For those who haven't watched this game or don't know the result....if you're predicting another 1 nil United victory, you're wrong. But it could've, would've, should've been that at the least. With their passing described as "Barcelonaesque at points" by my cousin who wasn't too far off his description actually. With 69% of the possession and Newcastle having zero shots on target, you could say it was a frustrating night for the Red Devils. Memphis as he likes to be called could not repeat his midweek heroics as he was the best and worst player for Manchester United. He gave the ball away more times in a game then any other player has done in a premier league game this season, at a ratio of once every 3 minutes, but to his credit he was trying to force his was through a Newcastle defence which held off as he became too predictable throughout the match. Manchester now go to Wales to face Swansea who have yet to lose and have not lost at home either but this will only be their second game at home so Manchester United will look to be the first to defeat Swansea. Newcastle will host Arsenal who they've only beaten twice in the last 10 years and that's not a good omen for the men in black and white.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
I called a close game in last weeks blog and that's exactly what this one was, except it wasn't the nil all draw I predicted. But it should've been 1-1 as Scott Danns great headed goal was cancelled out by an goal from Pape Souáre who was forced to get a touch on it which turned it into his own net after substitute and an expensive buy from former Barcelona youngster Adama Traoré who caused havoc on his debut. It should've stayed that but a lapse in the defence by Villa man Jordan Amavi ended up being a goal from Bakary Sako in the 87th minute which meant the match ended 2-1 to Alan Pardews men. I want to give some credit to Keith Stroud who took his time and decided to overturn a goal decision for Palace earlier in the match as it was the right call because Crystal Palace had scored before Danns header but the shot had been deflected off a Palace player who was offside and it wasn't called by the linesman but after thinking on the decision Mr Stroud called it a no goal which was correct but it didn't stop Palace from winning. Palace go next to a struggling Chelsea who have conceded now 7 goals in 3 games. Palace will hope to come away with something as they have man city and Spurs after that, big 3 games for palace coming up. Aston Villa will be looking to secure 3 points against a struggling Sunderland side. Villains haven't lost to Sunderland since 2011 and I think the trend will continue.
Leicester City vs Spurs
This was predicted to be an exciting match, the first half started a bit slow an the 45 minutes turned out to be a lot of free running football but not any great chances created by either side. Second half was a bit more eventful as Harry Kane was finally noticed in the match, he did great to turn Huth and play in Chadli who played a delightful ball in for ex MK Dons teenager Dele Alli who headed the ball and himself into the goal. But Leicester hit back straight away through the brilliance of Mahrez who scored another great individual goal cutting in from the right and finishing with his left foot in the far post. He also sent a perfect ball in from the left in the dying minutes which Wes Morgan net sweetly with his head but it was straight down the middle which hit Lloris who didn't know too much about it but managed to keep it 1-1 at full time. Mahrez now has 4 goals in 3 EPL games. Next fans for Leicester will be against Bournemouth who will be making history as they've never played against each other in the top flight of English football. In recent times Tottenham have a good record against their next opponents Everton but I can see Ross Barkley and Everton upsetting at White Hart Lane.
Norwich vs Stoke
This one was definitely an exciting encounter between a side who are punching above their weight this season and another with a lot of potential. Stoke's attacking potential comes from the players they have on display, with new boy Shaqiri who's won many titles with Bayern Munich made an instant impact sending in a perfect ball that was met by Diouf who scored last weekends equaliser for Stoke. But the Norwich captain Russell Martin equalised with his second in two weeks as well. Unfortunately for Norwich Jerome is still misfiring and should've got some more from the game but Stoke goal keeper Jack Butland made sure it stayed 1-1 with another great performance in goal! He's definitely been stoke city's best player so far in the season.
Sunderland vs Swansea
Coming into the game, Swansea had both new boy Ayew and Gomis on form, and Sunderland weren't looking that great so a Swansea win was predicted. But in saying that, Swansea has had a great start but they had yet to finish a game against 11 men so far this season. Sunderland changed their backline with captain O'Shea back in the line up but it was his centre half pairing who got left behind by Gomis who made a great run in behind the defence to slot the ball past Pantillimon just at the end of the first half. That made it 3 in 3 games for Gomis and straight after half time, Ayew almost made it 3 out 3 but instead got the bar. So it stayed 1-0 up until Defoe pretty much replayed Gomis's run and goal and made it 1-1. Sunderland picked it up from there and even had a appeal for handball in the box but rightly it wasn't given and Gomis thought he had his second goal of the game but Pantillimon made a great save to keep it level. Swansea go to Villa Park while Sunderland host the undefeated Red Devils. Sunderland had a great 2014 against united with 0 losses but they've already lost once this year to them so Man U definitely the favourites. Swansea will definitely be going to Villa park with confidence knowing they've beaten their opponents the last 3 times they've met.
West Ham vs Bournemouth
West Ham went into the game knowing that their club had never lost to AFC Bournemouth but the thing was that they last played in the late 1990's against each other. Bournemouth started off by getting their first ever goal in the premier league by Callum Wilson who had a great ball played in by Simon Francis who stripped Cresswell of the ball. Then Cresswell once again gave it away in his own box this time playing it straight to Callum Wilson for his second of the match. Halftime time scored should've been 3,4 or even 5 nil but it stayed at 2-0 no thanks to a weak West Ham defence. West ham made them pay early in the second half when Mark Noble went down and got a penalty and made sure it went in himself. And when Sakho forced Boruc to make a great save, Kouyate followed up and made it 2-2 in the first 7 minutes of the second half. Mark Pugh came on and was instant impact for Bournemouth, forced a great save by West Ham keeper Randall but in his next run into the box, after Pugh beat the last defender Jenkinson, the ball was destined for the back of the net 2-3 Bournemouth. Max Gradel then made Jenkison's night even more terrible by out sprinting him to the ball even after a few metres head start, and then ran into the box only to be pulled down by Jenkinson who was sent for an early shower in the 85th minute. Then came the man of the night, Wilson got his hatrick from to spot kick. Maiga scored a great solo goal to make the last few minutes terrifyingly nerve wrecking for the away Bournemouth fans but they held on for a 4-3 victory. West Ham will have their hands full against Liverpool at home while Leicester will be the team that Bournemouth host and that should be a great attacking game.
West Brom vs Chelsea
This was predicted to be a blowout victory for Chelsea especially since new boy Pedro was given the nod for a starting position. (United fans look away, another player you guys missed out on.) it was pouring down and it started of in the worst way for Chelsea after Matic gave away a penalty but Morrison put it straight down the middle with Courtois in goal, those don't go in. And then it was the Pedro show, picked up the ball at half way, one two'd with a team mate, beat several played, one two'd with Fabregas and beat a few player and while going down played the ball straight into the bottom corner. It did take a deflection but definitely Pedros goal. And then Pedro played in Costa who just couldn't miss. 1 assist and 1 goal in 30 minutes for Pedro. West Brom made 2-1 when Rondon bicycle kicked it back into play and this time Morrison made no mistakes and smashed it in the bottom corner. But before the half ended Costa has a long ball played in which he accidentally chests down while looking for a Penalty but his team Azpilicueta got his first EPL goal with a great finish. 3-1 Chelsea at half time. Callum McManamann who one the penalty in the first half crossed in a beauty ball for Morrison to make it 3-2 with a great header into the top 90 and that made the last 30 minutes a bit more interesting. Ricky Lakbert came on for West Brom but with no effect. Chelsea grabbing their first victory of the season. Chelsea will look to repeat their double this season against Crystal Palace who they have not lost to at home since 17 Mar 1982. West Brom have now conceded 9 goals in 3 games, 3 in each, will they concede the same against Stoke at the Brittania where they haven't won since January 2012.
Everton vs Manchester City
I had quite a few expectations from this game and as expected all the big names came to play. Lukaku was correctly ruled offside in the first half as he put the ball past Joe Hart and that was the only clear chance of the match up till half time. Silva started the second by smashing it against the post. Sterling then played in a running ball for Kolarov who time it great and slotted it in the inside of tin Howard's goal and it was correctly not given off side. After a mistake from the Everton backline, Jesus Navas found himself with all the time in the works but it was too much time and Howard saved with his face. And then we got to witness a world class play, touch and finish by Machester City. Nasri played to Yaya who flicked in back into his path with the perfect weight to beat the defender and Nasri touched it with the sweetest if touchs to put it over Tim Howard for a world class play. The tittle favourites have not conceded still, and they host Watford next at the Etihad who they've never actually beaten in the premier league. They've met twice and both were draws in the 06-07 season. Everton will have to try come back from this and get a win at white hart lane but they have not managed to beat Tottenham at Tottenham since 2008.
Watford vs Southampton
It was all Southampton for the first 30 but no clear cut chances then the second 30 minutes was all Watford but again no clear cut chances. Watfotd should've scored from a corner but they didn't. Both teams seemed to be happy to keep trying from with no accuracy and the match ended a dull 0-0 but for both teams, a goalless draw is a great result right now. Watford will now face a team who haven't conceded a goal this season, and that is Kompany's Manchester City. While Southampton host Norwich, they'll be going with a good track record but Norwich have been a better side this season but have a mis firing Jerome leading their charge.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Because I've left this way too late!! I'm going to make this real short! Coutinho was clearly the best player on the field! An exciting game but both goalkeepers were superb! Arsenal went with an almost new backline and Wenger will be glad to keep the clean sheet but another no win against a big club. Arsenal go to Newcastle and should win while Liverpool host a struggling West Ham.
Goal of the week
I'm a sucker for beautiful headed goals and Morrison got one in their losing effort. A perfect ball from Macmaman and just the perfect touch for Morrison. He should've had a hatrick but he'll regret that all week and hopefully make it up next weekend. Honourable mentions to Pedro.
Top of the week
Bournemouth with their first ever win in the premier league get this one for me, is the sentimental pick. Honourable mentions go to Manchester City, another superb weekend.
Flop of the week
West Ham definitely!
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