Arsenal started with pace in this match and having Walcott lead the charge definitely didn't slow things down for the gunners. Arsenal had around 73% possession when Andre Marriner gave Mitrovic a red card after his tackle on Coquelin and he did go in studs showing but it probably should've been a yellow card. Arsenals dominance continued but Tim Krul made sure things stayed even for quite a while as Walcott had the best chance to put Arsenal up but he failed to capitalise on a spill by Tim Krul when he kicked it over only a few yards out with nothing but the net to aim for. It took a strong strike from Ox which was on its way out but took a deflection from Coloccini which put the ball at the back of the net. Arsenals finishing woes continued, while Tim Krul shined in goal, especially with his save right at the end against substitute Giroud. Arsenal will be hosting Stoke City who they haven't lost to at home since 1981. Newcastle go to West Ham and last year both teams won away from home so Newcastle will be hoping that pattern continues ..... Atleast just for this match.
Bournemouth vs Leicester
Leicester are known for their big starts and Bournemouth is my feel good story in the premier league so I was definitely looking forward to this match. Mahrez was the top scorer before the game started with 4 while Wilson the Bournemouth striker was last matchday's hero with the EPL's first hat-trick of the season and Bournemouth's first ever EPL win. He got things started again by getting the first goal on home soil for Bournemouth in the EPL with a over the head bicycle kick from close range. Bournemouth should've also had a penalty in the first half but the ref incorrectly judged the foul to be just outside the box but to his credit, he didn't have the luxury of instant replay. Also Robert Huth had a bizzare moment which he should've been sent off for when he mistimed his shoulder shove on Wilson so he tried again and took him out and then in frustration kicked the ball at Wilson's face and only got a yellow for it. It didn't sem like things were going Bournemouth's way and then Leicester's Vardy made it worse for them when he dribbled in and out and in between players and got into the box only to be taken out by Cook. Penalty Leicester, Vardy stepped up and made it 1-1 in the 8th minute and thats how it finished.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace came into this match having not won at Chelsea since 1982 but they needed to get something from this game as it begins a stretch of tough games against big sides. Game started slowly and the first good chance came to Pedro who created space for himself but curled in far post but just wide of the left post. Kurt Zouma had a shout for a penalty but it wasn't called by the referee which was a good call because both players had hands on each other. Palace didn't just sit back, Sako and Cabaye both forced saves from Courtois and Cabaye should really have scored. Sako finally got the breakthrough in the second half and Mourinhos 200th league game took a bad turn as far as he was concerned. Chelsea did not sit back, they made 3 changes, Falcao being one of them, who was at the end of a low cross from Pedro and Falcaos diving header found the near post and at the back of the net. Mourinhos known for not losing home game and this was his 100th home league game for Chelsea so it seemed like Chelsea would steal it or take the draw but that wasn't to be, two minutes after Falcaos first goal for Chelsea, Bolasie played a dangerous ball to the far post which Sako played back in for Joel Ward who headed it in and Crystal Palace get a famous victory at Stamford Bridge. Alan Pardews men now sit 2nd in the league with 3 wins out of 4 will host top of the table Manchester City and it'll be a great second vs first match. Can palace upset the favourites? Chelsea have 4 points in 4 games and go to Everton and will try to get their season kick started because it's definitely at a halt at the moment.
Liverpool vs West Ham
Coming into this game, West Ham had already beaten Arsenal but apart from that, they did not have any other results go their way. Liverpool had not lost a game prior to this match with 2 wins and a draw. I was happy to watch this match as I knew Carl Jenkinson would be suspended and Tomkins was his replacement. I cannot stand horrendous defending. I did not know who Manuel Lanzini was before this game but found out he was West Ham's new signing and he made his mark first in this game. Cresswell collected Skrtel's headed clearance and sent it across the box which caught Gomez flat footed and Lanzini scored his first goal for the Hammers with a smart finish. One of Liverpools new signings almost did the same, Firminho from about 25 yards out struck the bar with a brilliant shot. It stayed 1-0 to West Ham, and that was actually Liverpool's first goal that they had conceded this season. Lovren with almost no pressure on him, caused himself to give the ball away to Lanzini who couldn't find his strike partner but the the deflection of Lucas fell to Noble and Mr West Ham made it 2 nil. Coutinho got himself booked needlessly at the end of the first half because he didn't retrieve 10 yards on a free-kick. And that came back to bite him as he went in for a slide tackle on Payet but the midfielder out manoeuvred him with a brilliant turn which caused him to be taken out and the ref produced another yellow to Coutinho which meant his night was over. In my opinion, wrong call by the ref as Coutinho had already gone to ground and could not pull out of the challenge. The ref goes and makes another horrendous decision when he blows the whistle for a foul on Mark Noble who had carried on with the play and dived into a challenge, with his toe and no studs, and the ref sent him off for a early shower anyway. Another terrible call this weekend. Sakho who had everything off the field go bad for him during the week when he was arrested and then released on bail and then pulled his groin during train was a doubt to even play but ended the game for west ham with a great solo goal and spectacular finish in the bottom corner to end the match 3-0 and hand Liverpool their first loss and just before they face Manchester United.
Liverpool vs West Ham
Coming into this game, West Ham had already beaten Arsenal but apart from that, they did not have any other results go their way. Liverpool had not lost a game prior to this match with 2 wins and a draw. I was happy to watch this match as I knew Carl Jenkinson would be suspended and Tomkins was his replacement. I cannot stand horrendous defending. I did not know who Manuel Lanzini was before this game but found out he was West Ham's new signing and he made his mark first in this game. Cresswell collected Skrtel's headed clearance and sent it across the box which caught Gomez flat footed and Lanzini scored his first goal for the Hammers with a smart finish. One of Liverpools new signings almost did the same, Firminho from about 25 yards out struck the bar with a brilliant shot. It stayed 1-0 to West Ham, and that was actually Liverpool's first goal that they had conceded this season. Lovren with almost no pressure on him, caused himself to give the ball away to Lanzini who couldn't find his strike partner but the the deflection of Lucas fell to Noble and Mr West Ham made it 2 nil. Coutinho got himself booked needlessly at the end of the first half because he didn't retrieve 10 yards on a free-kick. And that came back to bite him as he went in for a slide tackle on Payet but the midfielder out manoeuvred him with a brilliant turn which caused him to be taken out and the ref produced another yellow to Coutinho which meant his night was over. In my opinion, wrong call by the ref as Coutinho had already gone to ground and could not pull out of the challenge. The ref goes and makes another horrendous decision when he blows the whistle for a foul on Mark Noble who had carried on with the play and dived into a challenge, with his toe and no studs, and the ref sent him off for a early shower anyway. Another terrible call this weekend. Sakho who had everything off the field go bad for him during the week when he was arrested and then released on bail and then pulled his groin during train was a doubt to even play but ended the game for west ham with a great solo goal and spectacular finish in the bottom corner to end the match 3-0 and hand Liverpool their first loss and just before they face Manchester United.
Stoke City vs West Brom
With each side having two big signings, Shaqiri and Rondon respectively, they both had a great start to the match but Morrison had the best chance to begin with but once again Butland with another fabulous save to keep it 0-0. Affelay showed a bit of temper when he was shoved into the sponsorship board and then again when he was taken down from the back in the middle of the field, and this time he reacted with his hands and slapped the tackler and was sent for an early shower straight away, right call from the referee. And then Charlie Adam lost his cool after his leg got tangled into a Dawson after he made the tackle but he then stamped Dawnson and was also shown a red, Stoke left with 9 men. Tony Pulis made his first return to face his old team Stoke and his new side took advantage of the numbers and Rondon headed the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 just before half time. And that's how it stayed for the second half. West Brom get their first win of the season while Stoke still search for theirs. Stoke will try to get it at the Emirates while West Brom will host Southampton knowing that they did not lose to Southampton last season and will take that as a confidence boost into the game.
Spurs vs Everton
Both teams came into this game desperate for a win, Spurs especially but a lack of finishing from Harry Kane and brilliant goal keeping by Tim Howard kept the game at 0-0 and that left Spurs with only 3 points from 4 games and Everton 5 points from 4 games. Everton now host a fired up Chelsea looking for blood while Spurs go to the Sunderland and Spurs have not lost to them since April 2010 so Spurs might just their first win next weekend.
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
M'Villa wow! Son I take my hat off to you. M'Villa scored a spectacular free kick with the right power, bend, curl and dip. Simply Superb. Then Cattermole decided to try steal Scott Sinclair as he literally grabbed him in the penalty box and the referee decided to call a penalty. (rightly) and Scott Sinclair did not miss from the spot. Game back on. Gana started a great move for Aston Villa and Scott Sinclair made it 2-1 which meant he got 5 goals in his last two games, the other 3 being against Notts County midweek. Lens made sure that Sunderland were rewarded with their best performance of the season so far when he made it 2-2 which did take a deflection of Micah Richards but then afterwards Richards had a chance to steal it for the Villians but he was too quick for the play and from 1 yard out he got too far ahead of the ball and couldn't turn a great low cross into a goal. Villains go up against a tough Leicester side who sit 3rd in the Premier League while West Ham host a terrible Newcastle.
Manchester City vs Watford
Manchester City came into this looking for their 10th league win in a row for the first time in the EPL in the clubs history while Watford had a chance to make it their first ever 4 draws in a row. Sterling had numerous chances to get his first Manchester City goal in an official game but couldn't get it done but he did manage it early in the first half after Sagna provided a lovely ball which Raheem Sterling tucked in within two minutes of the second half. Silva added to his assists tally for the season when he found Fernandinho with a simple pass that was finished off by the Brazilian. Manchester City continue their dominance in the premier league, they probably did not want a international break but they got one and they now also have the signature of Kevin De Bruyne who will most likely be making his debut at Crystal Palace. Watford seriously need to stop trying to get draws and start winning, they will get their chance to do so against Swansea at home which will be a difficult task.
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
M'Villa wow! Son I take my hat off to you. M'Villa scored a spectacular free kick with the right power, bend, curl and dip. Simply Superb. Then Cattermole decided to try steal Scott Sinclair as he literally grabbed him in the penalty box and the referee decided to call a penalty. (rightly) and Scott Sinclair did not miss from the spot. Game back on. Gana started a great move for Aston Villa and Scott Sinclair made it 2-1 which meant he got 5 goals in his last two games, the other 3 being against Notts County midweek. Lens made sure that Sunderland were rewarded with their best performance of the season so far when he made it 2-2 which did take a deflection of Micah Richards but then afterwards Richards had a chance to steal it for the Villians but he was too quick for the play and from 1 yard out he got too far ahead of the ball and couldn't turn a great low cross into a goal. Villains go up against a tough Leicester side who sit 3rd in the Premier League while West Ham host a terrible Newcastle.
Manchester City vs Watford
Manchester City came into this looking for their 10th league win in a row for the first time in the EPL in the clubs history while Watford had a chance to make it their first ever 4 draws in a row. Sterling had numerous chances to get his first Manchester City goal in an official game but couldn't get it done but he did manage it early in the first half after Sagna provided a lovely ball which Raheem Sterling tucked in within two minutes of the second half. Silva added to his assists tally for the season when he found Fernandinho with a simple pass that was finished off by the Brazilian. Manchester City continue their dominance in the premier league, they probably did not want a international break but they got one and they now also have the signature of Kevin De Bruyne who will most likely be making his debut at Crystal Palace. Watford seriously need to stop trying to get draws and start winning, they will get their chance to do so against Swansea at home which will be a difficult task.
Southampton vs Norwich
Southampton has been one of the disappointing teams in the premier league this season as a lot was expected of them due to the brilliant season they had last year. Coming into this game they were looking for their first win, and they did get one, a 3 nil victory to be exact. So pretty much things started off bad for Norwich, especially when 30 minutes into the match, Whittaker got sent off for his second yellow. For me the southampton player went into him looking for something knowing Whittaker was on a yellow, and the ref went with the smaller player and that adds to the list of terrible red cards given over the weekend. Pelle got his and Southampton's first goal of the season in the first half, Tadic got two in 5 minutes in the second half, one with his weak foot and a great finish and the second was when he followed up on Ruddy's save from Pelle's header. Match finished 3-0. Will Southampton carry on this form against West Brom, Ronald Koeman hopes so. Norwich will host AFC Bournemouth who they haven't lost too since 1959.
Swansea vs Manchester United
This was definitely a game that I was looking forward to before the weekend kicked off, and it started with a good pace. Gomis came the closest to score when he out muscled himself into the Manchester 18 yard box and with some skill kept the ball away from a few red shirt defenders, only to hit the bar with his outside foot while going down. So it stayed 0-0 until Luke Shaw found himself getting a lucky bounce off a 50 50 challenge and he sped down the left and played a teasing ball into the box which Rooney left wisely for Juan Mata to smash it into the back off net even though he knew he was going to clattered by Ashley Williams who should've done much better defensively. But Swansea have a new hero and his name is Andre Ayew, the ex Marseille man levelled things when he headed in Sigurdsson's inviting ball when Swansea hit the red devils on the counter. With 30 minutes left, all signs were pointing Swansea repeating their February win against United where they also came down from being 1 nil down. Swansea didn't need the whole 30 minutes, they got another goal within 5 minutes with Andre Ayew playing a sublime ball into Gomis who made it 4 goals in 4 games. The panther struck again! Andre Ayew became the Barclays Player of the month and the future looks very bright. Manchester United have signed Anthony Martial from Monaco and for those who don't know him, clearly haven't played enough career mode in the recent additions of Fifa because he is one of the players that always becomes a breakout star. Will it happen under LVG? Questions are still being asked of LVG's transfer dealings so when Manchester host Liverpool they will be hoping to repeat their double against their red rivals as they did last season. David De Gea and his new contract means that Romero will most likely be seen on the bench from now.
Goal of the week
This was a close call this week, but M'Villa's free kick takes it out for me but honourable mention goes to Ward for his goal that sunk Chelsea.
Top of the week
Player of the Month Andre Ayew gets it for this week for his goal and assist that got Swansea the win over Manchester United. Honourable mentions go to Tim Krul, Crystal Palace and another goal keeper master class from Tim Howard.
Flop of the week
Chelsea - I think Chelsea's loss lost its leverage as Manchester United and Liverpool lost as well but still this is not how Chelsea will defend their title. Sergio Romero also gets a mention and I don't see him starting ahead of David De Gea after that transfer saga lietrally went on for too long.
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