All you need to know from the weekend’s action
A rapid look back at every match in the Premier League over the last weekend and what it means for each team.
Arsenal 1-0 Swansea
Had their Welsh counterparts had a more careful goalkeeper and a ruthless striker, Arsenal could have been embarrassed. However, they didn’t and for taking their opportunity, the Gunners deserved their win. Swansea look good at the back despite Vorm’s Saturday howler. They just have to work out how to score. Danny Graham in particular needs to find form quickly.
Everton 2-2 Aston Villa
This result confirms both sides are still adjusting after their respective summer departures. This was a better point for Villa than Everton to the disappointment of McLeish’s doubters. Evertonians worries about the club’s trouble off the pitch are not quite translating on the pitch. After all, the Merseysiders are traditional slow starters.
Man City 3-0 Wigan Athletic
Sergio Aguero proved his quality with three pieces of clinical finishing. For the first time this season, City have three games in a week, something rivals United have mastered. It will be interesting to see how they cope as they certainly have the squad. Wigan can be satisfied it wasn’t more than 3-0. There does seem to be more about Martinez’s side than last season. They should feel confident of getting something at Goodison Park next week.
Stoke City 1-0 Liverpool
People find it hard to accept losing to Stoke City. Liverpool complained about the referee but if they’d taken two of their numerous chances, it wouldn’t have mattered. As it is, this turned out to be a reality check for the Reds. Stoke will be delighted with their unbeaten start. Martin Samuel touted them for a possible Champions League place on Sunday Supplement. Their Europa League participation though will put paid to those hopes.
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Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea
It’ll be interesting to see how long Chairman Ellis Short is willing to be patient with Steve Bruce. They have problems up front and at the back despite 11 new players coming into the club. Still gelling by the look of it. This was a good win for Chelsea. The weight seems lifted off the team’s shoulders when Torres isn’t playing. Hopefully, they can challenge United next Sunday as West Brom are the only team to offer any resistance this season.
Wolves 0-2 Spurs
Wolves good start came to an end as Spurs need for a first win shone through. It’s about how you react to defeat though and if McCarthy’s side beat QPR next weekend, it will speak volumes about the character of their side this season. Spurs will be encouraged but they need to show this wasn’t a one off by beating Liverpool next weekend. Adebayor was impressive on debut.
Bolton 0-5 Man Utd
Wanderers became overawed by their strong visitors on Saturday. Yes, United were fantastic yet again but the Bolton defence didn’t half help them. Coyle needs to keep morale up despite their extremely difficult start. Manchester United were at their clinical best with Hernandez and Rooney looking ruthless. Their first real test will be next Sunday.
Norwich 0-1 West Brom
Norwich should have had a penalty, granted. If you don’t take your chances in the Premier League, you don’t deserve to win. All it takes is one defensive lapse and the game is lost. West Brom will be delighted with this win after the difficult start they’ve endured. What’s more Odemwingie getting on the scoresheet will please Hodgson after his niggling injury.
Fulham 1-1 Blackburn
If you’d looked at Fulham’s first four fixtures and said they’d get 2 points, you would have got very good odds. They’ve been poor so far this season. Manchester City at home next weekend won’t soothe Fulham fans fears either. Blackburn should be happy with a point. Scott Dann looked terrific on debut. There’s finally a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for Steve Kean. His team should fancy their chances against a weak Arsenal currently.
Main Points From The Weekend:
• Reality Checks – Arsenal, Liverpool and Wolves all received one this weekend.
• Worrying Starts – Sunderland and Fulham can’t be happy with their starts they’ve made this season.
• Don’t Blame The Ref – Blame your side’s inability to take their chances and inability to defend.
• Manchester Marches On – Can West London stop them next weekend? Probably not.
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