Adam’s Premier League Column: Weekly Round Up 6- Edin Džeko scores dramatic late goal for the Citizens

 

Manchester United 2 Tottenham 3

AVB looks to have restored faith with the Spurs faithful with this historic victory away at Old Trafford.

André Villas-Boas struggled to win over Tottenham fans in the first few games of the season, but now with 11 points on the board, they look like their squad is settling well and AVB is doing what he does best.

Prior to the game, Tottenham hadn’t won at Old Trafford in their last nine games, and in the first two minutes, Spurs looked like they weren’t going to make that record reach 10 games. Spurs centre back Vertonghen struck a shot which took a wicked deflection to elude united ‘keeper Lindergaard.

Gareth Bale then took on the United defence on 32 minutes, and the defenders just couldn’t keep up as the Welsh winger dispatched a right footed shot which nestled into the far corner.

Wayne Rooney replaced Ryan Giggs at the interval in a United re-shape. 6minutes after the restart, Nani found the net to set up a real goal fest. One minute later, Clint Dempsey pounced on a rebound to make the score 3-1 in Tottenham’s favour. Then after another minute, Shinji Kagawa scored to unsettle Tottenham’s nerves.

However, Spurs withstood a lot of pressure from Manchester United, who I feel are really lacking in midfield with the likes of Carrick, Scholes and Giggs not getting any younger.

 

Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2

Roberto Di Matteo’s high flying Pensioners were not short of energy as they came out winners at the Emirates.

Fernando Torres came out on trumps after some lacklustre defending from Arsenal at a set piece. Laurent Koscielny got beaten in the far too easily and could only stand and watch the Spaniard head into the back of the net.

Arsenal kept on pressing and their patience was rewarded, this time Gervinho levelled and the sides were back on equal terms at half time.

After the break of 53 minutes Juan Mata floated in a free kick for it only to deceive all and bounce straight in. Questions have to be asked about Arsenal’s inability to defend set pieces. They started off so well, but their poor defensive errors cost them dearly in the end.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are playing incredibly well and the young players brought in are coming to fruition. Exciting times loom for the Blues.

 

Everton 3 Southampton 1

A possible midweek hangover loomed over Everton after their midweek loss at the hands of Leeds United in the Capital One Cup, and they didn’t make the best of starts against the Saints.

Southampton found themselves in the lead six minutes in, Gaston Ramirez firing the Saints in front.

Southampton couldn’t capitalise on their chances though, and on 25 minutes Leon Osman levelled for the Toffees in front of the home crowd.

Everton didn’t stop there and found themselves 3-1 to the good at half time. Nikica Jelavic scored both in the space of six minutes. Jelavic converted header to nail down the three points.

I have to say, I have been really impressed with Everton this season, and the work David Moyes has done shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Leighton Baines, as usual, is playing at the top of his game. Leon Osman, Fellaini and Jelavic are playing really well, too, and if they can keep going like this all through the season, the future is gleaming.

 

Fulham 1 Manchester City 2

The champions are finding it hard as late to carry on the form from last season and they haven’t quite clicked into gear just yet.

They found themselves 1-0 down after a dubious penalty was given. The replay showed that John Arne Riise took a blatant dive and the Norwegian should be ashamed with himself. The penalty was converted by Mladen Petric who slammed hope past the helpless Joe Hart.

Just before the break, Sergio Agϋero levelled for the visitors. Both sides had their chances in the second half but they didn’t take them. Then, Edin Dzeko stuck City’s noses in front after being on the pitch for a minute.

Manchester City were worthy winners though, without playing to their absolute best that we all know.

 

Norwich 2 Liverpool 5

Liverpool shipped 5 past Chris Hughton’s Norwich, who have been incredibly disappointing this season under the new boss.

Liverpool front man, Luis Suarez, lead the line at his favourite ground, Carrow Road. He netted a hat trick against the Canaries this season and in the same fixture last term, albeit under a new style. He could have had five or six.

On loan midfield maestro Nuri Sahin netted and so did Steven Gerrard thanks to a deflection to round off a great day for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

There are still warning signs for Liverpool, Pepe Reina could have kept out Norwich’s two goals, but after the new style and philosophy has settled in those mistakes will hopefully be erased, although Reina has a knack of losing his concentration.

 

Reading 2 Newcastle 2

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew and his coaching staff were awarded for their Premier League and Europa League efforts with a mega 8 year contract, and they would have wanted a win today to celebrate.

Senegalese striker Demba Ba scored a brace to earn a draw at Reading. His first strike was contender for goal of the month, his second, not so. He appeared to handball it in, it may have been harsh to give it but I have seen them given.

Reading, who still haven’t registered a point yet, fought hard, and really made the Toons work hard for the point. Brian McDermot will be surely be the happier out of the two managers, but would have wanted a win I feel, like all managers and teams do.

 

Stoke City 2 Swansea 0

Swansea, who have managed only one win away from home, suffered their third league defeat in a row.

Stoke City, who themselves have had a tough start to the season, played very well to prevent Swansea from threatening and all it took was a Peter Crouch brace to deplete the Swans.

Michael Laudraup has struggled to keep up what Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers started off, despite starting the first couple of games very convincingly.

Potters boss Tony Pulis has managed to get a really good group of players together, and when they settle, they will be definitely be finishing mid-table.

It is still early days though, and a lot can change.

 

Sunderland 1 Wigan 0

Martin O’Neil’s Black Cats were triumphant at home to Wigan Athletic, who currently occupy the 16th spot.

No prizes for who guesses who the scorer was. Of course it was Steven Fletcher, his fifth goal in four games. It was also Sunderland’s first home win of the season, and their first Premier League home win since March.

Wigan’s Jordi Gomez was shown red for the Latics for violent conduct just three minutes before Fletcher fired in a fierce shot pass Ali Al Habsi.

 

Aston Villa 1 West Brom 1

It was derby day at Villa Park and it didn’t disappoint. West Brom have made a terrific start to season, picking up ten points prior to this game. The loan signing of Lukaku looks to be a fantastic piece of business.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, have started the season poorly, although they were victorious against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup. Paul Lambert’s Villa have only managed to collect 5 points so far, and they had to come behind to draw against West Brom.

It took around 51 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Shane Long turned in a cross to put the visitors in front. Then Darren Bent came off the bench to earn a point in the midlands derby. West Brom also hit the bar late on, but Villa withstood the pressure.

 

My Team of the Week

 

Written by Adam May

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