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There was excitement across ten centres last weekend in the Barclays English Premier League. It was a disappointing Saturday for both Manchester teams while Arsenal have put a little bit of space between them and the chasing pack. With Romelu Lukaku sending a crystal clear message to his parent club who have goal shy strikers and Luis Suarez announcing his return at the Stadium of Light with two goals, it was an action packed weekend.
Master and apprentice squared up against each other at White (formerly Three Points) Hart Lane for a feisty London derby. It was a game of two halves where either side could have one the half they dominated. AVB and Jose Mourinho cancelled each other out in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Gylfi Sigurdsson ensured Tottenham had the first-half lead their dominance deserved but Chelsea were revitalised by the introduction of Juan Mata at half-time and Terry’s equaliser came as he headed home the Spaniard’s free-kick after 65 minutes.
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Elsewhere in London, it was all gloom at Craven Cottage. Jordon Mutch’s injury-time winner gave Cardiff City their first top-flight away win in over 50 years. Steven Caulker headed Cardiff into the lead and it took a fine goal from Bryan Ruiz to bring a flat Fulham level. The Cottagers won at Sunderland on the opening day of the campaign but are now struggling in the relegation zone, without a victory in five league matches. How much time can Martin Jol buy before Shahid Khan pulls the trigger?
In the absence of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke, I was expecting Manchester City to roll over Aston Villa but Paul Lambert’s team had other ideas as they beat 2012 champions 3-2 at Villa Park. The Citizens were expected to build on their impressive display against their illustrious neighbours – Manchester United who are on a poor run in the league themselves. Manchester United slumped to a second successive league defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford. Morgan Amalfitano’s composed chip over David De Gea put the Albions in front after the break before Wayne Rooney’s free-kick brought United level. Saido Berahino’s low strike earned the baggies their first away win over Manchester United since 1978. The defeat for the Red Devils ensured their worst start to a league campaign after six games since 1989-90.
At the KC stadium, Sam Allardyce cut a frustrated figure after seeing his side lose three points thanks to a controversial Robbie Brady penalty that put Hull seventh in the Premier League. The Saints are marching on. Southampton recorded their first home win this season thanks to goals from Daniel Osvaldo and Rickie Lambert. Marouane Chamakh decided to be a sea DIVER rather than a sharp SHOOTER with Palace’s best chance of the game. Ian Holloway will have a lot to say about that.
Arsenal’s continued their strong start to this season with a convincing display in South Wales against Swansea. With Spurs drawing against Chelsea, the Gunners extended their lead at the top. Serge Gnarby and Aaron Rambo Ramsey fired Arsenal ahead with two quick goals in the second half before a consolatory one from Ben Davies for the home side. Arsene Wenger will be delighted with his team as he celebrates his 17th anniversary as manager of the North London club. Congrats Prof!
Norwich got their second win of the season at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke City. The Canaries who started the brighter of the two sides got the only goal of the game when Jonny Howson fired in a low strike from 25 yards. Elsewhere, Liverpool got back to winning ways at Sunderland thanks to the excellent combination between Daniel Sturridge and returning Luis Suarez who got two goals in their 3-1 win. The Black Cat showed better spirit but lacked pace and cutting edge and looked vulnerable on the counter-attack under new coach/caretaker manager – Kevin Ball. This victory propelled the Reds to second on the log.
The Blue side of Merseyside unbeaten run to this campaign continued as they moved to fourth position. Romelu Lukaku scored on his home debut in front of a packed Goodison crowd inside ten minutes then turn provided for Ross Barkley before adding a third in the first 45 minutes. Everton’s excellent first half display was of the highest quality, the Toffees did not allow their visitors’ time and space to settle in. However, Alan Pardew’s men returned in the second with a bang scoring two goals from French internationals – Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy but could not salvage a draw. This defeat confines the Magpies to 16th place with the air of discontent circulating around St James Park.
After United’s loss to West Brom, a number of their supporters are beginning to call for the Scot’s head but I have a different view to it. Anyone stepping into Ferguson’s shoes after 26 years would have serious adjustments to make, David is doing that presently as his 11 years reign at Everton has not adequately prepared him for the magnitude of pressure and expectation at Old Trafford. The new manager has questioned the quality in his squad to the amazement of many of us. Is he pushing the blame elsewhere?
He had the whole summer to make changes he desired.
Is David Moyes the right man to take Manchester United forward?
