No surprises there. Even with a depleted squad City look ominous. Burnley will have easier tasks ahead of them. Newcastle destroyed Villa at home. They look amazing, with options on the bench. The pundits doubt they will challenge as they juggle UCL commitments. Time will tell. But no-one will look forward to travelling to the north east.
Villa are my pick for the "surprise team" for this season, and while they took a right drubbing, the new attacking partnership of Watkins and Diaby look very dangerous. I still think they'll be in the mix for a Europa League spot come the spring. Arsenal looked awesome for an hour then tailed off to win 2-1 against Forest. I really hope they have a productive season as they are so good to watch when they are on it. As for Forest, I can't see them . . . ahem . . . ripping up any trees.
The big game of the weekend was Chelsea v Liverpool. Liverpool took to the field with the most settled back 5 in the league, T A-A, Robertson, VVD, Konate and Allisson, and then played like they didn't know each other. Maybe that's a bit of over the top, but a few short years ago this was a world class defence. Now, they concede chances hand over fist. Much of that is down to not having control over the midfield. They knew this was coming yet didn't get on top of the situation, identify the replacements and go and secure the targets. Their attempt to steal Caicedo from under Chelsea's nose has backfired. It looks like Liverpool were stroked by Caicedo's agent in a move to get Chelsea to up their offer. Awkward! Now they are in another bidding war with Chelsea for Lavia (at the time of writing), and have had to bid £60m for a player they refused to pay £50m for just a week ago. Double awkward!
Anyway, the game ended 1-1 and both teams had goals chalked off by VAR. It was an entertaining game, but I think Chelsea look more capable of a challenge for the league than Liverpool, especially with Liverpool playing every Thursday evening in Europe. A Chelsea midfield of Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez looks impressive.
At the other end of the table, Luton and Sheff U joined the league's other newcomers, Burnley, in getting beaten in their first games. Most pundits have Burnley surviving the drop this season and the other two getting relegated, I wouldn't disagree. The question is: who will join them? I'm going for Everton. They got off to a shocker, getting beaten at Goodison by Fulham, in a game they would have expected to win. With Calvert-Lewin out, back up striker Maupay missed a host of chances in front of his home support, which is no surprise. They have made no significant signings and with a new stadium being completed, it looks like they are gambling that there will be 3 teams worse than them, so no money need be spent. And they are in danger of losing Onana, their best midfielder. Man U are reported to be about to make an offer. I hope that Everton's plan blows up in their faces and they fall through the trap door. The fans don't deserve it but the owners certainly do.
Next Saturday evening sees Newcastle travel to the Etihad and Man U go to Spurs, while on Sunday a desperate Everton travel to Villa and Chelsea go to West Ham. It's so good to have the footy back.
Next Saturday evening sees Newcastle travel to the Etihad and Man U go to Spurs, while on Sunday a desperate Everton travel to Villa and Chelsea go to West Ham. It's so good to have the footy back.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
You could of bet the house on toothless Wolves not scoring last night . As for the Reds , if tight fisted FSG don't sign @ least 1 midfielder & defender , forget about top 4 or winning the Europa . The Caicedo contract will cost Chelsea a total of £ 230 mill . So much for financial fair play ! The amount of goal scoring chances the Reds give away is ridiculous . City , Chavs , Arsenal , Newcastle to finish in the top 4 .
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have it back too Peter and your commentary along with it.
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