Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Struggles, Odegaard's Pressing, and Pereira's Corners in Premier League Debrief

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Struggles at Everton

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's performance in the opening weekend of the Premier League was notable, as he registered a staggering 19 runs challenging Brighton's defense. This figure remains the highest tally of attacking runs by any player this season. However, despite this impressive statistic, Everton faced a disappointing 4-0 defeat against Tottenham, where Calvert-Lewin had only one blocked shot.

Calvert-Lewin is now one of only two Premier League center-forwards who have not managed a shot on target in their first two games, alongside Ipswich's Liam Delap. However, Delap's situation differs as he faced tougher opposition in Liverpool and Manchester City.

Analyzing Calvert-Lewin's Service

The lack of service to Calvert-Lewin is evident. He averages just under one passing option per possession, with a troubling expected pass completion rate of only 57.3%, the lowest in the league. This data highlights the struggles of Everton's long-ball strategy and raises questions about Calvert-Lewin's future at the club despite his potential for better performances should he be in a more favorable environment.

Martin Ødegaard's Contribution at Arsenal

Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard has been making waves with his defensive contribution as well as his creative output. In their recent match against Aston Villa, Ødegaard's pressing led to seven turnovers in possession, and he demonstrated similar intensity against Wolves, with 16 pressing actions.

Ødegaard's overall contribution is commendable, having made 133 pressing situations already this season. Furthermore, he was the leading chance creator in the Premier League last season, highlighting his dual threat as both a creative playmaker and diligent worker.

Andreas Pereira's Impact on Fulham's Set Pieces

Fulham's midfielder Andreas Pereira has emerged as a talisman for set pieces, showcasing remarkable delivery that has enabled his team to create the second-most opportunities from corners last season. Pereira's early season performance has seen him create nine chances from set-piece situations, significantly outpacing his peers.

Under manager Marco Silva, Pereira's quality in dead-ball situations is being utilized effectively, making it a key weapon for the team moving forward.

Southampton's Struggles Despite Dominating Possession

In a surprising twist, newly-promoted Southampton has recorded the most passes in the Premier League this season with 1,305. However, their pass-heavy approach has not translated into success, having not scored any goals and managing just 18 percent of shots despite holding 65 percent of possession against rivals.

Despite the apparent dominance, their expected goals (xG) rating remains alarmingly low, indicating a lack of creativity in the final third. Manager Russell Martin's commitment to maintaining possession-based football raises questions about their ability to secure points in the league if they do not adapt their approach to attacking play effectively.

Conclusion

The early weeks of the Premier League season have showcased intriguing storylines, from Calvert-Lewin's battle for service to Ødegaard's relentless pressing and Pereira's set-piece brilliance. Southampton's passive approach, juxtaposed against their passing prowess, paints a complex picture that will require tactical adjustments if they hope to excel in the top flight.