EPL Spotlight: Pressure increasing on Wenger?

MANAGER TO WATCH: Arsene Wenger (Watford v Arsenal, Saturday 10pm)

Is the pressure already getting to the English Premier League's longest-serving manager after just two games?

First, he claimed his players weren't ready for the new season after getting hammered by Liverpool by a 3-4 scoreline at home.

Then, after his side's 0-0 draw with champions Leicester (still getting used to those two words being used together...), the Frenchman didn't hold back the sarcasm when questioned over his summer spending - or rather, lack thereof.

Despite a commendable early swoop for Granit Xhaka, Gunners fans who were hoping to see more reinforcements trot through the doors at the Emirates have been left sorely disappointed with Rob Holding and Takuma Asano following the Swiss midfielder into north London.

It is one thing for Wenger to play it safe while teams like Manchester United are smashing the world record for Paul Pogba - it is an entirely different matter when Watford have surpassed a Champions League club like Arsenal in terms of spending.

With Arsenal trailing their title rivals by five points after just two games, Wenger desperately needs a win - as well as some new blood - if he is genuinely serious about challenging for league honours.

MATCH TO WATCH: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool (Saturday 7.30pm)

PHOTOS: REUTERS, AFP

Underachievement is probably the best word that links these two Premier League giants that have greater aspirations.

Even though Mauricio Pochettino's side enjoyed a magnificent 2015/16 campaign to secure Champions League football this season, the north Londoners probably ended it wondering what could have been.

After squandering their best shot at a league title in 55 years, Spurs somehow contrived to throw away second place to finish third behind their bitter rivals Arsenal.

Meanwhile, despite showing some promising initial signs in pre-season as well as their thrilling 4-3 victory at Arsenal, Juergen Klopp's Liverpool were back to their frustrating selves as they fell to a 0-2 defeat away to newly-promoted Burnley.

While Spurs enter into this clash with slightly better form, it's impossible to tell which Pool side will turn up at White Hart Lane.

Also, this fixture should promise goals aplenty.

In their 10 league meetings across the past five seasons, both teams have served up a veritable goalfest in eight of them, totalling 31 goals.

Should be a cracker.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Marouane Fellaini (Hull v Manchester United, Sunday 12.30am)

PHOTO: AFP

It has been a summer of miracles at Old Trafford.

On the pitch, the Red Devils have resurrected the swagger and confidence that looked to have been killed off by David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

Off it, Ed Woodward has actually closed the first-choice transfers that Jose Mourinho wanted.

But perhaps Mourinho's biggest magic trick has been his ability to convince Marouane Fellaini to stop force-feeding opponents his elbows and actually play some football.

With the taint of being signed by Moyes already hanging over his shoulders, the big Belgian finally looked destined for the exit when van Gaal was shown the door.

Despite making a costly error which led to a Leicester equaliser in the Community Shield, Fellaini has recovered superbly and looks like an entirely new player.

Instead of making way for new signing Paul Pogba, the 28-year-old looks set to reprise his role alongside the Frenchman when United travel to Hull.

 

 

UNDERDOG TO WATCH: Hull City (Hull v Manchester United, Sunday 12.30am)

PHOTO: REUTERS

Speaking of Hull, who could imagine that they'd be unbeaten in two games along with United, Manchester City and Chelsea?

Much has been made of the Tigers' ill-preparedness to face their return to the Premier League following the resignation of manager Steve Bruce and a lack of activity in the transfer market that has left them with just 13 fit senior players.

However, caretaker boss Mike Phelan now has two wins under his belt over Leicester (the champions, no less) and Swansea City.

Few would give them a chance to continue their streak against an in-form United in a clash of the haves and have-nots.

But that's what everyone said in their last two matches, right?

 

 

TEAM TO WATCH: Manchester City (Manchester City v West Ham United, Sunday 11pm)

PHOTO: REUTERS

Not quite struggling is he, Pep Guardiola?

The Spaniard was this close to being written off after a narrow 2-1 win over Sunderland on opening day.

One 5-0 Champions League romp and a 4-1 thrashing of Stoke later, the tune has changed completely.

Even with the banishment of Joe Hart to the bench, City look like they're buying into the Guardiola brand of football.

After failing to beat West Ham last season, the Citizens are looking good value to exact revenge over Slaven Bilic's side - with a certain degree of style, no less.