa's Rising Star

Pre-Season Insights Ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League

The new Premier League season is nearly here, kicking off Friday with Arsenal defending their title against promoted Coventry City at the Emirates. Arsenal look strong, especially since many rivals are adjusting under new managers, like Manchester City, who replaced Pep Guardiola with Enzo Maresca. City's early results, including a heavy loss in the Community Shield, suggest challenges ahead.

Interestingly, Xabi Alonso took charge at Chelsea instead of managing Liverpool as expected. Instead, Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola after Alonso chose to stay in London. Let’s take a closer look at how the top teams are shaping up and the standout winners and losers from pre-season.

Winner: Christos Tzolis

After a tough spell at Norwich City, Christos Tzolis has impressed for Arsenal. The Greek international showed his quality by scoring early in friendlies, winning penalties, and assisting goals, including strong performances against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. His rise offers Arsenal some optimism despite missing out on Vinicius Junior and suggests why Gabriel Martinelli might be on his way out.

Loser: Manchester City’s Rebuild

Man City endured a rough start under new coach Enzo Maresca, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Despite fielding a strong lineup, they were dismantled easily. Erling Haaland was returning from the World Cup but left the pitch early. Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Elliot Anderson struggled, and with Rodri leaving for Barcelona, the midfield looks fragile. Maresca knows reinforcements like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez will need time to settle, hinting at a difficult start for City.

Winner: Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro missed Brazil's World Cup squad but bounced back strongly for Chelsea. The club’s 2025-26 Player of the Season scored seven goals in pre-season, indicating he might challenge for the Golden Boot. His versatility and sharpness could make him a key asset for Xabi Alonso’s side this year.

Loser: Liverpool’s Depth Worries

Liverpool did little in the transfer market after appointing Iraola. The squad lacks depth, especially in defense and midfield, which showed in pre-season losses to Leeds and Monaco where leads were lost. While promising debuts from Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo offer hope, Iraola admits many players aren’t fit enough for his intense style. More signings are needed to avoid further problems.

Winner: Ifeanyi Ndukwe

The young defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe impressed during pre-season due to injuries elsewhere in Liverpool’s squad. Though ineligible for competitive games this season because of work permit rules, his strong friendlies attracted loan interest, suggesting a beneficial path for all involved.

Loser: Newcastle United

Newcastle faced chaos with Eddie Howe resigning just weeks before the season starts, after a heavy friendly defeat. New manager Matthias Jaissle inherits a young squad depleted by sales of key players like Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Jaissle admits the team isn’t ready for the opener against Liverpool and needs reinforcements. Recent friendly defeats underline their struggles.

Winner: JJ Gabriel

At only 15, JJ Gabriel made history as the youngest player to feature for Manchester United in an unofficial match. While he has yet to debut competitively, the club’s boss Michael Carrick describes him as a major talent, and fans are eager to see more of this promising forward soon.

Loser: Michael Carrick's Squad Challenges

Despite promising youth like Shea Lacey, Michael Carrick faces a squad lacking depth and quality, exposed in a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan. With limited preparation time last season and multiple competitions ahead, Carrick acknowledges the urgent need for new signings to compete effectively.

"We want more [players], we need more, we keep looking for how we can do that," Carrick said. "Money's money, I get that. We feel like we have to be pushing for everything we're involved in, while being realistic of what the recent history's looked like."

Winner: Brian Madjo

Brian Madjo, 17, has emerged as a bright prospect for Aston Villa after overcoming registration hurdles. After a legal battle, he finally played and scored twice against Walsall, followed by notable goals in friendlies and a stunning strike versus PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. Villa’s captain John McGinn praised Madjo's potential, hinting he might fill the club’s striking needs without further signings.

Loser: Eli Junior Kroupi

Eli Junior Kroupi looked set for a breakthrough after a strong finish to last season with Bournemouth, helping secure their first European qualification. Unfortunately, a foot injury in pre-season required surgery, ruling him out until late October and likely ending chances of a big summer transfer.

• Pre-season scores and events:
• Arsenal 3 - 0 Manchester City (Community Shield)
• Liverpool lost leads against Leeds and Monaco but beat Como 2-1
• Newcastle lost 4-1 to Bristol City and 3-1 to Everton in friendlies
• Manchester United lost 4-2 to AC Milan in Poland
• Aston Villa lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in UEFA Super Cup