Premier League 2019/20: 8 Big Takeaways From Gameweek Two
3. The European Hangover
While only one team gets to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season, a place in the two European competitions is something seven teams can claim after 38 games. Though a place in the Champions League or the Europa League is something to celebrate, thanks to traveling across Europe for midweek games, teams often suffer in the league the following weekend.
So far this season three teams have already played European football. Liverpool played Chelsea in Istanbul for the European Super Cup, and Wolves have already progressed through two two-legged Europa League ties. But how have these games affected the teams’ league games?
After two 4-0 wins against Armenian side Pyunik, Wolves have drawn 0-0 with Leicester (though could have won if not for VAR), and 1-1 with Man United. Liverpool managed to scrape a win against Southampton after their victory in Istanbul, but certainly looked sluggish compared to their demolition of Norwich the week before. Chelsea, however, were punished for their European exploits.
The Blues scored early against Leicester, but could not hack the pace as the game went on. The Foxes eventually scored an equalizer, and by the time the full time whistle blew, were unlucky not to be in the lead.