3 Things from the Premier League yesterday

We’re two weeks from the next international break and with mid-week action from the EFL Cup, Matchday 7 of the Premier League kicked off with West Ham beating Manchester United 3-1 at the London Stadium leaving United just 10 points from their first seven games. The 3pm matches saw Newcastle United still yet to get a win losing 2-0 at home to Leicester City. Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal all won their games while Wolves’ fine start to the season continued beating Southampton 2-0. Everton beat Fulham 3-0 at Goodison Park while the 5:30pm game saw Chelsea against Liverpool. The game ended 1-1 with Chelsea becoming the first team to take points off Liverpool so far this season. Here are the three things from yesterday’s action.

Mourinho. What Now?

It’s fair to say that Manchester United and more importantly José Mourinho, have had a week that they will clearly want to forget. Dropping points at home to Wolves last weekend, they lost their game against Championship Side Derby County on penalties at the EFL Cup compounding more pressure on the Portuguese gaffer. That’s even including the drama off the field with Paul Pogba questioning his tactics against Wolves, Mourinho in retaliation saying that Pogba will never captain United again and a training ground bust-up between the both of them. So a win against West Ham would help ease the pressure right? Nope. United again fell short to the Hammers as they have made their worst start to a season since 13/14 getting just 10 points and have lost 3 times already. So the thoughts of winning the title have faded with Champions League qualification their only source for success this season. With the players clearly not playing for him, the fans divided and already off the pace from the rivals, the question is now how long will Mourinho keep his job? December, end of the season? It’s anybody guess.

Trouble at Tyneside

Newcastle United managed to finish tenth in the league last season, finishing above Stoke City, West Brom, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. They defied expectations with a squad that barely changed when they came up from the Championship and the quality wasn’t Premier League level. Largely down to Rafa Benítez, he wasn’t backed by Mike Ashley during the transfer window and it’s clearly reflected with the start of the season. The Magpies have gotten just one point so far losing the remaining six games. This is Newcastle’s worst start since 1999/2000 where they started with only one point. One area where help is needed is the attack. Last season, Ayoze Pérez was their top scorer with only eight goals showing they lack a goal-scorer. This season, the Magpies have only scored just four goals with Joselu their top scorer with only two goals. Coupled with talks about a takeover and the fans unhappiness towards Mike Ashley, Benítez would have to do a miracle in keeping Newcastle up or walk out of the job which the Toon faithful will not hold against him but leaves them a big challenge this season.

Pulsating Draw at the Bridge

Liverpool faced Chelsea for the second time in the space of four days. Chelsea beat the Reds in the EFL Cup in mid-week with Liverpool to continue their start to the season. Despite the game ending a draw, it’s likely to be one of the games of the season thus far. Eden Hazard continued his blistering start scoring his sixth league goal of the season from a one-two between him and Mateo Kovačić with the Belgian driving the ball past Alisson. Liverpool dominated in various parts of the game, having two chances cleared off the line in each half. However, there was a lot to be desired in the final third with the Reds not taking their chances to punish the Blues. Chelsea also had chances of their own as well with Alisson making three saves to keep Liverpool in the game. Daniel Sturridge got the equalizer to salvage a point with a screamer from distance. Chelsea remain unbeaten with 17 points while Liverpool’s perfect start ended as they’re level on points with Manchester City only behind by goal difference which makes the tie between them next weekend more exciting.