Premier League Weekend 1 Review

So the Barclays Premier League is back and there was a glutton of goals on the first day, as new faces made their appearances on the pitch and in the dugouts.

With Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton sporting new managers how would some of the new faces fare in the opening weekend of fixtures.

Swansea City 1-4 Manchester United

Van Persie shows his goal scoring touch

New face overseeing Manchester United these days but the season beginning in winning fashion as braces from Robin Van Persie and Danny Welbeck gave David Moyes an opening day rout at Swansea.

The Dutchman opened the scoring after capitalising on a mistake Swansea’s Chico Flores to volley in the opener.  He also had a hand in the second goal as his flicked header allowed Antonio Valencia to set up a tap in for Danny Welbeck.

A rocket from Van Persie’s left foot effectively ended the contest before Swansea’s record signing Wilfried Bony grabbed a late consolation.  Having scored for England in midweek Welbeck grabbed his second with a delicate lob over Vorm after being played in by Rooney.

Verdict

Even with Moyes at the helm United have started the season as strongly as they finished off last term.  I think it’s fair to say the whole saga surrounding Wayne Rooney was one distraction he could do without, but to beat a strong Swansea side by four goals to one will be just the anecdote United needed.  What will also please Moyes was the performance of Danny Welbeck.  He’s been told he must improve his goal scoring record, and he has already improved on season, when he only scored once in twenty-seven league appearances.

As for Swansea, well for the first twenty-two minutes or so they matched United everywhere and had their chances.  However some slack defending led to United scoring twice in as many minutes and from there it was always going to be tough.  One plus was that record signing Wilfried Bony registered his first Premier League goal after he and fellow substitute Pablo Hernandez combined late on.

Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa

Benteke double helped Villa to three points

More and more questions are being asked of Arsenal’s transfer policy after they were humbled by an improved Aston Villa.  The Gunners have been linked with a number of big names this summer, including former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain and want away Liverpool man Luis Suarez, but for whatever reason none of these have come to fruition.

The best bit of business that Aston Villa have done so far has, undisputedly, retaining Christian Benteke and the big Belgium has repaid the faith by scoring twice at the Emirates on Saturday.  After Olivier Giroud had put Arsenal in front, Villa fought back well.

For me Villa are on for a better season this time around.  Last season they weren’t short of firepower with Benteke and Andreas Weimann, their main problem was their defending and that will remain the interesting aspect to keep an eye on.

Verdict

For twenty minutes or so of the first half Arsenal looked dominant and deservedly got the goal that their start merited.  But from there they disintegrated and conceded two penalties, the second of which is debatable.  However you can not take anything away from Villa who outplayed Arsenal at times.

It will be interesting to see if this result forces Arsenal to delve into the transfer market.  The boos that rang around the Emirates at full time told you the story of the feelings amongst the supporters.

Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City 

Sturridge and Coutinho ran the show

Another club who have been subject to intense transfer speculation is Liverpool, over the future of Luis Suarez.  Yet they made headlines on the pitch for their devastating performance against Stoke.

A 1-0 score line does not tell the story of the match, Liverpool absolutely dominated and probably should have won by more, Daniel Sturridge’s first half goal was enough.  However they had to survive a late penalty to earn the three points.  Stoke looked as if they had snatched a draw when they were awarded an 88th minute penalty for a Daniel Agger handball.  Simon Mignolet made himself a Anfield hero by saving Jonathan Walters’ penalty and the rebound from Kenwyne Jones.

Liverpool’s lack of proficiency in front of goal meant that it was a nervy end and were lucky to end up winning the game in the end.  Although Asmir Begovic was the immovable object that Liverpool couldn’t get past and he was deservedly the man of the match.

Verdict

Three new signings started for Liverpool and all were majorly involved at some point.  Mignolet saving the penalty, Toure smashing a header against the crossbar and Iago Aspas being denied debut goal.

Liverpool are steadily improving and again they will be in the hunt for a Europa League place, whether they can push for the top four remains to be seen.

For Stoke it’s one Welshman out and another in as Mark Hughes takes charge at the Britannia.  They looked a lot more comfortable and did have their moments with Robert Huth rattling the bar and Lucas had to clear off the line to deny Stoke a goal.

Norwich 2-2 Everton

After Wigan’s demise last season, Everton decided to recruit Roberto Martinez after David Moyes’ departure.  He brought Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz with him from the DW, while recruiting Joel Robles from Atletico Madrid.

Norwich boss Chris Hughton has recruited as well bringing in new striking options in Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper to bolster his squad along with Leroy Fer and highly rated Nathan Redmond.

Steven Whittaker gave the hosts the lead when he followed up his own rebound after hitting the post.  Everton reacted well as youngster Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman putting the Toffees ahead.  But they were denied victory as Van Wolfswinkel headed in the equaliser.

Verdict

A very even contest at Carrow Road with both sides looking intent on going forward but there were defensive mistakes that both managers will look to work on in time for next week.

three players stood out in the game.  Youngsters Barkley and Redmond shined and the Evertonian produced a thunderous left foot strike to draw Martinez’s men level.  And Van Wolfswinkel will be a favourite amongst Norwich fans, his movement and his aerial ability will be  big asset.

West Brom 0-1 Southampton

A dream week for Lambert

Can this week get any better for Rickie Lambert?  Score on your England debut, celebrate the birth of your new child and score the winner in your team’s Premier League opener.  The 31 year-old was in the headlines again as his late penalty gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side a winning start.

The match was not a classic with only two chances to note before the late drama.  Jay Rodriguez had clipped the bar for the Saints and Graham Dorrans firing a free-kick over for Albion.

Verdict

Both teams exceeded expectations last season with Wet Brom securing their best ever Premier League finish with 8th and Southampton finishing 14th after early season struggles.

West Brom will miss the physical presence of Romelu Lukaku, who has returned to Chelsea, but have brought in Nicolas Anelka to add some experience to their frontline.  The Saints have spent big tot strengthen with £12.5million to bring in Celtic’s Victor Wanyama who looked good throughout the game.

West Ham 2-0 Cardiff City

For the first time Wales have two teams in the Premier League and Cardiff, like Swansea, have suffered defeat on their debut in the top flight.  West Ham sealed a comfortable victory with goals from Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan in a baptism of fire for Malky Mackay.

Verdict

The Hammers had a decent campaign last term and the signings of Andy Carroll and Stuart Downing are serious statements of intent.  Another mid-table finish is on the cards and may push the top 10.

Cardiff have also splashed the cash, £28million of it in fact, to bring in striker Andreas Cornelius, Chilean midfielder Gary Medel and Tottenham defender Steven Caulker.  First target for Cardiff is survival.

Sunderland 0-1 Fulham

There’s a very good reason I’ve left his game to last and that’s because all I can tell you is the winning goal.  A poor game between the Black Cats and the Cottagers.  Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami with the winning header.

Verdict

An uninspiring show from both sides who will be looking to establish themselves back in mid-table positions.

 

Sunday

Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

As if transfer speculation wasn’t rife enough, Tottenham have had the limelight thrust upon them with the uncertainty surrounding Gareth Bale.  While Spurs did not need him, they just did enough to see off a promoted Palace side.

Tottenham’s record signing Roberto Soldado scored the winning penalty that gave his team the victory.

Chelsea 2-0 Hull City

Lampard remains part of Chelsea’s plans

The Special One’s return began with a comfortable win over another promoted side.  Jose Mourinho made an emotional return to Stamford Bridge was marked with goals from Oscar, who stabbed in after being played in by new signing Kevin de Bruyne and a thumping 30 yard free-kick from Frank Lampard.

Hull found themselves overrun in the first half, but managed not to concede in the second half despite Chelsea’s dominance.

 

 

 

Manchester City v Newcastle United