5 Things Learned From The EPL Games

The Premier League is now up and running with seven games played already from the opening game on Friday. Manchester United started their campaign with a win against Leicester City with Paul Pogba scoring the first goal of the league season from the penalty spot. Chelsea and Spurs both started off their season with a win away from home while the promoted teams (Wolves, Fulham and Cardiff) were unable to get a win in their first game in the top-flight. 19 goals were scored from the seven with four clean sheets. Here are five things learned from the Premier League games on Friday and Saturday.

Shaw answers to the critics

Luke Shaw has had a difficult time at Manchester United. Since arriving as a highly rated teenager in 2014 from Southampton, Shaw hasn’t been able to put a foothold in United’s XI following injuries and questions of his fitness by Jose Mourinho. However, Shaw finally answered his doubters following United’s 2-1 win against Leicester City on Friday. The full-back gave a fine performance supporting the attack with his runs which was capped off by scoring United’s second goal. The goal is Shaw’s first goal for Manchester United as well as his first senior goal. “It’s probably the best feeling I’ve had” which he stated after the game and who can blame him? Now, it’s whether he can kick on from that performance and remind people what made him so highly rated when he was 18.

Sarri-ball off to a great start

Maurizio Sarri got the dream start he wanted as Chelsea started off their Premier League campaign with a fine 3-0 win against Huddersfield Town. Jorginho started on his debut and was probably the Man of the Match dictating play from deep and rarely misplayed a pass which was topped off with a goal. N’golo Kante got a rare goal for himself while Pedro gave the killer blow to give Chelsea the win. The Blues weren’t really in top gear as they hardly stamp their authority during the game and started the game without Eden Hazard but had a fine performance when he came on. Chelsea will surely entertain many this season with Sarri’s style of play and that’s not mentioning Kovacic who is yet to play for the Blues. Still in transition.

Deja-vu for Spurs at Tyneside

Last season, Spurs played against Newcastle at St. James Park and won the 2-0. This season, they play their first game of the season against Newcastle at St. James Park. Spurs also kicked off their campaign with a win beating Newcastle 2-1. Following their inactivity in the transfer window, Pochettino was forced Harry Kane, Dele Ali, Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele after nine of their players started in the semi-finals at the World Cup. Alli and Vertonghen got the goals to give Spurs all three points while Harry Kane struggled to get into their game making just four touches in Newcastle’s penalty area.

Disappointment for Fulham

Fulham return to the Premier League after four years in the Championship. Spending over £100 million in the transfer window and keeping hold of Ryan Sessengon, Fulham could cause a surprise this season. However, that wasn’t the case. Starting seven of the players they bought today, Fulham hardly caused problems for Palace and had a penalty shout when Andre Schurrle was brought down by Mamadou Sakho. Jeffrey Schlupp and Wilfried Zaha got the goals for the Eagles giving Fulham an opening loss back in the top-flight. The jump looks too big.

 Neves lives up to the hype

Wolves kicked off their campaign against Everton at the Molineux with a lot of hype surrounding them. It was an entertaining game with both sides sharing the points with a 2-2 draw. Richarlison had a dream debut for the Toffees scoring a brace while Phil Jagielka was sent off. Wolves, on the other hand, relied on their Portuguese record signing Ruben Neves scoring a fantastic free-kick and providing an assist for Raul Jimenez who equalized in the final ten minutes. Neves looked the real deal with the Molineux calling him to shoot when he had the ball. Even with his midfield partner Joao Moutinho. A dominating performance.