5 Things From the Premier League Today
Gameweek 2 of the Premier League kicked out with Cardiff City against Newcastle United at the Cardiff City Stadium. The game ended goalless with Newcastle going down to ten men with Isaac Hayden receiving his marching orders. Four games were played from 3pm with Tottenham Hotspur maintaining their 100 percent record in the league winning against Fulham 3-1. Everton and Bournemouth also maintained their perfect record with wins while Leicester City and Everton got their first wins of the season at home against Wolves and Southampton. The 5:30 kick-off was a London Derby as Chelsea faced Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Sarri got the better of Emery as the Blues went out 3-2 winners with Emery already experiencing back-to-back defeats at the job. Here are the five things learned from the games today.
Dominant Chelsea
The tie between Chelsea and Arsenal saw the new managers face one another and Sarri looks to have already stamped his blueprint on his Chelsea side. The Blues outplayed their London rivals with 11 of their 24 shots on target and dominating possession with 67%. Starting the game without Eden Hazard, Chelsea carried where they left off against Huddersfield with Alvaro Morata and Pedro getting the scoresheet. N’golo Kante continues with his new role supporting the attack while Mateo Kovacic giving a fine debut from the bench. Marcos Alonso was the stand-out in Chelsea’s win contributing a goal and an assist as well as making 102 touches, making 73 passes, winning 5 aerial duels and making 7 clearances. They were weakness to Chelsea which Arsenal failed to capitalize but Sarri will be pleased with how his players have his system in effect.
Back-to-Back Defeats for Emery
Experiencing back-to-back defeats already, Unai Emery would be encouraged from some of his players but will be disappointed in today’s defeat. Despite scoring two goals, Arsenal had chances to hurt Chelsea which they failed to take. Starting the game with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front with Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey on the bench, the Gabonese striker had a great chance to level the score which he failed miserably. Henrikh Mkhitaryan also missed a great chance before making amends scoring Arsenal’s first. Defensively, the Gunners struggled with Granit Xhaka leaving the responsibilities in midfield to Matteo Guendouzi and were caught napping with Chelsea exploiting their high defensive line. Still early days in the new season, Emery needs to find a balance to his team.
Kane Finally Scores in August
Harry Kane is a prolific scorer. No doubt about that. However, he has built a reputation as a slow starter. August seems to be a woeful month for the English striker playing in 15 games and taking 49 shots but no goals. Finally, that hoodoo has finally ended with Kane scoring the third goal in Tottenham’s 3-1 win against Fulham at Wembley. Lucas Moura scored Spurs’ first with a fine strike before Fulham equalized from Aleksandar Mitrovic. Kieran Trippier scored a brilliant free-kick to restore Spurs’ lead before Kane calmly placed the ball to ensure three points for Spurs. Finally, the August curse is broken.
West Ham woes continues
West Ham were thinking big for this season. They brought in a Premier League winning manager in Maunel Pellegrini and spent loads of money to make a crack on the top half this season. It’s no surprise fans at the London Stadium are having high hopes this season. However, they faced a big reality check. You could get them a pass after losing to Liverpool away from home but they will feel disappointed losing at home to Bournemouth. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring from the penalty before Callum Wilson equalized after a great solo run. Steve Cook got the second goal for the Cherries leaving the Hammers with zero points in their first two games.
Oh, Kenedy
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