How we’ve kept up with minute-by-minute Premier League coverage since the pandemic

Covering compelling matches with just one reporter and all desk staff working remotely provokes numerous challenges, writes Jack Rathborn

No crowd, but plenty of action and talking points at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (Getty)

The Premier League is back and in full swing again after a brief hiatus following the elongated finish due to Covid-19.

There’s a fresh slate both for those who would rather forget last season and those who wouldn’t, but want to establish a legacy by repeating their accomplishments.

Beyond that, though, with Liverpool falling into both categories, there is the opportunity to witness each club’s shiniest new toys.

Transfers captivate like nothing else in the game, whipping up a frenzy among fans, as seen by the crisis currently clouding Manchester United right now despite having played just one game. The second week of the season gifted the champions’ a trip to Chelsea, who have been a magnetic force in the window with their £200m splurge. 

Sprinkle in the vulnerability of both teams at this premature stage of the season due to a lack of a pre-season or cohesion built through sustained sessions, and the content gods served up a treat on Sunday.

Covering this compelling match with just one reporter and all desk staff working remotely provoked numerous challenges. All of this while the action unfolded at an empty Stamford Bridge without fans in attendance.

Communication is therefore critical to provide minute-by-minute coverage, while ensuring a lengthy queue of original content ready to enter the world of extreme opinions on social media.

Miguel Delaney, our chief football writer, always adjusts depending on the game’s script, which was predictably packed with stories throughout. Ideas were constantly tossed around in our WhatsApp groups, both during the game and immediately after the final whistle when brainstorming what readers will be interested in heading into next week.

Among the talking points: Andreas Christensen’s red card provoking Jurgen Klopp to chuck blockbuster signing Thiago Alcantara on at half-time for his debut, Sadio Mane’s brilliance and perfect riposte to Mohamed Salah's hat-trick in their battle for supremacy; and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s latest blunder piling pressure on Frank Lampard with expectations ramped up in his second season in charge.

So, while ensuring Miguel’s report is swiftly published at full-time, there is also the need to maintain minute-by-minute commentary for those eager to remain in the loop while on the move. It’s also important to update our social channels throughout and simultaneously prepare familiar pieces on player ratings, talking points and being in a position to shift focus towards the instant reaction from post-match interviews.

Once fans digest the game, attention quickly shifts, just like the frenetic fixture schedule that hampers the players. So while the dust has barely settled, preparation has already begun to ensure our coverage can handle the unpredictable and relentless nature of the Premier League.

Yours,

Jack Rathborn

Assistant sports editor