10 things we noticed from Premier League restart as football returns

The Premier League returned on Wednesday after a three-month absence – but not as we know it.

After 100 days without football action due to coronavirus, the season got back under way, with a completely different look.

Aston Villa and Sheffield United met in the first match back, playing out a 0-0 draw in the 6pm kick-off, but it was not without controversy.

That was followed by a big clash as The Etihad as Pep Guardiola’s Man City welcomed back former assistant manager Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side, dominating them in a 3-0 win.

Here are 10 things we noticed from the Premier League restart.

1. Solidarity for Black Lives Matter
The Premier League have thrown their complete support behind the Black Lives Matter, and sent out a powerful message on its return to action.

All players had their names on their shirts replaced by Black Lives Matter, which will be repeated in all fixtures throughout the first round of games.

Not only that, but the matches were briefly paused immediately after kick-off, with every player and match official taking a knee on the field.

2. Subs galore
It was a case of subs galore for each team, as nine players lined each bench – five of which were available to use.

Well we say bench, due to social distancing the subs were forced to sit a few seats apart in the stands.

And Man City still managed to finish with 10 men, though Pep Guardiola couldn’t have foreseen the sickening collision which ended Eric Garcia’s night after he’d already used his full quota.

At one point Guardiola threw three subs on in one go – which aid any dramatic gung ho tactics as the season reaches its finale.

3. Strange drinks break
Following three months without football, the Premier League are keen to operate on a safety first basis – and have even implemented a drinks break in each half.

This may be more of use in the coming weeks if teams are playing in hot conditions, for now it gives players a chance to get a quick drink while limiting concerns over coronavirus.

Each player has to drink from their own bottle, and care must still be taken not to come into contact with others.

Wonder how they’re not dishing out half-time oranges…

4. Teams emerge from tunnel separately
Gone are the pre-match handshakes, even the over-friendly versions between international teammates in the tunnel.

Premier League protocol demands both teams enter the field separately and in a staggered manner.

Makes sense, and it probably would have saved Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira some trouble had it been in place years ago.

5. Crowd noise on TV
Behind closed doors football will never not be weird.

The lack of atmosphere, the deathly silence, the random shouting.

It’s all just a bit odd.

Thankfully Sky have made efforts to try and combat it by allowing viewers to play simulated crowd noise through their TV’s while a match is going on.

Not only that, but a select number of fans are also getting their reactions filmed – with Man City even showing them on a screen behind the goal.

6. We shall not be moved
Fans have been told to stay away from stadiums, and they’ve followed orders so far.

Having said that there are a few supporters still desperate to get their matchday fix.

One pair of Aston Villa fans even thought up a unique tactic to get a taste of the action, by watching the match from a laptop under a gazebo down the road from the ground.

Genius.

7. Clean as a whistle
The corner flags must be wondering what they’ve done to receive such treatment – they’ve never been so clean.

As part of the guidelines, hosting clubs are required to ensure all equipment, including goals, flags and nets are thoroughly disinfected.

Brace yourself for plenty more images of masked men spraying down flags across the country.

8. Marauding pundits
With the lack of fans now present, Sky Sports have seemingly given their pundits licence to roam.

With Gary Neville supporting Martin Tyler on commentary duties, there was no room for Jamie Carragher in the gantry, who was selected instead handed a free role.

And he put it to good use.

Midway through the first half of City’s clash with Arsenal, Carragher popped up on the other side of the pitch, shielding himself from the rain by his umbrella – Steve McClaren-esque.

Later he was back in the stands, keeping a safe distance from Sky colleague Geoff Shreeves.

Wonder where he’ll be when Liverpool seal their title triumph?

9. Celebrations permitted
There were fears football would be returning without the usual added element of theatre, as celebrations came under scrutiny,

But any concerns of celebrations being banned have been put to bed, as City’s players congratulated their teammates on hitting the back of the net.

Although we’re probably not going to see anyone kissing cameras anytime soon.

10. Stadium decorations
There may be empty seats, but Aston Villa and Man City have come up with a clever way of making their stadiums look less desolate on matchdays.

Both clubs have decorated their stands with huge banners, which go round the ground, and making it seem a bit more homely.

Leave A Comment