Another exhilarating weekend of the Premier League has just whizzed by. This time around, there were no notable upsets bar one. With 20 goals scored in 10 games, this week wasn’t as high scoring as the previous ones. But there were plenty of talking points and a high dosage of drama, let’s have a look at 10 talking points from this gameweek!
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AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City
Pep Guardiola hasn’t quite had the start he’d hoped for. But he’d definitely want more of the same after his team overcame a resolute Bournemouth side at the Vitality stadium. The game was won late into stoppage time as Raheem Sterling saw his shot deflected into the back of the net in the 97th minute.
Having fallen behind to what could go down as the Goal of the season from Charlie Daniels; City fought back and controlled for much of the game. Bournemouth will have to take that loss with a pinch of salt, as they had done enough to deserve a point from the game but sadly that wasn’t to be. Some late drama ensued that lead to Sterling being sent off. The second City player to get his marching orders this season.
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Crystal Palace 0-2 Swansea City
This was a must win game for both of the teams. Crystal Palace, who looked to register their first points on the table, played hosts to Swansea City, who were searching for inspiration themselves. Defensive woes continued for de Boer as goals from Tammy Abraham and Ayew wielded a third straight defeat to the struggling Eagles. Swansea came out of the game with their heads held high, as they seem to have put the drubbing at the hands of Manchester United behind them. They were helped by poor defensive decisions from Palace’s backline.
Much to ponder for Palace boss, de Boer.
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Huddersfield Town 0-0 Southampton
The encounter at John Smith’s Stadium saw both Huddersfield and Southampton maintain their unbeaten streak. The promoted side look a promising prospect this season, and dominated most of the game, but were denied by the heroics of Fraser Forster. Kachunga, Ince and Mounie are linking up well in midfield, and can only get better as the season progresses.
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Newcastle United 3-0 West Ham United
Newcastle United won their first game of the season at the expense of a lacklustre West Ham United. The Hammers have gotten off to the worst possible start as they sit bottom after the first three games and with a goal difference of a harrowing -8. Slaven Bilic’s men are in clear need of motivation and the international break comes as a relief. Goals from new signing Joselu, Clark and Mitrovic sealed three points for the Magpies and Benitez. Bilic needs to introspect and make the necessary changes to stop his team from becoming favourites for the drop.
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Watford 0-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
Watford and Brighton played a stalemate at Vicarage Road. The game could have gone away from the Hornets, however, as a rash tackle saw Miguel Britos being shown a straight red. Brighton would have been disappointed to come out of the game with just a point as Knockaert and March came close with their strikes cannoning off the post. Watford on the other hand would be pleased with a point as they continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
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Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City
Going by the form book, there was only one winner in this game. Leicester did well to frustrate United with their defensive approach but offered very little in offence. United looked to be heading to another draw as they saw most of their efforts go to waste, especially Lukaku’s penalty miss. Leicester tried to hold on for their share of the spoils but that wasn’t to be. Their resolve was finally broken as substitute Marcus Rashford scored from a Mkhitaryan corner. Marouane Fellaini scored soon after, as Manchester United continued their perfect start to the league.
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Chelsea 2-0 Everton
Normal services resumed for Chelsea as they overcame Everton at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Fabregas and Morata ensured three points for the Blues who were solid both defensively and offensively. Chelsea have now beaten two of the teams that would have given them a tough competition; a good motivational booster heading into the International break. As for Everton, they failed to produce a shot on target throughout the game. Fingers could be pointed at fatigue as they were involved in a midweek Europa League fixture.
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West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Stoke City
West Bromwich Albion came into the game knowing another three points would take them joint top of the Premier League with Manchester United. It seemed to be working for them as, after 61 minutes, new signing Jay Rodriguez scored from close range to put the Baggies one goal up. However, a defensive mix-up between new signing Hegazi and Ben Foster presented Peter Crouch with the opportunity of putting the ball into an empty net.
Disappointing end for West Brom, but a fair result given the closely fought contest.
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Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal
Arguably the most one-sided game in the gameweek. Arsenal were simply blown apart. It’s one thing being comprehensively beaten, where you can put your hands up and just admit that you had absolutely no chance against your opponent; it’s another when you fail to turn up and are entirely responsible for your downfall. Arsenal fall into the second category. They gave plenty of chances and Liverpool, just as a pack of unapologetic wolves, tore them to shreds. This was Liverpool making a statement to the rest of the Premier League. Maybe, just maybe, this could be their year.
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Tottenham 1-1 Burnley
Just what is it with Tottenham and Wembley? Another home game, another disappointment for the Spurs fans. This time, they had themselves to blame. Having taken the lead via Dele Alli, Spurs spurned chances as Harry Kane was denied twice by Heaton. Kane’s August woes and Tottenham’s Wembley curse helped Burnley get back into the game with not much time to spare. New signing Chris Wood, slotted a fine finish past Hugo Lloris giving Robbie Brady’s crisp pass the finish it deserved. Take nothing away from Burnley though, as they continue to get points off of the top teams.
