Thanks for some healthy perspective. I agree that Arsenal had the hardest opening game—away at a team that had underperformed, has some talented players and had something to prove. The opening games do give extra oomph to the home team—which makes me wonder why United has had 9 straight opening weekend home games. I do not understand how the PL sets its game schedule. Take for example, Everton—last season was their last game at their old stadium and this season was the first game at their new stadium. If I’m scheduling games, Everton would be playing at home in Week 38 last season and at home in Week 1 this season. Instead, they were away for both games? Why would it be so hard to include in the scheduling computer that Everton has those games at home.
Thanks for some healthy perspective. I agree that Arsenal had the hardest opening game—away at a team that had underperformed, has some talented players and had something to prove. The opening games do give extra oomph to the home team—which makes me wonder why United has had 9 straight opening weekend home games. I do not understand how the PL sets its game schedule. Take for example, Everton—last season was their last game at their old stadium and this season was the first game at their new stadium. If I’m scheduling games, Everton would be playing at home in Week 38 last season and at home in Week 1 this season. Instead, they were away for both games? Why would it be so hard to include in the scheduling computer that Everton has those games at home.