The first live games of any Premier League season always have a sense of freshness in their coverage, with new signings lining out on the pitch and new managers making their debut. The optimism of a new season can breed excitement among supporters, keen to find out what kind of shape their teams are in as the season kicks off.
Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, there was an immediate sense of 'same old same old' on the pitch as new manager Unai Emery's side looked a lot like they did under Arsene Wenger in recent years, by being underwhelming and outclassed by Manchester City, who have begun this season in a similar vein to how they finished the last.
Yet in the Sky Sports studio there was a very obvious sense of change in the form of Alex Scott, who became the first ever female pundit to appear on their live Premier League coverage.
⚽️ @AlexScott makes TV football history in becoming the first female @PremierLeague pundit.
👏 Thoroughly deserved. pic.twitter.com/SJPblN6Kb1— SPORF (@Sporf) August 12, 2018
Former Arsenal and England star Scott joined Jamie Carragher & Graeme Souness in the studio to kick off the Super Sunday double header, with Sky now joining other broadcasters such as ITV, BBC and RTE in featuring more female analysts on their coverage of the men's game.
While social media is always sure to offer a wide range of perspectives on such topics, the Twitter reaction to her Sky debut was largely positive. Scott was self-assured and detailed in her analysis and a wave of support greeted her presence among the other more seasoned panelists.
Bravo @AlexScott on a fab debut 👏👏👏 #supersunday @SkySportsPL
— DAVID JONES (@DavidJonesSky) August 12, 2018
Big up Alex Scott on Super Sunday, first female Premier League pundit. Actually does her research and knows what she’s talking about, unlike many of the usual “experts” that just spit out the same old clichés every week.
— Jack Barnes (@barnesffc) August 12, 2018
Best signing of the season so far is proving to be @AlexScott for Sky. No world weary hackery for her. Tearing it up, forensic analysis. Bet the old boys network are checking their retirement plans... #NewSheriffInTown
— Danny Baker (@prodnose) August 12, 2018
Don’t understand why so many people are getting annoyed about Alex Scott being a pundit on Sky Sports. Regardless of her gender she’s bloody good at it and is certainly better than some of the other pundits. #SuperSunday
— Michael Lavelle (@mikelavelle93) August 12, 2018
@AlexScott best arsenal player on sky today
— christybones (@crsbrn78) August 12, 2018
😡 Buzzing for a whole season of Graeme Souness spontaneously combusting when Alex Scott challenges him on anything...#ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/qlt9BOsD8C
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) August 12, 2018
