As promised, the gameweek brought what you weren’t ready for (unless you're Arsène of course). Manchester United maintained their hundred percent record, Toni Conte’s got his mojo back, and debutant Chris Wood aimed his dagger perfectly at Wembley. Exciting? Hmmm……. We’ll have to ask Kylie Bellerin.
First off, we head to the home of Jose Mourinho, the happy one. Manchester United faced a stern test from Leicester City, and overcame courtesy of King Louis V’s favorite son Marcus Rashford. Summer signing Romelu Lukaku had a game to forget as Kasper Schmeichel did what his dad couldn’t: save a penalty at Old Trafford. That win means they’ve bagged three out of three possible, and haven’t let in a goal all season. Still early days eh? Jose would have a thing or two on that. They do, you'll have to confess, look like champions.
Still, newboys Huddersfield Town remain in second, although hurt by the points dropped at home v Southampton. Aaron Mooy on this occasion failed to work his magic much to Fraser Forster’s delight. Earlier, and Charlie Daniels’ staggering hit couldn’t stop Pep’s kids from claiming maximum points thanks to Gab Jesus and a late Sterling goal.
Arsène and his band of misfits, were as you might have called, given a good ol’whooping served up by Rockin’ Jürgen’s Rockstars. Could have been 8 really. Arsenal never really turned up. First half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane (Mane’s a gem), and two after the interval from Cairo roadrunner Mo’ Salah and much-loved Daniel Sturridge plunged North London’s “pride” down the Kop’s sewage. Arsenal never stood a chance. How about the other side of North London? Harry’s still cursed in August as Tom Heaton foiled his fellow Englishman, and New Zealander Chris Wood (who arrived from Championship side Leeds United) stole an unlikely point for Sean Dyche and his resilient Burnley side with minutes to go after Dele Alli had turned in Eriksen’s delivery shortly after the interval. Not such a good day in the capital? Not if you’re Antonio Conte. His Chelsea side brushed aside an aspiring Everton outfit thanks to first-half goals from Cesc Fàbreags and Alvaro Morata. The latter became the first player to assist and score in his first two home games in the Premier League. Abramovich’s definitely shrugging his shoulders now. Wayne Rooney and his teammates offered little or nothing in that game, with central defender Ashley Williams registering both their attempts in that game (late in the second half).
In the other games this weekend, Frank De Boer saw his home side Crystal Palace beaten by Swansea City courtesy of goals from former Chelsea starlet Tammy Abraham and Ghanaian Jordan Ayew either side of the interval, West Brom and Stoke shared the spoils with goals from Jay Rodriguez and Peter Crouch respectively, Joselu registered his first strike of many for the Geordies Newcastle as they got their first points on the board, and ten-man Brighton held on for a point away at Watford.
The international break, for us who love club football, is like that ex you can’t do without. You hate her, but you still need her. The Barclays Premier League comes back on the 9th of September, with some tasty games coming. Rockin’ Jürgen’s got a certain Spaniard to deal with.
What a season for the special one. Just like a day can be predicted at dawn, Jose's side is showing the character of champions early in the season.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Gunners, their guns should be traded for matchets this season. Very unpromising too early.
Nice article man. Jurgen vs Pep after the break is going to be explosive
ReplyDeleteNice one.
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