‘Patient died’: Spurs’ Ange reality check; bitter truth Utd face over all-in move — PL Talking Pts

The English Premier League kicks off on Saturday morning AEST and there are a host of storylines to stay across as the new season plays out.

A transfer saga continues to surround two Champions League clubs, while the spotlight is shining firmly on Tottenham in the post-Ange Postecoglou era.

A wave of new stars have landed in England, and they are mainly goal scorers who are set to have a huge say in the title race.

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Manchester United have attempted to reignite themselves after their disastrous campaign last season as the newly promoted sides seek to buck an alarming trend.

Scroll down for the biggest talking points ahead of the 2025/26 English Premier League season.

‘NOT A GOOD LOOK’: STRIKER SAGA ROLLS ON

Alexander Isak’s desire to depart Newcastle for Liverpool has been the saga of the transfer window.

The champions offered £110 million (A$229m) for the striker, who scored 23 goals last Premier League campaign, only golden boot winner Mohamed Salah found the back of the net more often.

Liverpool have already splurged more than $600 million this transfer window, adding attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m (A$241.5m) and Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m (A$164.5m) as goal scoring threats.

But following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota as well as the departures of Darwin Nunez to the Saudi Pro League and Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, the Reds are determined to bolster their attacking stocks with the acquisition of Isak.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Southampton FC at St James' Park on August 17, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

A second offer is yet to come, but seems imminent as the current stand-off between Isak and Newcastle surely cannot continue beyond the September 1 transfer deadline.

It has been reported that Isak is on strike, refusing to be a part of Newcastle’s squad for their season opener at Villa Park on Saturday night AEST.

He has also stayed away from training and was absent from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe recently shared his disappointment about the situation that has tainted what should have been an exciting off season for the club ahead of a return to the Champions League, and the general goodwill among the fans following snapping a 70-year trophy drought with their League Cup success last campaign.“I don’t think it’s been healthy for us,” Howe said to the BBC. “I don’t deny that’s been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.

“I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season. There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there.

“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what’s going on and how to react. But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation.

“That’s always been my train of thought. Whatever situation you’re in, you have got to find a way, and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward, and I’ve got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks.”

While the squad may be getting on with business, Newcastle’s officials have been digging their heels in with Isak’s management and Liverpool.

Newcastle missed out on the signatures of the likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town and Brighton respectively, while their a £25m (A$52m) bid for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was rejected.

The Magpies have therefore been unwillingly to sell Isak, who signed a six-year deal in 2022, without finding a suitable replacement.

Newcastle legend and Premier League record goal scorer Alan Shearer said the entire situation is “a poor look”, but was understanding of his former club’s actions.

“I have to be careful what I say, because as in everything, there’s two sides to every story,” Shearer said.

“Because as in everything I guess there’s two sides to every story and we haven’t heard anything from Alexander Isak.

“It’s not a good look, for Newcastle or for him.

“I’m not daft enough to know, I know how football works. I know how people can react, how clubs can react when they don’t want a player, how players can react when he doesn’t want to be there.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to understand it, so I don’t get angry at these, but I do think it’s a poor look for both Newcastle and for Alexander Isak.”

Shearer added: “It’s obvious that Liverpool have been into him or his agent, but to offer 110 million [pounds] when midfielders like Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, Enzo Fernandez, and others have gone for over 100 million.

“You’re not gonna get a guy that’s one of the best if not the best centre forward in the Premier League for 110 million.

“Newcastle can only sell if they get players in to replace him beforehand. They’ve lost Callum Wilson, so they need two strikers in before they can let him go, and if they don’t get what they want, then it’s pretty simple, he has to stay.”

Spurs prepare for post-Ange period | 01:08

LIFE AFTER ANGE

Tottenham will firmly been in the spotlight this season after the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs started their new campaign by giving rivals fan plenty of ammunition as they coughed up a 2-0 lead with six minutes of regulation time remaining, and went on to lose in penalties, against Champions League winners PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.

It was the sort of collapse that was emblematic of the club before Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, and their first piece of European silverware in 41 years, in Bilbao in May.

New boss Thomas Frank followed his Australian predecessor’s lead in providing incredible quotes, however, saying “the operation succeeded but the patient died” post-match.

“I knew we had to do something a little bit different against PSG so it was like a special operation,” Frank said.

“It was in medical terms, the operation succeeded but the patient died. So not that good in the end. But we worked on a game plan that was a little bit different and we were very close to succeeding.

“I think if you play 2-2 against PSG, I think you take that. That single result is good. Then if you separate we have a penalty shootout, we lost, so maybe we need to work on penalties. Maybe that’s the thing to win a final.”

Frank will be well aware that a strong start is important this campaign after an injury-ravaged 17th placed finish with 22 Premier League losses spelled curtains for Postecoglou.

The challenge of managing Champions League football will also be a significant one, and the departure of beloved former captain Heung-min Son will have fans eager for a new hero.

James Maddison suffering an ACL injury is a major blow, but Tottenham will be hoping for a cleaner run with injuries across the board, and for former West Ham striker Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, whose loan deal was made permanent, and Bayern Munich loanee midfielder João Palhinha to make an immediate impact.

The British press widely expect Tottenham to bounce back in the league with The Guardian and The Telegraph both tipping top six finishes in Frank’s maiden campaign.

On ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, England great Gary Lineker said he also expects “big improvement” from Spurs.

“I’d sense an improvement will happen this season,” Lineker said.

“I think they’ll be well organised, probably play slightly differently to they did under big Ange.

“Big improvement incoming, I think the European spots are what I’m gonna go for.”

Colleague Alan Shearer disagreed, however.

“Do you? That far, do you? That’s a big ask to go from 17th to qualifying for Europe, isn’t it?” Shearer responded.

“In terms of getting in the top six, isn’t it? It’s a big one. I see them obviously improving, but I do not see that much improvement.

“I’ve got them like Man United, seven, eight, nine, something like that.”

Palace hit with tough European reality | 00:41

INFLUX OF NEW GOAL SCORERS

The title race may be defined by whose new attacking weapons can have the best impact as several contenders unveiled exciting new signings in their pre-season friendlies.

Champions Liverpool are of course chasing Alexander Isak to add to their already mouth-watering attack.

New signing Hugo Ekitike made an instant impact, scoring his first competitive goal for Liverpool three minutes and 48 seconds into his debut in the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium, and comes highly regarded having scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga last season.

German international Florian Wirtz is also set to cause opposition’s headaches as he has scored 34 goals and provided 33 assists in 75 matches across all competitions in the last two years for Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike, left, and Florian Wirtz talk during the FA Community Shield final soccer match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland) Source: AP

“That is something I can only answer in the upcoming years,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said when asked whether Wirtz can take Liverpool to new heights.

“­Everything we expect is very positive, but between expecting and realising something is different.

“Why are Messi and Ronaldo and Mo so highly regarded? Because they are always fit. Every single game they are fit and that is something that ­Florian first has to show in a league like ours. If he is able to stay fit then our fans will see great moments.”

Mohamed Salah will be licking his lips at the prospect of getting on the end of Wirtz’s sublime passes, but the Egyptian may face stiffer competition for the golden boot this season.

Erling Haaland should be boosted by the addition of Rayan Cherki from French outfit Lyon.

The short-statured 21-year-old has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his impressive playmaking skills, having ranked first for assists (11), big chances created (22) and through-balls completed (13) in Ligue 1 last season.

In a show faith, City have handed Cherki the No.10 shirt left vacant by Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton.

With praise like Arsenal great Thierry Henry, who coached Cherki for the French under-21 national team, saying he has never seen a player dribble at such speed with both feet, it is clear to see why Pep Guardiola is buzzing about his new project player.

But Haaland may have competition for the title of the best out-and-out striker in the form of Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede arrives from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP having scored 79 goals in 83 matches across the Primeira Liga and Champions League in the last two seasons.

Arsenal have been crying out for a true striker, and they may have found it after three straight runner-up finishes.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta even said recently that Gyokeres “will destroy defenders”.

Chelsea meanwhile gave a preview of their new-look attack by unleashing new signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro during their victorious Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

It remains to be seen long term whether they will play alongside one another, or vie for the starting striker position.

But 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao may have the biggest future of Chelsea’s recruits.

The teenager winger scored a cracking goal against Chelsea for former side Palmeiras at the Club World Cup, and scored a good poacher’s goal in his debut for the London club against Bayer Leverkusen.

He has been dubbed ‘Messinho’, meaning ‘little Messi’, in his home country and could be the next excitement machine of the league.

“He is very good, a gigantic talent, a fantastic player,” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said during the Club World Cup.

“The only thing is that when you come from South America or another part of the planet, you have to adapt.

“We will help you adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt that he will be an important player for Chelsea.”

Aussie Segecic scores winner on debut! | 00:50

MAN UTD REVAMP

They are unlikely to be in the title race, but Manchester United have also gone all chip-ins on a new-look front third.

Manager Ruben Amorim has had his first summer transfer window to sign players that have the potential to fit into his preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Following historic lows in losses (18), points (42) and goals scored (44) last season, United landed on the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha to reignite their attack.

Mbeumo, who arrived from Brentford for £71m (A$148m), scored 20 goals last Premier League campaign, while Cunha, who they purchased for £62.5m (A$130.2m), is also a proven performer in England, scoring 15 goals for Wolves last season.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: New signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United pose for a photo while holding match shirts prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

But it is Sesko, who was bought for £73.7m (A$153.5m), who is somewhat of an uncertain quantity.

The 22-year-old Slovenian scored 21 times across all competitions for RB Leipzig last campaign, but the spotlight of Old Trafford will be a different beast.

The facts there is no European football for United for the first time in 11 years and Sesko is set to play as the one at the front of Amorim’s formation will only turn up the scrutiny.

Plus, early fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea could be a sink-or-swim proposition.

United great Gary Neville has set a benchmark for what he expects from the Red Devils new goal scoring options, but said that he believes Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres will outperform Sesko.

“I think if those three [Mbeumo, Sesko & Cunha] could get 35 between them, 40 would be unbelievable,” Neville said on The Overlap podcast.

“If you said to me that Benjamin Sesko gets 13 goals in his first season, and the others get 10 or 12, I’d take that now – that’s a good first season.

“Gyokeres is a bit further on in his career I think. I think if Sesko scores 10 and the others [Mbeumo and Cunha] chip in, I still think that is a massive result.

“I said 15 is a good result for Gyokeres, and the reason I say that is because Arsenal will create so many more chances and have such a better team. He is in a better team at Arsenal.

“Sesko will not get as many chances as Gyokeres.”

The signings have been welcomed by many United greats, who were often scathing of their former club last season.

Wayne Rooney even back the Red Devils in for a finish in the European places as the summer has increased his belief in the Portuguese manager.

“I think they still need one or two more signings but I can see what Amorim is doing,” Rooney told the BBC.

“It’s looking better for Man United and I think they will sneak into the top five. I hope they do and you never know.”

Former United captain Roy Keane was not so optimistic, however.

“At best United for me, eighth or ninth,” he said on The Overlap podcast.

“The summer has not been too bad for United, but the proof starts at the weekend.

“They have brought a few attacking players in who know the Premier League. To me, over the last few years, they were bringing in players who were getting used to the pace of the Premier League and they weren’t robust enough. The next challenge is can they do it week-in, week-out for United?

“There are positives, but I will judge it over the next few weeks. Are these players up to it? Will they score enough goals?

“They still have a lot of problems, of course. Huge questions marks… we will be here all day.

“They still have to sort out the goalkeeper situation and defensively.

“Don’t be putting United in the bracket of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. They are not in that conversation.”

Palace lift Community Shield | 01:00

CAN A PROMOTED SIDE STAY UP?

In the past two Premier League seasons, the three promoted sides have gone straight back down.

This season, Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland have the tough task of bucking that trend.

Things have been dire for the bottom three in the past two campaigns.

Last season, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton combined for a record-low 59 points.

They broke the mark set the previous season by Burnley, Luton and Sheffield United of 66 points.

Now, Leeds and Burnley make the jump as two of the best performing sides in the history of the Championship with both teams finishing last campaign on 100 points.

Leeds took the title on goal difference, just six points shy of the record set by Reading in 2005/06.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Kyle Walker of Burnley during the pre-season friendly match between Stoke City and Burnley at Bet365 Stadium on August 02, 2025, in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

The positive for Leeds and Burnley is that five of the six sides to hit the century in the second tier, stayed up upon promotion to the Premier League.

The negative is that Burnley two years ago were the odd one out in that group of six.

The Clarets are seeking to not let history repeat itself by adding Premier League experience to their squad, mainly though former Manchester City captain Kyle Walker.

Sunderland have adopted a similar plot by signing former Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka.

Leeds, on the other hand, have implemented a strategy focused on height and strength.

Wrexham Champ return ends in heartbreak | 00:58

The Yorkshire club are clearly determined to be a threat from set pieces, having signed a host of players 180cm or taller.

Data projections expect the towering Leeds to come last, with the Telegraph’s data science team tipping all three sides to go straight back down after crunching the numbers.

But several of the game’s former greats do not think that will be the case.

With their tactic of piecing together a side that is challenging to play against, Premier League legends Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher all tipped Leeds to stay up on The Overlap podcast.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 09: Anton Stach of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and AC Milan at Aviva Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“Does anyone think that the three teams that came up will go back down?” Roy Keane asked his fellow panellists.

“That would be three years in a row. Can any of them survive? I think one of them will stay up. Is that silly? Is that outlandish?”

Wright replied, “I don’t think Leeds are going down”.

“I think Leeds will stay up,” Carragher responded.

Neville added: “That’s not outlandish! That’s predictable! I believe Leeds will stay up as well!”

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