Liverpool will begin its latest Premier League title defense at home to Bournemouth on Aug. 15 while Manchester United will host Arsenal in the opening round of next season

Of course, Pep – serial title-winner, spent a gazillion-pounds to plug holes and having his best player returning – is clearly facing a steep learning curve now. Meanwhile, Amorim apparently needs three full seasons just to get his footing. All perfectly reasonable conclusions. No notes.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal know they must get the better of Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham in big games to have any chance of winning the Premier League.