Pep makes statement of intent after barren season

London – Empowered by a transfer splurge of some £200 million, Manchester City are the early favourites to topple Premier League champions Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola (right) endured a bruising first season as City failed to challenge for the title, eventually finishing 15 points adrift of Chelsea in third place.

The club reacted by signing three new fullbacks in Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo, plus goalkeeper Ederson and playmaker Bernardo Silva.

While City shimmered in attack, they frequently looked vulnerable in defence and resculpting the back four has been Guardiola’s main priority.

Brazilian Ederson replaces the error-prone Claudio Bravo in goal, while dynamic pair Walker and Mendy will add thrust on the flanks.

Across town, United boss Jose Mourinho is also looking to kick on after ending a debut season with a silver flourish.

United finished outside the top four for the third time in four seasons, but secured a Champions League berth by winning the Europa League and also tasted glory in the League Cup.

Mourinho has strengthened with the acquisitions of Victor Lindelof, Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku.

Mourinho won the league in his second seasons at Porto, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, as well as in both of his stints at Chelsea.

Champions Chelsea have thus far failed to significantly enhance a squad that now faces a league title defence and Champions League campaign.

Alvaro Morata has replaced the exiled Diego Costa up front, Tiemoue Bakayoko has taken Matic’s place in midfield and Antonio Rudiger brings extra defensive cover, but Chelsea still look a few players short.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur are trusting in the same formula that swept them to second place last season and must adapt to a new temporary home at Wembley while White Hart Lane is rebuilt.

Fourth last season, Liverpool have signed relatively modestly, adding Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke and Andrew Robertson to their ranks.

But they will be mindful of the menace posed by Everton, who have splashed out on young English talents like Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane, as well as bringing Wayne Rooney back after a trophy-laden 13-year spell at Manchester United. –