Premier League Weekly Roundup: Week 2
The Premier League season continued in week 2 after a thrilling first 10 games.
Vengeance for the Reds
Liverpool got revenge on the team that ruined their record of most consecutive home wins with a convincing result. Burnley started well with Dwight McNeil hitting the post early on, however, after the first 15 minutes, Liverpool controlled the game. Liverpool starboy Harvey Elliot got his debut after a stunning season in the championship. Diogo Jota scored a header in the first half taking his tally to 2 goals in as many games after a brilliant cross from Tsimikas, giving Liverpool the lead. Burnley started the second half as they started the first but fizzled out after the first 10 mins of the second half, after which Liverpool continued to control the game. Sadio Mane doubled the lead with a cool finish in the 70th minute securing the victory.
Final Score Liverpool 2- Burnley 0
2. The Recovery of Manchester City
After last week's disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspurs, all eyes were on Manchester City to see how they would overcome their hurdle. And they did not disappoint. Normal service resumed as they thumped five goals past a toothless Norwich City team who were helpless for the entire 90 minutes. Man City relentlessly attacked and hardly gave Norwich City the ball. 100 million pound man Jack Grealish got his first goal for the club with Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez also getting on the scoresheet.
Final Score Man City 5- Norwich City 0
3. By the Skin of Their Teeth
Spurs held on to a slender one goal lead to see out Wolves after being thoroughly dominated on all parts of the field. Wolves had a staggering 25 shots whereas Spurs had a meagre 8 shots. Most of the possession was with Wolves and Spurs got lucky a number of times, with the Wolves attackers hitting the post multiple times. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris put on a man of the match performance to ensure a clean sheet with many jaw-dropping saves. A Dele Alli penalty in the 10th minute gave Spurs the lead which they held for the entire 90 minutes.
Final Score Spurs 1- Wolves 0
4. Manchester United stumble against the Saints
Manchester United were held to a draw by Southampton in a lacklustre performance as they fully expected to win this game given their explosive attack which was on show last week against Leeds. However, this attack failed to fire as the Saints scored late in the first half off a massive deflection from Fred. Mason Greenwood equalised within 10 minutes of the second half and a comeback was expected, but Manchester United failed to find a moment of magic to get them over the line. It was not all negative though as Manchester United now equalled the record for the most consecutive Premier League games unbeaten away from home.
Final Score: Manchester United 1- Southampton 1
5. Men Against Boys
The biggest game of the weekend was Arsenal vs Chelsea however it wasn't as much of a contest as fans thought it would be. Arsenal were utterly bullied all over the park and were completely exposed by Chelsea's brilliant play. Chelsea were in fourth gear for most of the match whereas Arsenal were struggling to get out of neutral. It was a perfect debut for star striker Romelu Lukaku, marked with a goal and a dominant display of physical prowess. He scored the first goal of the game within 15 minutes. The second goal was scored around the 40 minute mark which saw Reece James finish off a fabulous counterattack from Chelsea with a strong shot into the top corner. The Gunners tried to claw their way back but the Chelsea defence was rock solid and successfully kept Arsenal at arm's length.
Final Score: Chelsea 2- Arsenal 0
Other Games of the Weekend
Aston Villa beat a sub-par Newcastle with debutant Danny Ings scoring a magnificent bicycle kick. Anwar El Ghazi scored a penalty in the second half securing the victory.
Final score: Aston Villa 2- Newcastle 0
Brentford and Crystal Palace played a stale goalless draw with most fans asleep by halftime. Crystal Palace new boss Patrick Viera is still in search of his first victory with the eagles.
Final Score Brentford 0- Crystal Palace 0
Leeds and Everton was an action-packed draw with end to end play throughout. Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave the Toffees the lead before Mateusz Klich levelled the game. New signing Demarai Gray gave Everton the lead yet again, but soon Raphina brought Leeds level with an audacious long range effort which found the corner.
Final Score: Everton 2- Leeds 2
Brighton comfortably beat newly-promoted Watford after goals from Neal Maupay and Shane Duffy ensured that Brighton would be unbeaten for their first 2 games of the season.
Final Score Brighton 2- Watford 0
West Ham stunned Leicester City, thumping four goals past them without response. Attacker Ayoze Perez was given a red card midway through the first half putting the Foxes on the back foot straight away. Michail Antonio became the highest goalscorer in West Ham’s history after scoring a brace and Said Benrahma impressed with a goal and an assist. Pablo Fornals was also on the scoresheet. Midfielder Tielemans scored a consolation goal for Leicester who will be hoping to get back to winning ways.
Final Score: West Ham 4- Leicester 1
