Matchday 11
Super-Sunday was all the hype leading in to the weekend’s games… and with an international break now upon us let’s look back at the week that was:
The weekend kicked off at Bet365 stadium where Stoke City hosted former champions Leicester. Stoke aren’t usually a team you associate with excitement, however this game certainly provided plenty of it. Mark Hughes and his men were looking to build on their impressive away victory at Watford last weekend, however it was Leicester that opened the scoring. Summer signing Vicente Iborra smashed home his first Premier League goal from close range following a Riyad Mahrez corner. Leicester would’ve made it 2-0 had it not been for a brilliant save from Jack Butland, denying a Shinji Okazaki header. Stoke made the most of their goalkeeper’s brilliance, with Eric Choupo-Moting flicking a lovely ball around the corner to send Xherdan Shaqiri through on goal, and the Swiss international did the rest. The game was evenly poised until Wilfred Ndidi’s desire and passion led to the ball falling to Riyad Mahrez, who did well to break away from Eric Pieters, and the Algerian fired a low ball through the arms of Jack Butland and gave Leicester the lead once more. The game was then changed by two substitutions. Leicester goal-scorer Vicente Iborra was forced off the ground with an ankle injury, and 4 minutes later cult hero Peter Crouch was introduced for the home side. Less than 5 minutes after Crouch was brought on, he scored. Xherdan Shaqiri whipped in a lovely out-swinging corner and 2-metre-Peter got his head on it to equalise for Stoke. It could’ve been ever more for Stoke in the 95th minute when another Xherdan Shaqiri led to Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma going within inches of winning it for the home team with Kasper Schmeichel pushing away his headed effort. A draw is a result that both teams will be content with in the end, however Leicester will be ruing giving away the lead on two occasions.
I mentioned in my Matchday 11 preview that the 3p.m. kick-offs weren’t the most exciting prospects, and unfortunately they didn’t prove me wrong. All 4 games produced 1-0 results, however despite the lack of excitement, there was a fair bit of drama. The 10 men of Huddersfield produced an inspiring 1-0 win against West Brom, with Rajiv van La Parra’s beautiful curling strike just before half time giving the terriers their second home win in a row. Huddersfield had to hold on with 10 men for the majority of the second half after Christopher Schindler was shown his second yellow card in the 57th minute. West Brom’s third straight loss has heaped the pressure on Manager Tony Pulis, with a number of fans calling for his position at the club to be reviewed. The other three afternoon games saw away victories, with all three being somewhat of a surprise. Burnley performed a classic smash and grab 1-0 victory away to Southampton. The Saints dominated possession (63%) and shots (13 to 5), however it was the away side that scored the lone goal. Substitute Sam Vokes rose highest to head home a Johann Gudmunsson cross. Despite the Welshman scoring the only goal, back-up goalkeeper Nick Pope was once again the hero for Burnley, producing a number of impressive saves particularly in the first half. Burnley’s third away win of the season already triples their total number of away victories in the whole of last season, while Southampton’s poor home form this season continues.
Across the border Brighton secured back-to-back away wins, with Glenn Murray scoring in his third consecutive game, giving his side a 1-0 victory against Swansea. Murray’s 29th minute goal continues his and Brighton’s impressive form, and justifies his nomination for the October Premier League player of the month. Despite Swansea having seven more shots than Brighton, both sides had just the two on target. Swansea’s lack of goal scoring ability continues to haunt them this season, however Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony is expected to be back after the international break, could he and Tammy Abraham form a lethal partnership up front? The win takes Brighton in to the top half of the table, a feat that no one saw coming after their slow start to the season. The other afternoon game produced one of the most dramatic endings of the season, with Bournemouth stealing a late victory at St. James’ Park. Newcastle were by far the better side in the first half, with Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic producing a string of terrific saves to keep his side level going in to half time. The first half wasn’t without controversy though, with Dwight Gayle’s tap in (following a Matt Ritchie shot that struck the crossbar) ruled out for offside. Replays show that the linesman may have been a little quick to raise his flag, with two Bournemouth defenders looking to have been in-line with the striker as Ritchie’s shot left his boot. The Cherries made the most of their luck, coming out firing in the second half. Bournemouth edged the possession overall, and will argue that they should have had the game wrapped up well before Steve Cook’s 92nd minute header, despite their first half fortune. Callum Wilson and Marc Pugh both missed golden opportunities to give Bournemouth the lead, before Cook showed his aerial prowess, rising highest from an Andrew Surman corner. The loss was the second in a row for Newcastle, who will be hoping to rediscover their September form, where they lost just 1 game.
The evening game on Saturday saw struggling West Ham host also struggling Liverpool. Both sides were desperate for a victory, with the losing manager destined to be under pressure. West Ham started brightly, with Andre Ayew’s chip striking the post early in the game. The home side were then looking to open the scoring in the 21st minute from a Manuel Lanzini corner, however too many defenders committed forward and Liverpool went bang. The corner was headed out well by the Liverpool defense and all it took was one pass from Mohamed Salah and the Red’s found themselves in a 3 v 1 situation. The pace of Mané, Salah and Oxlade-Chamberlain was too much for the Hammers’ defense, and Salah had a tap in some 12 seconds after the West Ham corner. The goal was quickly followed by another, with Joel Matip poking home from close range following a Joe Hart save. At 2-0, the home fans had already given up hope, with boos ringing around the stadium. However it was West Ham that struck first in the second half, with Lanzini chipping a lovely finish over Simon Mignolet to get his side back in it, and give the fans some hope of a comeback, reminiscent of their comeback victory over Tottenham in the league cup a week and a half earlier. West Ham fan’s had their renewed hope for no more than a minute, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scoring his first Premier League goal straight from kick-off, and giving his side a now match winning lead. Salah then scored his second of the game, and 12th of the season (in all competitions) to make it 4-1 in the 75th minute, and Liverpool left the Olympic stadium with a thumping victory. This loss would see the end of Slaven Bilić, who was sacked following his side’s second consecutive 3 goal loss at home.
On to super Sunday now, which kicked off at Wembley Stadium. Tottenham were heavy favourites heading in to their London Derby with Crystal Palace, following their 3-1 champions league victory over Real Madrid. This was a game that was a lot more uncomfortable for the home side than they would’ve been expecting. When Palace’s best and most important player Wilfried Zaha rounded the keeper and had an open net, the Wembley crowd held their collective breath. Luckily for Tottenham, Zaha missed the golden opportunity and he and his side would live to regret it. Son Heung Min’s 64th minute curling effort was the only goal in this one, giving Spurs a 1-0 victory in a game that they probably didn’t deserve to win. Third-string goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga made his first Premier League start in over 500 days, and first ever for Tottenham, with Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm both missing out through injury. The Argentine had a shaky start to the game, however recovered to be arguably Tottenham’s best player. This goes to prove the strength and depth of the North London side’s squad, who continue to prove themselves as title contenders.
Speaking of title contenders, Manchester City hosted Arsenal in a blockbuster clash at the Etihad. If there was any Arsenal supporter that actually believed they could get a result away to Man City, then Arsene Wenger’s decision to keep record signing Alexandre Lacazette on the bench certainly diminished that belief. However this was the perfect chance for Arsenal to show the rest of the Premier League what they’re capable of, and for the first 15 minutes they took it right up to the best team in England. They were keeping the ball well and had the better of the early chances. All of Arsenal’s good play was undone when Kevin De Bruyne showed why he’s arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League, and struck a lovely low left footed strike in to the bottom corner of the net. The goal turned the game, with City piling the pressure on the shaky Arsenal defense, which was made up of a left-back and a holding midfielder as two of their three centre-backs. It should’ve been 2-0 when Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané had a 2 v 1 situation against Laurent Koscielny, however the Englishman over-hit his pass and Arsenal somehow survived. The Gunners managed to keep City out for the rest of the half, and had the chance to equalise right on half time, however Ederson got down nicely at his near post to deny Aaron Ramsey. The second half began with a bang, when Raheem Sterling was brought down by Nacho Monreal inside the area and was awarded a penalty. Opinions were divided as to the force of the contact, however all that matters is that referee Michael Oliver adjudged it to have been forceful enough to call a penalty. Up stepped Sergio Aguero, and as you would expect, he finished it with style. At 2-0, many though the game was done, but on came Lacazette. Who would’ve thought that it would be a good idea to play your record signing? Well, he scored almost instantly and gave the gunners some life. Much like West Ham, Arsenal didn’t have hope for very long, Nine minutes after Arsenal scored, City made it 3-1 and that was that. City’s third goal again came in very dubious circumstances, with David Silva looking to be at least a yard offside when the ball was played to him. Silva himself knew he was offside, virtually stopping to a walk, but luckily for him so had the Arsenal defense. The linesman kept his flag down despite Arsenal’s protests and Silva squared the ball to Jesus who tapped in the easiest goal of his life. Regardless of the refereeing decisions that went against Arsenal, they again failed to perform in a big away game. This season is shaping up as more of the same for Arsenal fans.
The second blockbuster game of the day saw champions Chelsea host Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. Despite coming off the back of two wins in a row Chelsea were yet to prove whether they were at the level of the best teams in the league. The big question heading in to this game was surrounding Jose Mourinho and his tactics. No one wanted to see Manchester United park the bus and play for a 0-0, and thankfully this wasn’t the case. Chelsea thought they had an early lead when Phil Jones sliced the ball in to his own net from a Marcos Alonso cross, however referee Anthony Taylor ruled out the goal for a foul on Jones by Alvaro Morata. It was United who had the next big chance, when Ashley Young found fellow Englishman Marcus Rashford unmarked in the box. Thibaut Courtois came out smartly to put just enough pressure on Rashford and forced him to spray his header over the bar. Chelsea had the best of the rest of the first half, with Bakayoko and Christensen both missing chances. 10 minutes in to the second half, Cesar Azpilicueta picked up the ball and played a lovely cross in to an unmarked Alvaro Morata, who fired a very impressive header in to the back of the net to give Chelsea the lead. The goal forced the hand of Manchester United, who finally gave Thibaut Courtouis something to do when fellow Belgian Marouane Fellaini chested the ball down nicely and shot from just behind the penalty spot. This was United’s best chance of the game and all in all they will be disappointed with their performance, and the form of star striker Romelu Lukaku. United’s main man has now failed to score in the last four premier league games and is yet to prove himself against the big teams. United fans will be hoping they don’t watch idly by as their arch rivals waltz to the title.
The final game of the weekend, one in which not many were watching, produced as many highlights as the other nine games combined. Everton hosted Watford in a must win game for the toffees. The first half didn’t set the world alight, however it did produce a now characteristic Richarlison missed chance. The Brazilian made up for his miss early in the second (as he usually does), when he rounded Jordan Pickford and put the away side 1-0 up. Everton thought they were about to equalise when Oumar Niasse set up Gylfi Sigurdsson for a relatively easy finish, however Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes produced a wonder save to deny the Icelandic midfielder. In the same play, defender Christian Kabasele clattered in to his goalkeeper and forced him off with a gash to the head. Minutes later Kabasele made up for injuring his goalkeeper, and headed his side to a 2-0 lead. This sent Everton mental with boos ringing around the stadium. Despite the negativity of the crowd, the home team weren’t willing to give up just yet. Three minutes after conceding, Oumar Niasse rounded a stranded Watford keeper to get his side back in it. Despite being behind, Everton now had all the momentum. Seven minutes later, young gun Dominic Calvert-Lewin popped up at the back post to head his side equal. In to stoppage time now, substitute Aaron Lennon charged in to the box and was brought down by Jose Holebas. You do have to feel for Holebas who clearly slipped over as opposed to diving in on Lennon, however it was clearly a foul and Everton had the chance to go ahead in the 91st minute after being 2-0 down. Up stepped the trustworthy Leighton Baines, and he calmly placed it past back-up keeper Orestis Karnezis, despite the Greek international diving the right way. In one last twist, as if the Everton fans hadn’t gone through enough just when they thought they’d pulled off a miracle come from behind victory, Jordan Pickford brought down Richarlison inside the area and Watford had a penalty in the 100th minute. Tom Cleverley won the argument with Richarlison over who was going to take the penalty, and the Englishman stepped up in an attempt to drive a knife in to the heart of his former club. Amazingly, he dragged it wide and Everton had won a Premier League game for the first time since September. If anyone ever questions whether the Premier League is the most exciting game in the world, show them this game.
Team of the Week
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope: Continues to impress in the absence of Tom Heaton, and once again was a huge factor in getting his side over the line, producing a number of big saved to deny Southampton.
Defense
Cesar Azpilicueta: Brilliant in defense as usual and provided the winning goal on a platter for Alvaro Morata.
Simon Francis: Was the best player in a back four that kept clean-sheet away in the Premier League for the first time this season.
Jan Vertonghen: The consistent Belgian once again proved why he’s on of the best central defenders in the league whether he’s part of a back 3 or back 4.
Midfield
Riyad Mahrez: Looks to be getting back to some of the form that won him the Player of the Season in 2015/16, scoring Leicester’s second goal after playing a hand in the first.
Kevin De Bruyne: Once again got on the score-sheet in a big game, when he’s not providing them for his team-mates, he’s scoring them himself.
Cesc Fabregas: His creativity in midfield was the difference between the teams, with United missing Paul Pogba, Fabregas was the best creative midfielder out there and it showed.
Anthony Knockaert: Provided the assist for Glenn Murray’s winner and is starting to find his feet in the Premier League after a shaky start to the season.
Xherdan Shaqiri: Picked up a goal and an assist in his side’s 2-2 draw against Leicester. If he can get a string of games together he will be very hard to stop.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah: Scored a typically brilliant brace in Liverpool’s 4-1 win, and looked as dangerous as ever on the break.
Oumar Niasse: Much like Richarlison for Watford, Niasse was at the centre of most of Everton’s attacks especially when they were behind. His goal got his side back in the game.
Matchday 2
Well, what a weekend of EPL action we’ve just seen! Upsets, goals and blockbuster games all featured over the weekend, and here’s our review:
Where do we start!? The early kickoff on Saturday afternoon saw Manchester United travel down to Wales to face Swansea. This matchup promised one thing and one thing only, goals. Manchester United’s attacking power was far too much for West Ham on matchday 1, however many fans were expecting much more resistance from Swansea who were playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this season. Swansea’s defensive stability was made apparent on matchday 1, holding Southampton to a surprise 0-0 draw away at St. Mary’s Stadium, whilst having just 40% of the possession. Swansea were well in the game for the first 45 minutes against their much fancied opponents, with striker Jordan Ayew hitting the crossbar just 3 minutes in to the game. However their defensive resistance was broken right on half time when United’s central defender Eric Bailly reacted quickest and tapped in from close range after Paul Pogba’s header was brilliantly saved by Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. This gave the Red Devils all the momentum heading in to the second half, and they started the half right where they finished off the first with a number of chances falling their way. It took them until the 80th minute to find their second goal, with summer signing Romelu Lukaku firing home his 3rd goal in 2 games. This opened the floodgates, with Swansea capitulating and letting in another 2 goals before the referee put an end to their misery. For the second weekend in a row, Manchester United put 4 goals past their opponents without conceding. Last years signings now seem to be hitting their straps, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding another 2 assists to go with his 2 last week and Paul Pogba bossing the midfield. Regardless of their relatively easy start to the new season, there’s one word to describe United after their first two games: scary.
Saturday’s mid-afternoon games saw Watford record a brilliant 2-0 win away to Bournemouth, with 20 year old Brazilian summer signing Richarlison scoring his first Premier League goal in just his second game, after also being involved in Watford’s late equaliser against Liverpool on matchday 1. Jermain Defoe again started on the bench for Bournemouth for the second week in a row, to the surprise of some fans after they failed to score against West Brom a week ago. Bournemouth have lost their first two games of the season for the third time in as many seasons, however it’s too early to start panicking for Bournemouth fans, once the likes of Defoe and King start firing, the rest of the team should get a massive lift.
Leicester City also recorded a 2-0 win, at home to newly promoted Brighton. Shinji Okazaki scored for the second week in a row, opening Leicester’s account just 50 seconds in to the game. Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan was blamed by many for the early goal, after failing to keep hold of Riyad Mahrez’s tame effort, parrying it in to the path of Okazaki. The best part of the game for Leicester fans came when summer signing Harry Maguire scored his first goal for the club, heading in from a Riyad Mahrez corner. Leicester have made an impressive start to the season, putting forward an impressive showing against Arsenal on matchday 1, falling agonisingly short of a famous opening day victory. Leicester fans will be excited at the prospect of their team recapturing some of their 2015/16 title winning form.
There was an absolute goal fest at St. Mary’s stadium, with Southampton scoring late on to record a 3-2 win over West Ham. Striker Manolo Gabbiadini scored his first goal of the season 11 minutes in to the game, putting Southampton 1-0 to the good. Things got even worse for West Ham when record signing Marko Arnautovic was sent off for elbowing Saints defender Jack Stephens 12 minutes before half time. If Hammers’ fans thought that was bad, former Southampton player Jose Fonte then brought down Steven Davis inside the area and gifted his former side a penalty, which was converted by Dusan Tadic, who many West Ham fans believed shouldn’t have even been on the pitch. However right on half time former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez scored his first goal for West Ham and pulled it back to 2-1, giving fans and players a little bit of hope going in to the second half. When Hernandez equalised in the 74th minute, St. Mary’s Stadium was shocked, the team with 10 men had come from 2-0 down to equalise. Just when Southampton fans thought they’d thrown away a golden opportunity, West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta brought down Southampton’s Maya Yoshida inside the area and gifted the home side another penalty. Substitute Charlie Austin calmly slotted the penalty and gave Southampton a classic 3-2 win. West Ham have now lost their opening 2 games, and fans will be starting to wonder how long Manager Slaven Bilic has left at the club.
In one of the less glamorous games of the weekend, West Brom travelled to Turf Moor to face Burnley. Last season West Brom recorded just 3 wins away from home, however their confidence was up after winning their first game of the season at home to Bournemouth. Burnley were also full of confidence heading in to this fixture, defeating champions Chelsea 3-2 on matchday 1. Their confidence was evident in the first half having significantly more chances than the away side. However it was West Brom that broke the deadlock, with Hal Robson-Kanu scoring in the 71st minute to give the Baggies a 1-0 lead. 12 minutes after scoring, Robson-Kanu was given a straight red card following a errant elbow on Burnley defender Matthew Lowton. West Brom defended admirably in the final few minutes with 10 men, holding on for a 1-0 victory. Burnley had 20 shots to West Brom’s 8, however the only shot on target for the whole game was the goal that ended up being the winner, this is one that got away for the Clarets.
The game that most neutral’s were watching (of the 3p.m. kick-offs) saw Crystal Palace travel to Anfield, where they recorded a famous victory last season, to play Liverpool. Palace were smashed on their home ground last week by newly promoted Huddersfield, and were short of confidence heading in to this clash. Liverpool made several changes to the side that defeated Hoffenheim in Champions League qualifying mid-week, with former Hull defender Andrew Robertson making his full debut. Former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke was looking to score his 6th goal at Anfield as an away player, which is already more than his home goal tally as a Liverpool player. Benteke got his chance when Ruben Loftus-Cheek showed great strength to get to the by-line and cross in to Benteke, however the Belgian fired well over the bar from close range and blew Palace’s best chance of the game. Despite the miss, Palace looked resolute in defence, hoping to hold on for a hard fought point. However 20 minutes before full-time Liverpool winger Sadio Mané poked home after some scrappy defending by the Eagles, giving Liverpool the only goal of the game. The 1-0 win for Liverpool is their first win of the season, giving them some momentum heading in to next week’s huge clash with Arsenal.
Speaking of Arsenal, they travelled to Bet365 Stadium to face Stoke in the Saturday night game. Stoke fans and players need no motivation to get up for a clash against Arsenal, with the sides featuring in a number of fiery clashes in the past, ignited by Ryan Shawcross’ horror leg breaking tackle on Aaron Ramsey in 2010. The excitement was evident by the fact that the attendance record for Bet365 Stadium was broken (29, 459). Two of Stoke’s summer signings were named to make their full debut (Jesé and Choupo-Moting) which got Stoke fans up and about prior to kick off, as if they needed any more motivation. As expected, Arsenal looked the better of the two sides early on, dominating possession but failing to create any clear cut chances. Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri succumbed to a hamstring injury in the 25th minute, which saw much maligned striker Saido Berahino enter the fray. The first half ended 0-0 with neither side seriously threatening. Just 2 minutes in to the second half, Stoke fans got exactly what they came to see when loan signing Jesé was played in by Berahino, after Arsenal midfielder Granti Xhaka gave away possession in midfield, and slotted it in on his left boot. This is a massive confidence boost for both players involved in the goal, who are seen to have failed to live up to their potential so far. Arsenal fans were enraged, much to the delight of Stoke supporters, when a number of penalty shouts were waved away and Alexandre Lacazette’s brilliant left foot strike was ruled out after the French striker was contentiously adjudged to have been offside. The game ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Gunners, despite having 77% possession, will this season continue to be more of the same for Arsenal? Only time will tell.
To Sunday’s early kick-off, Huddersfield Town played their first home top flight game in 45 years, hosting Newcastle. The two sides had very different opening day’s, with the 10 men of Newcastle falling 2-0 to Tottenham, while Huddersfield recorded a famous 3-0 victory away at Selhurst Park. Although Newcastle defeated Huddersfield at this very ground last season (in the Championship) the difference in confidence levels was evident, with Huddersfield bossing possession in the first half. Despite much more possession, it was Newcastle who came the closest to scoring with Matt Ritchie’s right footed effort brilliantly saved by Huddersfield’s Jonas Lössl. The second half started very similarly to the first, Huddersfield dominating possession. However this time, they made it count. 5 minutes in to the second half Australian midfielder, and Huddersfield’s 2016/17 player of the season, Aaron Mooy, played a brilliant one-two with Elias Kachunga on the edge of the area and struck a beautiful curling effort in to the right hand side of the goal. This sent Huddersfield fans in to a frenzy, while Newcastle players and fans were staring down the barrel of a second straight loss to start the season. Newcastle created a couple of late chances however they couldn’t convert, and Huddersfield went on to win their second game in a row. Who would’ve thought Huddersfield Town would be sitting inside the top 4 of a premier league table, regardless of how many games played.
In the afternoon game on Sunday, we saw the first real blockbuster of the season. Wembley Stadium became the newest ground to host a premier league game when Tottenham played host to champions Chelsea. Coming off the back of a 3-2 loss at home to Burnley, Chelsea were written off by pundits and fans all week. This was a game of huge importance for both sides despite it being so early in the season. The Wembley factor played in to the hands of Chelsea, with Tottenham’s well documented struggles at the ground surely eating in to their confidence (even though they’ll never admit it). Alvaro Morata and Timémoué Bakayoko made their starting debut for Chelsea, which gave their side some much needed vibrancy in the absence of Eden Hazard. The 70 000 Tottenham fans were silenced in the 24th minute when Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso struck a beautiful free kick in to the top right corner from just outside the area. Tottenham looked the more likely to score as the half went on, with a number of corners being desperately defended by Chelsea. Going in to the second half, Tottenham continued to dominate possession however they simply couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net, with striker Harry Kane hitting the post for the second time in as many weeks. Tottenham’s fortunes changed in the 82nd minute when Chelsea substitute Michy Batshuayi headed in to his own net from a Christian Eriksen free kick, just minutes after coming on. Spurs then pushed on and put the champions under enourmous pressure, however Chelsea countered in the 87th minute with Batshuayi being brought down in the box by Moussa Dembelé, but penalty shouts were waved away. Then, in a moment he’d rather forget, Tottenham ‘keeper Hugo Lloris threw the ball straight down the middle to Victor Wanyama, who was unable to keep hold of it. The ball then found its way to Marcos Alonso again, who squeezed it in from a tight angle, scoring his and Chelsea’s second for the game. Replays showed that Hugo Lloris made a mockery of Alonso’s shot, allowing it to roll under his body and in to the back of the net. Tottenham again failed to find victory at Wembley, is it a curse? Regardless, Chelsea flexed their muscles on the big stage.
In the final game of matchday 2, Everton travelled to Manchester to face Manchester City. Both sides recorded wins on the opening weekend, with Wayne Rooney scoring on his return to his boyhood club. This game was the first chance for summer signing Kyle Walker to impress his new home crowd, and it didn’t go entirely to plan (more about him later). Manchester City dominated the possession as you would expect, however failed to make the most of it. They had the first big chance of the game when Sergio Aguero played a lovely slicing ball over the top to David Silva, whose shot struck the post and rebounded away from danger. 5 minutes before half time, the visitors made City pay for their missed chances (you don’t say that about Manchester City very often), when young gun Dominic Calvert-Lewin cut back to Wayne Rooney whose shot went through the legs of City’s ‘keeper Ederson, to put Everton 1-0 up. This goal meant that Wayne Rooney became just the second man in history to crack the 200 goal mark in the Premier League, Bravo Wayne! To make things worse for City, just before half time Kyle Walker received a second yellow card for backing back in to Calvert-Lewin without looking at the ball and was sent off, enraging FPL managers and Pep Guardiola at the same time. Despite being down to 10 men, City had most of the chances in the second half but again couldn’t make them count. However with 10 minutes to play, the ball fell to Raheem Sterling just behind the penalty spot from a clearing header by Mason Holgate, who volleyed in a lovely low goal, drawing the home side level. There was another red card late on in this game, Morgan Schneiderlin received a second yellow for what was seen by many as a ‘good challenge’. Despite both sides being down to 10 men, the game finished 1-1. Is this a good point for Everton? Or a win that got away?
Team of the Week: (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Jack Butland: Made several brilliant saves for Stoke, keeping a clean sheet against a great attacking side in Arsenal
Defense
Kurt Zouma: Much like Butland, played a huge part in keeping the cleansheet, made a number of last ditch tackles and stood tall whenever he needed to.
Christopher Schindler: Highly underrated for Huddersfield, was unlucky not to be man of the match.
Harry Maguire: Keeping a clean sheet and scoring on your home debut, doesn’t get much better than that.
Midfield
Riyad Mahrez: Back to his 15/16 best with 2 assists to help his side to a 2-0 win.
Aaron Mooy: The match-winner for Huddersfield, scored a brilliant goal as well as controlling the midfield.
Paul Pogba: Dominated Swansea’s midfield and scored a lovely goal, starting to show us why United paid so much money for him.
Marcos Alonso: Scoring a brace at Wembley is enough to get in any Team of the Week.
Forwards
Richarlison: Super impressive in both of his outings so far, scoring a nice goal on his full debut, Watford fans will like what they see.
Jesé: If you play for Stoke and you score the winner against Arsenal, especially on your debut, you’re an immediate fan favourite.
Javier Hernandez: Despite playing in a losing side, single-handedly got West Ham back in the game and unlucky not to have rescued a point for his team
EPL from the Outside 