PMA Sport

Full-time Fletch - 3 September

By Darren Fletcher

- Last updated on GMT

Full-time Fletch - 3 September
BT Sport commentator and host of football show Fletch & Sav, Darren Fletcher speaks exclusively to the PMA to reflect on the start of the Premier League season.

It’s been an intriguing start, which has thrown up more questions than it has answered. A lot of people tipped Man City to finish fourth, and for Arsenal and Man Utd to improve. Man City had quite a few questions coming into the season, but they seem to have answered them. They’ve impressed and they look hungry. Suddenly everyone’s tipping City to win the league.

Arsenal haven’t been quite right, and Man Utd have tried to sign so many players and failed including Müller, Neymar, and Pedro. I still think United winning the league is possible. They’ve been shored up in defence with their full backs, but a lot depends on their new signings.

I’m yet to be convinced about Chelsea. Against Man City — I’ve not seen a Mourinho team physically dominated like that in a long time. They were second best in every category. They don’t have the balance right.

Chelsea have interesting tests coming up against Arsenal and Everton on BT Sport. Arsenal have got to start taking their chances.

Can they compete in the centre of midfield? They need to get a grip of the game against the likes of Matic and Ramires.

Chelsea should be all right against Everton, but the Toffees do look much improved. Lukaku looks sharp, and they look like a dangerous counter-attacking team. The key for their consistency is Ross Barkley. If he has creative licence, and stays injury free, he will make the difference. People said last year would be his breakthrough season but I think it will be this year, especially with Euro 2016 as an incentive.

For me, Cabaye has been the best signing of the season so far, and Coutinho could be the player of the year if he adds goals to his game.

Southampton worry me more than any other team. They’ve struggled so far and it goes to show what happens when you have a steady drain of talent.

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