5 Things We Learned in the English Premier League last weekend
With the transfer window closed – it was time for teams to do their talking ON the pitch. This is what we learned in the English Premier League last weekend
Giant awoken
Queens Park Rangers were lambs to the slaughter in the early hours of Monday morning. Manchester United’s 4-0 hammering of the West Londoners may be a sign that last season’s woes were nothing more than a David Moyes-induced coma. Goals to Di Maria, Herrera, Rooney and Mata put paid any anxiety the clubs supporters would have been accustomed to feeling of late. However, when you are able to pay ridiculously exorbitant fees to buy a collection of the world’s best footballers, should we expect anything other than a comfortable victory over QPR? Summer spending over £200 and recruiting a highly decorated manager should equate to only one thing – winning the title. If United has finally come to the party- will their early slumber prove costly? Either way, it will be fascinating viewing this season.
£32 million the new bargain
Diego Costa has scored 7 goals in his first 4 Premier League games for Chelsea. Do we need say more? The former Atletico striker has hit the ground running, smashing a hat trick in a 4-2 win against surprise packet Swansea City. Costa has all the attributes Jose Mourinho desires in a front man: physicality, technique, lethal on goal, and a bit of needle to get under the opposition’s skin. If he can avoid the injury issues, which have plagued his recent career, Costa’s £32 million move could be the bargain buy of the year.
Jack in the box as Ozil fails to deliver
The showcase fixture of the weekend lived up to expectation. The 2-2 draw between title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City was a magnificent open affair. With both clubs dropping points in their previous fixture, each returned from the international break with a new face to rejuvenate their fortunes. Arsenal’s £16 million transfer of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United surprised many, almost as many as Frank Lampard’s loan move to the Champions. The two Englishmen started and it was Welbeck who came inches away from making a dream start to his Arsenal career, his chip shot over Hart coming back off the post. City took a physical approach to disrupt Arsenal and it paid off for both goals – a quick counter attack in the first half and a header from a corner in the second. Yet it was Jack Wilshire who was the star performer, putting in his best performance in a red shirt. His individual goal, combined with an assist to Sanchez capped off a game to remember for a young man often maligned by Gooner and England fans. In contrast, most of the supporter’s ire was reserved for the World Cup winning midfielder Mesut Ozil. Although he is played out of position on the left-wing, the German’s unwillingness to engage the contest was horribly exposed in comparison to his teammates. If Ozil’s £42.5 million move last year was a sign of intent from the North London club, then perhaps it is the youth product and rival for the number 10 spot who has responded best.
Toon target under pressure Pardew
It has only taken us 4 weeks, but the odds for first managerial casualty has shortened significantly as Newcastle United were thrashed 4-0 at Southampton. The black and white brigade were pitiful as supporter anger reached boiling point. When both sets of fans are singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning”, it might be time to move on. Central defenders Coloccini and Williamson were singled out in the press in particular for their inept performances. Their inability to assess danger allowed Graziano Pellè to look more like his Brazilian namesake, bagging a brace. In a discussion on BBC during the week, Newcastle were mentioned as the most frustrating club to support in the league. The reasons for this varied from a disinterested owner, to poor management and an overall lack of ambition. If Alan Pardew does remain in the job, it would be hard to argue with these criticisms.
Aston Villa demonstrate defence is still the best form of defence
Credit where credit is due. Aston Villa’s start to the season has flown under the radar, but their 1-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield is arguably the biggest upset of the season so far. The goal itself won’t be remembered fondly, a scrappy Gabby Agbonlahor goal tapped in from a corner was all it took to separate the sides. But what stood out above anything else was the stoic nature of Villa’s defence. Lead by the two centre halves Barker and Senderos, the Midlands club never really looked threatened as the visitors kept a very disciplined shape throughout the contest, limiting Liverpool to only a handful of late shots. Brendan Rodgers decision to start Raheem Sterling from the bench backfired, dropping points at home once more to a team they have not beaten at home in 4 years. Is this the influence of assistant coach Roy Keane showing through? Or perhaps Paul Lambert is finally getting his feet under the table after an underwhelming start to his tenure at the club. Should this form continue, the claret and blue outfit may have a lot more to look forward to than a fight against relegation.
@blake_1986
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