Fans worldwide were once again treated to a real spectacle of exciting Premier League football last weekend. Whilst the international games can be of huge interest, nothing beats the hustle, bustle and huge quality of the best league in the world. Here, I review the latest round of fixtures, and offer my honest questions and opinions of all things that matter amongst the elite.
Premier League Review Matchday 4
Arsenal‘s long suffering fans had every right to think that they may had finally cracked their ‘big opponent jinx’ when they led Manchester City 2-1 at the Emirates late in last Saturday’s lunchtime fixture. But sadly it was a case of same old problems – different season, as City snatched a late point – yet again shattering Arsenal’s hopes of a big game win. After years of unnecessary prudence, Arsene Wenger has finally spent some genuine money this summer – but with the exception of Alexis Sanchez, there hasn’t been much of a bang in this part of North London yet. With defender Mathieu Debuchy now out injured for up to three months, the real question is this. Have Arsenal enough quality in depth to sustain at least a challenge for a top four place?
Champions Manchester City still offer an exceptionally confident arrogance, and once again seem to be one of two main teams to beat. Wouldn’t they have won the game on Saturday with Yaya Toure involved though? Toure is a beast, a mercurial talent who bosses games with either his super defensive capabilities, marauding runs through invisible defences, or his immense set piece ability. His presence in the team could well be the reason behind City’s reluctant decision to let Alvaro Negredo return to Spain without a senior striking replacement in the squad, and had he have played on Saturday, City may well have won. Arsenal will see this as two points dropped for sure. For City, it’s definitely a golden point gained.
Chelsea have never spent well on expensive strikers. This is a common thought concurred to by the majority of their more ‘experienced’ fans, who can recall the likes of Robert Fleck, Tony Cascarino and Chris Sutton. The latest, and most expensive example is of course Fernando Torres, who is now in Italy. However, this streak may be over with Diego Costa – Premier League history maker – as the first player since 1992 and the great Micky Quinn to score in each of his clubs’ opening four league games. Costa’s impressive tally stands at seven so far, and whilst he could be observed of as merely a six yard predator, that kind of player is something the Blues have been crying out for for many a year now. Is Costa the final piece in Jose Mourinho’s title winning puzzle? The big Spaniard certainly looks like he might be.
Riding high in the nosebleed section of the league table, Garry Monk and Swansea have had a beauty of a campaign so far, and whilst the 4-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge will have hurt the Swans, it wouldn’t have been too unexpected, despite leading the game at half time. They say you only learn how good a team is is by how they respond to a defeat – the Swans are at least at home next Saturday, but in Southampton, they face another stern test in what should be an open, entertaining encounter against another good footballing team.
Crystal Palace v Burnley was a game I attended, along with my fellow Palace supporting son, Bobby, who at three years old was enjoying his first ever live game. ‘Second season syndrome’ is a common disease to infect the souls of clubs embarking on a second campaign amongst the elite. And if they are not careful, Crystal Palace could be this terms’ candidate for this particularly dubious tag. Over achieving under Tony Pulis was a wonderful achievement last year, and with new boys Burnley rocking up in South London last Saturday, expectations were high for this seasons’ opening win. Coupled by the sensational returns of popular ex-manager Neil Warnock, club legend Andrew Johnson and prodigal son Wilfried Zaha, emotions against the Palace faithful were running at fever pitch even before the incredibly raw tear-jerking minutes’ applause for ex-Palace man David Whyte, who tragically passed last week, aged 43. It was of no surprise the Eagles ran out of gas, and lacked ideas as to how to crack a very stubborn Burnley team. The Clarets battled throughout, threw bodies in the way of everything and genuinely created more than Palace in the second half. Their penalty was as clear cut as you get, and despite Scott Arfield taking a very good spot kick, Palace keeper Julian Speroni saved it in some style, to evoke wild pandemonium in the goal behind him, (mainly from me – of course). A point a piece was a fair result, but will both teams see this as two points dropped? For sure.
Aston Villa are very quickly becoming the scourge of the big boys. Surprise wins over the real aristocracy of the Premier League have been common place over the last couple of seasons, and Paul Lambert’s team should never be underestimated. The main media opinions canvassed on this game centred around Brendan Rodger’s decision to omit Raheem Sterling from the Liverpool starting XI. To be honest, the decision did backfire for the Reds – but having been a key player for England in two internationals the previous week, it would only be fair to perhaps rest the “boy wonder”, what with the Champions League commencing this week too, and big games coming up – thick and fast. Unfortunately, there was no “plan B” for Liverpool though, and where last season they could rely on the goals and outrageous showmanship of Luis Suarez, this year, they can’t. Without Daniel Sturridge too, the Reds always laboured in front of goal, and their offensive efforts could always be exploited by a pacey, ambitious Villa team, keen to implement yet more home misery for Liverpool.
How far can Villa go? Well, they have made an incredible start so far and deserve their plaudits. With star man Christian Benteke back in training after long term injury, things are looking very good for the Villa right now.
Alan Pardew is a very lonely man at the moment. Once again thrust into the cruel, gaping limelight that is the black hole of St. James’ Park, Pardew is a man with very good reason to feel pretty cheesed off right now. Newcastle United’s complete capitulation at St. Mary’s on Saturday was as embarrassing as it was poor, and signalled a total lack of confidence within their camp. Is it really all his fault though? That is was only 4-0 probably flattered the Geordies, but however you look at it, they caught Southampton on a very good day. Pardew has since been awarded the dreaded “vote of confidence” by owner Mike Ashley, which probably means he will be sacked next week.
Southampton are warming up very nicely, and have very quickly banished any talk of a “hangover” of the complete and utter fire sale of their best players this summer. Ronald Koeman seems to have gelled his new troops very nicely, and thumping wins like this will only endorse the feel good vibe that is rapidly returning to the South Coast. Although they may struggle against the very big teams, Southampton could easily eclipse that eighth placed finish of last year, and even get themselves into Europe, very possibly.
To continue on to the rest of the league’s matches, click here.
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