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The Premier League returns: Key talking points from the opening weekend

:Headline: The Premier League returns: Key talking points from the opening weekend: ID:367555: from db_amp
Frank Lampard faces a trip to Old Trafford in his first game as a Premier League manager.

The new Premier League season kicks off with Liverpool, last year's runners-up, hosting newly-promoted Norwich.

Here, PA looks at some talking points as the action gets underway.

One better for the Reds?

Falling just a point short of Premier League Champions Manchester City last season, Liverpool will be hoping to go one better than that runners-up spot. Manager Jurgen Klopp has been criticised by fans for a quiet transfer window, with only youngster Sepp Van Den Berg and back-up goalkeeper Adrian added to the squad. The Champions League winners face newly-promoted Norwich and will be keen to gain confidence and points before tackling stiffer opposition later in the season.

Lampard and Solskjaer meet as managers

Harry Maguire became the most expensive defender of all time when signing for Manchester United for £80million (PA)

Manchester United are set to debut new signing Harry Maguire against Chelsea, having paid a record £80million for a defender to sign him from Leicester. United begin life without striker Romelu Lukaku, who departed to join Inter Milan in a deal worth an initial £74million. Rivals Chelsea will also debut a new face in the shape of manager Frank Lampard, who left his first managerial role at Derby to replace Maurizio Sarri at the club with whom he spent the majority of his footballing career. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fits a similar profile to Lampard, having clocked up 235 appearances for the team he now oversees, adding a fascinating subplot to the season opener. Solskjaer came out on top in their 11 encounters as players, winning five and drawing three.

New teams test the water

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder (centre) undertakes his first game as a Premier League manager against Bournemouth (PA)

Sheffield United, Norwich and Aston Villa make their Premier League return after gaining promotion from the Championship last season. The Blades broke their own transfer record four times over the summer, signing Luke Freeman, Callum Robinson, Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie. Mousset was bought for £10million from opening weekend rivals Bournemouth. The other two promoted clubs face a stiff introduction to top-flight football, as Norwich take on Liverpool while Aston Villa play Tottenham.

Tottenham for a title challenge?

Ryan Sessegnon misses the first fixture of the season for new side Tottenham after suffering a hamstring injury (PA)

Tottenham have little time to ease themselves into the season, as their clash with Norwich is followed swiftly by a visit to the Etihad Stadium to face reigning champions Manchester City. With the new stadium complete and large sums invested over the transfer window, Mauricio Pochettino's side have little excuse not to challenge for the trophy this season. They will line up without new signing Ryan Sessegnon though, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The arrival of VAR

Video assistant referees will be introduced to the Premier League for the first time this season. Having been trialled for two years, and used at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, VAR facilities are now present at all 20 Premier League grounds. However, its function has been slightly altered so as not to unnecessarily disrupt match action. The on-pitch referee will communicate covertly with the video assistant, only halting play in the case of a 'clear and obvious error' or a 'serious missed incident'. In the case of contentious off-side play, assistant referees are advised not to raise their flag and allow the decision to be corrected by VAR if required.

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716
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