After two rounds of the new Premier League season only title-contenders Liverpool and Chelsea can look back with a degree of satisfaction having maintained their 100% starts. Neither side had it easy this past weekend though thanks to the Herculean efforts of Middlesbrough and Wigan respectively.
Gareth Southgate's Boro bossed Liverpool all over the Anfield pitch for much of their Saturday afternoon encounter and took a deserved lead through the revitalised Mido (his second goal in as many games). The subsequent fight back from the home side represents a clear sign that Benitez's side may well have overcome their inconsistent home form which has blighted their title challenges in recent years. True, Carragher's leveller took a wicked deflection but Gerrard's winner was an effort of sheer class in front of an exultant Kop. You make our own luck in the Premier League and Benitez can take heart from the fact while Liverpool have failed to impress in their opening two matches they still have maximum points on the board. Should Middlesbrough continue to build on their excellent opening fortnight - utilising a more attack minded philosophy - then a top 10 finish or better is not beyond them this term.
When Wigan conceded an early goal to a beautifully flighted Deco free kick in the Sunday lunchtime kick off you would have expected the floodgates to open. Not so, Athletic didn't allow their heads to drop and put in a terrific performance which warranted at least a point. Palacios, Heskey and Bramble were the pick of Wigan's best players yet the Londoners held out for a hard earned 3 points. Chelsea have demonstrated two sides to the title credentials in the opening weekends of the new season. The 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth displayed their vast array of attacking talent in both midfield and attack while Sunday's 1-0 win at Wigan - whilst nowhere near as impressive as the weekend before - suggests they will give up few goals on their travels this campaign with a rock solid defence in front of the impressive Cech.
Arsenal came a cropper at Craven Cottage losing 1-0 to Roy Hodgson's new look side. Worryingly for the Gunners, even before falling behind, they looked a shadow of the side who easily won 3-0 at the same venue at the start of the year. Denilson and Eboue in midfield simply didn't work demonstrating Arsenal's over-reliance on the influence of the absent Fabregas. A new midfielder is simply a must-buy for Wenger before the transfer window is slammed shut with Xabi Alonso muted as a possible target. Even ex-Gunner Lee Dixon felt compelled to launch a scathing attack on Captain William Gallas and the current Arsenal side on Match of the Day2 on Sunday night. The former right back wasn't alone in his criticisms with Kenny Sansom also having a go on Setanta Sports News. Both are stunned at the perceived lack of leadership out on the pitch when Arsenal fall behind and they each see the North London giants falling further behind their title rivals unless a new change of attitude appears in the coming weeks.
The other North London Premier League club, Spurs, are in a sorry state following their second defeat in as many games on Saturday. Sunderland were good value for their 2-1 win at the Lane thanks to a late Cisse debut goal. Juande Ramos left want away striker Dimitar Berbatov out of the starting squad altogether citing the fact the Bulgarian wasn’t psychologically ready for the game. This statement generated thousands of column inches in the British tabloids over the weekend and the sooner the striker leaves for Manchester United the better. Thankfully there was at least one voice of reason amongst the utter drivel spouted form most of the key personnel at White Hart Lane following the defeat. England international and Spurs centre back Jonathan Woodgate told it like it is when he responded with a curt ‘bullsh*t’ to the question that the reason Spurs lost at the weekend due to the whole on-going Berbatov saga affecting the players. Such remarks need to be backed up by increased levels of performance as Spurs next assignment is a daunting away trip to Stamford Bridge.
Man United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Portsmouth in the Monday night game. A deflected Darren Fletcher effort earned the Red Devils their first win on the South Coast in three years. Sir Alex Ferguson's relief at seeing his side collect their first win of the season was palpable: “We played some excellent football tonight. This is a difficult place to come, so it is a bonus to come here and win”. With difficult away trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks 3 points was necessary and thanks to the magnificent Paul Scholes United edged the win. Elsewhere Hull City made it 4 points of out 6 thanks to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. A patchwork Everton were still too much for a hugely disappointing West Brom and Man City got their season back on track with Stephen Ireland impressing in a 3-0 rout of West ham following their 4-2 defeat away to Villa on the opening day. Stoke grabbed all the headlines following a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to an out of sorts Aston Villa. Tony Pulis' side will prove to be no pushover for any visiting side in the intimidating Britannia Stadium this season. Striker Ricardo Fuller looks a good signing culminating in his second goal in as many games on Saturday.
Showing posts with label Weekend That Was. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekend That Was. Show all posts
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Premier League Weekend That Was - Aug 17-18
The Premier League is back with a bang following a weekend of terrific goals, shoddy defending, huge crowds and no shortage of talking points. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea each enjoyed expected victories but an under strength Manchester United were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Chelsea put in the most impressive performance of the opening weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of a seemingly un-interested Portsmouth. Ballack, Lampard and Deco dove-tailed superbly in midfield in a dominant first 45 minutes which yielded three goals without reply. Phil Scolari was naturally pleased with his side's performance but made it clear in each of his media interviews afterwards that the 3 points was all that concerned him. It seemed an unusual yet direct response to Mr. Abramovich apparent demand for 'beautiful football' every week from his expensively assembled Chelsea side. Scolari's biggest challenge will involve keeping all of his highly paid stars happy for the remainder of the season. Regular first team players Drogba and Essien are on the verge of returning from injury which will pose an interesting selection headache for the Brazilian. Should Chelsea pull off a major transfer coup before the September 1st deadline (persistent Robinho and Kaka rumours refuse to go away) then the Blues will possess the most potent midfield in the Premier League and justify their tags as favourites to lift the title this term.
Manchester United looked a pale shadow of the all-conquering Premier and Champions League winning side of last season following a dull 1-1 draw at home to the Magpies. Shay Given made a string of world class saves but in truth shorn of the talents of Ronaldo and Tevez United never looked like clicking into top gear. The Red Devils had to rely on a fine Darren Fletcher finish to cancel out a Martins header two minutes before to secure a point. Sir Alex Ferguson will be well aware while it is only the first game of the season it is two points dropped and at home. United's squad looked stretched to the limit and the imminent arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Spurs can't happen soon enough. Poor results from a horrendous looking fixture list in the upcoming weeks (away to Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea) means United could well fall further behind their title main title rivals so early in the campaign.
The new look Spanish-Irish strike force of Torres and Keane at will need another couple of matches to gel following Liverpool's hard-earned 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Keane's main contribution was to inadvertently divert a goal bound effort from his strike partner. The Irish Captain looked none too pleased at being called ashore by Benitez but will have to get used to that scenario - such is the Spanish manager's penchant for squad rotation. It is a very different scenario from his previous four seasons at White Hart Lane where Keane was regularly the first name on the team sheet. Liverpool looked a far better side when Alonso was introduced and it was he who provided the pass for Torres to convert the only goal and one piece of true quality in the Stadium of Light. Roy Keane's Sunderland side has been bolstered by the additions of Tainio, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Diouf during the close season. The Black Cats should have enough quality to avoid a relegation scrap this season but will have to pick up points against the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Spurs to meet the demands of their manager and "progress on to the next level" in the Premier League.
Spurs 2-1 loss at the Riverside represented one of the most disappointing results of the weekend from a club tipped by many to challenge the top four this season. Dos Santos flitted in and out of the game, Modric was completely anonymous and Darren Bent a pale shadow of the free-scoring striker from pre-season. Spurs lack of cover in defence was cruelly exposed with makeshift right back Zokora and centre back Michael Dawson at fault for both Middlesbrough goals. It could turn out to be another season of false promise at White Hart Lane if Juande Ramos fails to replace both Keane and Berbatov before the transfer window shuts. A couple of new defenders wouldn't go amiss either with the injury prone Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate unlikely to be fit enough to feature in every league game.
Final word on the weekend must go to Hull who recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory at home to Fulham in their first ever Premier League game at a packed KC Stadium. Phil Brown is a highly respected coach having served for many years under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Brown has bought wisely during the close season and the acquisition of Giovanni from Manchester City could yet prove a master-stroke. There are tougher challenges ahead for the Tigers but 3 points from the opening day is a welcome return when you consider Derby County failed to manage a single win last season.
Chelsea put in the most impressive performance of the opening weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of a seemingly un-interested Portsmouth. Ballack, Lampard and Deco dove-tailed superbly in midfield in a dominant first 45 minutes which yielded three goals without reply. Phil Scolari was naturally pleased with his side's performance but made it clear in each of his media interviews afterwards that the 3 points was all that concerned him. It seemed an unusual yet direct response to Mr. Abramovich apparent demand for 'beautiful football' every week from his expensively assembled Chelsea side. Scolari's biggest challenge will involve keeping all of his highly paid stars happy for the remainder of the season. Regular first team players Drogba and Essien are on the verge of returning from injury which will pose an interesting selection headache for the Brazilian. Should Chelsea pull off a major transfer coup before the September 1st deadline (persistent Robinho and Kaka rumours refuse to go away) then the Blues will possess the most potent midfield in the Premier League and justify their tags as favourites to lift the title this term.
Manchester United looked a pale shadow of the all-conquering Premier and Champions League winning side of last season following a dull 1-1 draw at home to the Magpies. Shay Given made a string of world class saves but in truth shorn of the talents of Ronaldo and Tevez United never looked like clicking into top gear. The Red Devils had to rely on a fine Darren Fletcher finish to cancel out a Martins header two minutes before to secure a point. Sir Alex Ferguson will be well aware while it is only the first game of the season it is two points dropped and at home. United's squad looked stretched to the limit and the imminent arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Spurs can't happen soon enough. Poor results from a horrendous looking fixture list in the upcoming weeks (away to Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea) means United could well fall further behind their title main title rivals so early in the campaign.
The new look Spanish-Irish strike force of Torres and Keane at will need another couple of matches to gel following Liverpool's hard-earned 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Keane's main contribution was to inadvertently divert a goal bound effort from his strike partner. The Irish Captain looked none too pleased at being called ashore by Benitez but will have to get used to that scenario - such is the Spanish manager's penchant for squad rotation. It is a very different scenario from his previous four seasons at White Hart Lane where Keane was regularly the first name on the team sheet. Liverpool looked a far better side when Alonso was introduced and it was he who provided the pass for Torres to convert the only goal and one piece of true quality in the Stadium of Light. Roy Keane's Sunderland side has been bolstered by the additions of Tainio, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Diouf during the close season. The Black Cats should have enough quality to avoid a relegation scrap this season but will have to pick up points against the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Spurs to meet the demands of their manager and "progress on to the next level" in the Premier League.
Spurs 2-1 loss at the Riverside represented one of the most disappointing results of the weekend from a club tipped by many to challenge the top four this season. Dos Santos flitted in and out of the game, Modric was completely anonymous and Darren Bent a pale shadow of the free-scoring striker from pre-season. Spurs lack of cover in defence was cruelly exposed with makeshift right back Zokora and centre back Michael Dawson at fault for both Middlesbrough goals. It could turn out to be another season of false promise at White Hart Lane if Juande Ramos fails to replace both Keane and Berbatov before the transfer window shuts. A couple of new defenders wouldn't go amiss either with the injury prone Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate unlikely to be fit enough to feature in every league game.
Final word on the weekend must go to Hull who recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory at home to Fulham in their first ever Premier League game at a packed KC Stadium. Phil Brown is a highly respected coach having served for many years under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Brown has bought wisely during the close season and the acquisition of Giovanni from Manchester City could yet prove a master-stroke. There are tougher challenges ahead for the Tigers but 3 points from the opening day is a welcome return when you consider Derby County failed to manage a single win last season.
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