Premier League Returns with 'new normal'

The English Premier League have return following the 100-day long Covid-19 shutdown; just like the uncertainty of a new football season, it was not short of talking points.

The first match after the return, was between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park. The game begin with the players and official taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The names of the players was replace by the Black Lives Matter, as previously advertise. There was a minute’s silence for the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic; while players’ shirts were adorn with a blue heart-shape logo to pay tribute to the NHS. The game follows the premier league guidelines which is set down owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

After 90 minutes of football, the game ended with a goalless draw. Although, the ball did cross the Villa goal line after the Aston Villa goalkeeper carried the ball into his net. He was crash into by his own defender when defending a Sheffield United corner; but the goal was not given due to the goal-line technology malfunction.

At the other end of the pitch a plea by the Aston Villa player for penalty was wave away. Sheffield-United goal keeper Henderson on-loan from Manchester-United made some outstanding saves for the Visitors to keep the hosts at bay. Aston Villa was brillant on the evening but Sheffield United will feel hard done.

Aston Villa is currently sitting 19th on the premier league table on 26 points after 29 games; 1 point behind 17th place Watford. While Sheffield United occupy 6th position, 1 point behind 5th place Manchester United and 4 points behind 4th place Chelsea. Sheffield United is currently having their best season and in contention for a spot in Europe come next season.

The other game of the night, saw the Master and the former understudy pit against each other. Manchester City play host to Arsenal at the Etihad stadium; the game that was play behind closed door was not short of talking points.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JUNE 17: David Luiz of Arsenal receives a red card from match referee Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on June 17, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

Manchester City beat Arsenal comfortably, Kevin De Bruyne ran the show in midfield; but this was a long way from a normal night at the Etihad Stadium; as the Premier League return behind close doors 100 days after it is shut down by the coronavirus; a virus that is still causing devastation across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

The only people inside the 55,000-capacity Etihad Stadium were around 300 temperature-check members of the media; club staff and security who ensured the strict safety measures, such as face masks and social distancing; were adhere to at all times.

More than three quarters of the stadium was cover in huge flags celebrating the spectators force to stay away. City did their best to make sure the fans were not left out. Imposing jumbo screens streaming supporters live from their living rooms.

Arsenal were not help by early injuries to Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari and a calamitous cameo from David Luiz. The Brazilian’s error led to Sterling’s goal, his mistimed challenge on Riyad Mahrez led to a red card and the second from the penalty spot for De Bruyne. Phil Foden added a third after Sergio Aguero hit the post.

It was a relatively straightforward return to the pitch for City, though it was spoil by a horrible collision late on between Eric Garcia and Ederson that saw the teenage Spanish defender receive lengthy treatment. Fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura was quick to instruct the players to keep moving while they waited for play to resume to avoid any of the muscle injuries that Guardiola is fearful of after such a quick return.

City cannot afford to pick up too many strains with one eye on the Champions League restart in August, but before then face a hectic schedule with a minimum 11 matches in just 40 days.

European success remains the biggest prize on offer this season, and by the time their return leg against Real Madrid rolls around they will have had plenty of time to get use to football’s new normal.

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