English Football Premier League 2021/22: Review (Wolf perspective)

And so, this weekend sees the start of the English (Soccer) Premier league kicked off this weekend.
With the completion of the delayed European Championships;- seeing a short break for the sport, the transfer widow still open,- seeing speculation over certain players, the usual Managerial merry-go-round;- and most importantly the welcome return of Crowds.

All being well,- I hope to give a periodical brief update/review - though others are welcome to comment and contribute too

 

• BRENTFORD began the season with a Friday night kick-off against ARSENAL. The newly promoted side produced a solid team display that stunned the Gunners and secured a 2-1 victory

• MANCHESTER UNITED repeated last seasons rout of Yorkshire side LEEDS UNITED with a 5-1 win. Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick, with Paul Pogba providing assists for 4/5 goals

• BURNLEY made a strong start with their a typical physical and direct manner taking an early 1-0 lead.= However, visitors BRIGHTON continued to playing a steady and measured game which saw them tunaround the score and secure a 1-2 win

• CHELSEA dominated their first game of the season and put CRYSTAL PALACE to the sword withcomparative ease. The 3-0 victory saw them seal the win without their 97 Million pound signing Romelu Lukaku, who returned to the Blues recently

• Rafa Benitez returned to the Premier league and city of Liverpool to oversee a 3-1 home win for EVERTON against a SOUTHAMPTON side that were quite lack-lustre in their performance

• A tidy Jamie Vardy finish saw Brendan Rogers's LEICESTER CITY seal a narrow 1-0 victory over a WOLVES side that welcomed back Raul Jimenez from his recent fractured skull injury' though could do nothing to prevent their loss.

• The Hornets came out on top against a restructured but under par ASTON VILLA side 3-2, in a game that saw Emmanuel Dennis and Cucho Hernandez both score on debut for WATFORD - as did Danny Ings who netted a consolation injury time goal.

• NORWICH CITY suffered defeat at the hands of a rejuvinated LIVERPOOL side 0-3 that welcomed back influential Centre-back Virgil Van Dyke. The home sidehad no answer to a a strong 'Reds' display

• Despite taking the lead NEWCASTLE UNITED suffered a 2-4 home defeat by visitors WEST HAM. The London side completed a second half comeback to take all the points in a highly entertaining match.

• With TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Striker (and MANCHESTER CITY target) Harry Kane in the stands, City paraded their 100 Million signing, Jack Grealish in their side. He did not make the desired inpact however, and it was Spurs striker Heung-Min Son who won the game with a firm strike to seal a 1-0 home win

 

Overall Review:

This weekend kicked off the new season and saw goals, excitement. an observational assessment of the re-vamped V.A.R. and Crowds.
The interpretation by the Referees/officials of V.A.R. (perhaps down to the successful usage of the process during the European Football Championship) was instrumental in producing a highly contested weekend of competition.
A return to more robust tackling, benefit of the doubt given to the attacking side and a much more free-flowing game was welcome

In addition; and equally (perhaps more(?)) influentual were the Crowds.
Having endured nearly two seasons of Crowd-less matches their attendance was evident in both vocal presence and enhancing the experience

On the first weekend, last years Champions Manchester City; even fielding the first 100 Million pound footballer were beaten.
Former Champions Liverpool, looked much more solid; with the return of their talisman Centre-back, seeing their play slicker and quicker
Big spending Chelsea easily overwhelmed their opponents - without - their 97 Million pound man
and Manchester United inflicted the biggest opening day win, in a display that was a throwback to their steadfast and cavalier days.

 

Week Two:

• New Aston Villa singer Danny Ings opened upthe scoring for the home side with a well executed overhead kick in first half stoppage time. Anwar El Ghazi added a second though a 62nd minute penalty, to seal a 2-0 win. Newcastle;who were denied a Penalty opportunity though a VAR Offside decision sees a second loss for the Magpies

• Brighton took maximum points with a composed and disciplined performance over a Watford side that were unable to match the home side's industry. First half goals from Shane Duffy and Neal Maupay were enough to see a 2-0 Seagull win

• Chelsea paraded their new 97 Million pound Striker Romelu Lukaka ; who only took 15 minues to make an impact finishing off a neat move from close range, Reece James added a second just after the half hour as theynd dominated the first half. After the break, Arsenal improved but could make no headway and the Gunners lost again

• Crystal Palace and Brentford played out an uninspiring game that saw a 0-0 draw and the points shared, though the visitors were the happier of the two side having now gained four points and still unbeaten in their return to the Premier league.

• A match-up of two Managers whose reputations for tactical analysis preceded them. Klich opened and closed the the scoring through Rahinha, for Leeds United with as Everton netting twice inbetween through a Calvert-Lewin penalty and Demara Gray strike, as an exciting game saw a 2-2 stalemate

• Liverpool welcomed back crowds to Anfield, and put in a strong professional performance to take all the points over Burnley. A Jota header and a well constructed team goal ending up with Mane sealing a 1-0 win

• A measured and methodical display saw the home side put in a five-star performance as the Manchester put the Norwich CITY to the sword. Goals from new signing Jack Grealish, Laporte,Jesus, Stirling and an own goal from Tim Krull saw a comprehensive 5-0 victory

• Southampton took the lead on the half-hour when a Ched Adams shot deflected off the foot of Manchester United midfielder Fred. United equalised through Mason Greenwood after another Pogba assist. The 1-1 scoreline saw the Saints gain their first point of the season, whilst the (Manchester) Reds saw it as two points dropped

• Former Wolves manager Nuno espirito santo returned to his former side and came away with the spoils thanks to a narrow 1-0 (Penalty) strike from Midfielder Dele Alli. Want- away Tottenham striker Harry Kane came off the bench, though could not make a significant difference

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WEST HAM UNITED host LEICESTER CITY in the Monday night fixture

 

I'm a Wolves fan and I worry about our prospects this season.

Our main problem last year was an inability to convert pressure / chances into goals. The first two games have shown that this is still an issue; we were easilly worth a draw yesterday, but we lack a 15 - 20 goal a season striker.

We wont go down, but the memories of Nuno's early years are in danger of becoming a distant memory. Every Wolves fan wishes him the best at Spurs.

 

Wolves certainly retain enough within their ranks to produce a few good runs thoughout the season to ensure their status, - at the moment, however; as well as replacing Jota, with Arsenal and Man U reportedly looking at Rúben Neves, positive and mindful recruitment is; I feel, key - lest departures and/or injury come into play.

 

Michail Gregory Antonio became West Ham's Premier league top scorer with a brace against a Leicester side; reduced to ten men after Perez was sent off for the first RED card of the season following a VAR review over the ball tackle on 40 minutes.
Fornals had put the home side in front with a 25th minute strike, before the sending off, as they took a 1-0 half time lead.
Following the break, a terrible mistake from Centre-half Soyuncu, Benrahma doubled the score,- before Tielemans netted from close range ,to give the Foxes a glimmer of hope to pull the game back before Antonio struck, and see both West ham and Antonio Top of the table/s

 

Week Three:

ASTON VILLA were made to work hard by Premier league newcomers BRENTFORD side who took the lead through Toney on 7 mins. Though they equalised on 13 minutes when Buendia netted, the visitors stuck to their game plan and held on for a good away point

BRIGHTON lost for the first time this season when visitors EVERTON netted twice in the 41st minute from Gray, which was followed up by a (somewhat farcical dispute between Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin over who was going to take a Penalty) – which the latter eventually won out on - and score in the 58th

A tough highly contested game between two Roses rivals saw the teams share the spoils with two similarly instinctive finishes from BURNLEY striker Wood scoring on the hour that was cancelled out in the 85th minute from the England recalled Bamford for LEEDS UNITED

MANCHESTER CITY completed a comfortable and comprehensive 5-0 win over a poor ARSENAL side who contributed hugely to their own demise. Already 2-0 down after goals from Gundogan and Torres when Xhaka was sent off just after the half hour mark. This marked a number of visiting fans seen to leave the stadium. Jesus added a third just before the break, and the win was wrapped up with a further goal from Torres and Rodri. Arsenal sit firmly bottom of the table.

NORWICH suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to a LEICESTER CITY. After going behind to an 8th minute Vardy finish, Pukki equalised from the penalty spot in the 44th minute before a late but decisive 78th Albrighton finish

More frustration for Steve Bruce as NEWCASTLE were again unable to make home advantage count against a persistent SOUTHAMPTON side. Wilson netted in the 55th minute, that was cancelled out in the 74th minute by Elyounossi. When Saint-Maximin scored in the 90th minute it looked like the Geordies would be happy, though a cool and clinical Penalty in the 96th minute from Ward-Prowse again would see more disappointment.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR saw Harry Kane return to the starting ling line-up, but it was team-mate Heung-min Son., who made the difference in his 200th Premier league appearance that netted the winner in the 42nd minute against a highly organised WATFORD side. Spurs now top the table with a 100% record

WEST HAM and CRYSTAL PALACE shared the points in an entertaining contest that saw the visitors get their first point of the season Fornals and the in-form Antonio netted for the home side, which were matched by a brace from Gallagher

In his 100th Premier league game in charge for Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, MANCHESTER UNITED set a 28 AWAY game unbeaten record in a game that they could so easily have lost. A scrambled 5th minute clearance, clear chances not taken, and along with a tremendous double save from keeper DeGea the Reds were considered fortunate to get away with taking all the points against WOLVES. Despite a dynamic and inspired Tauore display it was United that gained a narrow 1-0 victory after Greenwood netted the winner in the 78th minute, following a disputed foul decision not given in the lead up to the goal

 

A battle of two German tacticians saw LIVERPOOL and CHELSEA play out the most exciting fixture of the weekend. A match up of the home sides talismanic leader and Centre back Virgil van Dijk, against the visitors Romelu Lukaku was going to be the most interesting of duels, and so it proved.
It was however Kai Havertz who was the one who broke the deadlock on 22 minutes, and though Liverpool created a number of chances, Chelsea were resolute in their defence and going into the break it looked like both Managers had their half time team talks prepared, the game took a dramatic twist.

In first half added time following a Liverpool corner James cleared off the line, the resulting VAR saw both a Penalty kick awarded which Salah put away the spot kick, and James was given a straight Red card.



The game plan then changed and though it wasn’t a case of attack against defence, kicking towards the Kop end Liverpool piled on the pressure. and the visitors were well tested. This said the visitors too had a couple of chances, though game management was evidently the key to seeing out the match.

 

Week Four:

• A solitary goal (following a VAR review) from ARSENAL striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 66th minute was enough to see the home side secure their first goal and points of the season to overcome a resolute NORWICH side. The Emirates crowd were so pleased as “we are saying up” was chanted from the terraces.
• Premier league newcomers BRENTFORD suffered late heartache as visitors BRIGHTON struck in the final minute of evenly and eagerly contested match through Leandro Trossard. The home side had earlier had chances through Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo but paid the price for failing to convert them.
• CHELSEA continued their fine start to the season with another dominant display over ASTON VILLA. Romelu Lukaku was again on the scoresheet with two clinical strikes, either side of a Mateo Kovacic finish. The scoreline was somewhat flattering however as Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy pulled off a number of saves to deny any kind of reward for the Villains
• CRYSTAL PALACE secured their first victory of the season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over TOTTENHAM to ensure Palace manager Patrick Vierra retained his record over never lost to a Spurs side formerly as a player and now as Manager. The Eagles took the points thanks to a Wilfried Zaha's penalty and Odsonne Edouard's debut double, (also helped when Spurs defender Japhet Tanganga received two yellow cards in the space of five minutes early in the second half and was dismissed).
• Mo Salah joined the 100 Premier league goal club, with a 20th minute stroke for LIVERPOOL as the Reds completed a 3-0 victory over hosts LEEDS UNITED. With the score at 2-0; (after Fabinho had driven in a second on 50th minutes) the home side were reduced to ten men following a harsh tackle by Struijk 10 minutes later. Leeds striker Bamford almost pulled a goal back with an audacious long-range chip - which very nearly caught out keeper Alison, though the win was secured in time added on when Mane added a third.
• Visitors MANCHESTER beat home side LEICESTER in a match of “Blue CITY’s’” thanks to a 61st minute Bernardo Silva strike. Leicester had a Vardy goal disallowed following a VAR review and were fortunate when Harvey Barnes struck the crossbar before Manchester
• All eyes were on the return of Ronaldo to a MANCHESTER side that looked to be getting back their free-flowing attacking strike. The hero did not disappoint as CR7 netted twice in a comprehensive 4-1 victory over NEWCASTLE UNITED(s).
• Ronaldo opened the scoring in the first half, before the Geordies struck back through a Javier Manquillo's second-half equaliser. Ronaldo put the home side ahead again before a terrific outside the box hit from fellow Portuguese team-mate Fernandes hit, and fancy and quick feet from Jesse Lingard ensured a return to the top of the table.
• High-flying Hammers were stopped of their roll by the Saints as SOUTHAMPTON and WEST HAM played out a goalless draw. A disappointing day was made worse for the visitors as their in-form striker Michail Antonio was sent from the field following two yellow card offences, although it could have been much worse for the visiting side had it not been for an injury-time goal-line clearance from Declan Rice.
• Two late strikes from a late debut Hee-Chan Hwang late tap-in preceded by a Francisco Sierralta own goal; in the 74th and 83rd minutes, saw WOLVES achieve a 2-0 win at WATFORD for their first league win of the season. The victory was enough to see the visitors jump out of the bottom three
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• The Monday night game saw EVERTON take on BURNLEY. The visitors began with a quite robust display and had the best chance of the first period when Wood went close, though it wasn’t until the 52nd minute that they took the lead through a Mee header. The home side reacted with a re-jig of formation, and it was former Burnley player Michael Keane who equalised on 59th. The Toffees continued to raise their game and with two further quick-fire goals from Townsend and Gray in the 64th and 66th minutes sealed a clear win, and Everton into the top four

 

Week Five:

• The Friday night game saw NEWCASTLE play an end-to-end game against visitors LEEDS, UNITED. The away side took the lead on minutes when Raphina curled in an effort from the inside-wing position on 13 minutes, a cute feint/step over from Rodrigo was enough to see the shot go in. This spurred on the Magpies, and they were unlucky on 35 minutes when a Ritchie shot hit the post. The pace continued as both sides had good opportunities and the home side were rewarded on 43 minutes when a clever dribble and shot from/saw Saint Maximin draw the sides level. The second period was equally entertaining if not a touch more considered in both teams. The nip and touch match up ended 1-1

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• ASTON VILLA welcomed EVERTON to Villa Park hoping to stop the Toffees recent good run, and it was only sharp reactions from Begovic to deny Mings following a corner on 6 minutes. The visitors too had chances and on 16 minutes were about a foot away with a chance of their own, and stuck to a familiar regimented Benitz side, though went behind when Cash drove home a fine strike on 65 minutes, three minutes later when Dinge flicked the ball into his own net following a Baily to make it 2-0. Baily made it 3 when he ran away to smash the ball home on 75 minutes and in the end see a comfortable 3-0 win
• In a match billed as the physicality of BURNLEY against the footballing team of ARSENAL, it was the visitors who took the lead from a well struck 30th minute Odegaard free kick. The perceived view of the match was proved to be with the game being fiercely contested right up until the final minute, Burnley succumbed to a fourth league defeat in five but were aggrieved not to get at least a point from the game when a controversial VAR intervention saw referee Anthony Taylor's overturn his decision to award the Clarets a penalty after Aaron Ramsdale had tripped substitute Matej Vydra seconds after he pointed to the spot. In the end, it was Arsenal that came 0-1 winners
• LIVERPOOL faced a determined CRYSTAL PALACE side and found it perhaps more difficult than they felt it to be. Palace had a couple of opportunities (one of which came from a goalkeeping mistake from Allison) but failed to take them. It took 43 minutes before the Reds go ahead when Mane shot home for his 100th Liverpool goal. The Eagles rued several clear chances as firstly Salah doubled the lead on 78, before Keita made in three in the 89th minute., and 3-0 winners
• Previous 5-star scorers MANCHESTER CITY faced SOUTHAMPTON in a game that seemed to be a clear home banker, though it proved far from that. The visitors held City up to the break with a resolute defence of their goal. The visitors thought they had an opportunity from the spot, but the home side’ and a sent off Walker, were relieved when VAR reversed both decisions. It was VAR that then came to the Saints rescue in the 90th minute when City had a goal ruled out. The match which included a full 6 minutes added time saw the points shared 0-0, and a happy trip back for the away team
• NORWICH fell behind to a 17th minute header from Dennis, though kept plugging away to see reward when Pukki equalised just after the half-hour. Visitors WATFORD reacted with more pressing and positive play. Playing with a touch more desire; and perhaps lmore freedom than the hosts, it was they who firstly and re-took the lead through Saar just after the hour added his second on the 80th minute to see them run out 3-1 victors
• WOLVES welcomed BRENTFORD to Molineux hoping to push on from last weeks first victory but were tested by the Bees. Toney had a 9th minute effort ruled out for offside, but opened his account after being pulled in the box and scoring from the resulting Penalty kick. Toney had a second goal ruled out by VAR before he set up Mbeumo for a second goal. Into the second half and Wolves raised their physicality with a couple of players going in the book before Baptiste picked up two yellow cards himself and was sent off on 64 minutes. Despite this setback (along with Manager Thomas Frank receiving) a yellow card saw out the game to pick up another three points.

 

All three Sunday games marked the passing of goal scoring legend Jimmy Greaves with a minute’s applause prior to the start of all three matches. (*)

(See U,K. Memorial thread - Posts 91-93)
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GAME 1:
BRIGHTON welcomed LEICESTER to the ‘American Express Community stadium ‘on a wet day, and surface that saw a fast pace to the game. Just on the half hour, the home team were awarded a penalty (confirmed by VAR) when the ball struck the arm of Vestergard. Maupay made no mistake from the spot 1-0 Brighton.
Without a shot on target in the first half they went further behind when Welbeck nodded home on 50 minutes. If there was a degree of tiredness from the visitors, one player who wasn’t going to give it up - Vardy! And he pulled a goal back on his 250th appearance for the Foxes on the hour. Spurred on the visitors began to press and were denied an equaliser; (VAR confirmed) on 67 minutes. It was one way traffic right to the end, but Brighton held on for a 2-1 win and extended their best start to a Premier league season, and to within a point of the Premier league summit.

GAME 2:
A mistake in the MANCHESTER UNITED defence on15 minutes saw the home side almost take the lead on 15minutes and close again on 20 minutes as they made a bright start to the game. The visitors then went close themselves when a Fernandes shot hit the post, It was WEST HAM however that took the lead when a Benrama shot significantly deflected off Varne saw the hammers take the lead on the half-hour. Five minutes later however it was al square as Ronaldo equalised as he followed up his original strike from close range.
Ronaldo could have added a second a minute into the second half but was denied by a Fabiansli save. The home team looked to be tiring as United pushed on, and it was ironic that Lingard, who had such a successful loan period last term put the Reds ahead on 88 minutes. Into added time and drama as Shaw was penalised for handball. Mark Noble came on from the bench to take the spot kick and level the score. But then, more drama, De Gea saves! and Solskjaer’s side complete another ‘come from behind’ away (2-1) victory.

 

GAME 3:
.(*) On a day when ex-CHELSEA player and TOTTENHAM goalscoring legend Jimmy Greaves passed away, it was somewhat ironic that it was on the day that saw the two sides meet.
Spurs legends led the Greaves tribute:

"An assortment of Spurs legends - among them Glenn Hoddle, Martin Chivers and Ossie Ardiles - have gathered on the touchline to help pay tribute to Jimmy Greaves ahead of kick-off. The atmosphere is fantastic here." - Sky Sports' Nick Wright at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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The game itself saw the return of Son to the Tottenham side and Chelsea having to replace keeper Mendy; injured in the midweek game with Arrizabalaga. Spurs boss Santos re-jigged his formation, and Chelsea had to adapt. Though they did have chances to take the lead, the Spurs defending was organised and resolute – it was more of a game of tactical methodology than excitement, at the break it was all square.
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Kante replaced Mount for the second half as Tuchel tweaked his midfield to try and break the home side defence, and it only took four minutes for Thiago Silva to head home from a corner to make that difference. Alonso was unlucky not to double the score when his effort was cleared off the line minutes later. Kante then made a scoring mark himself when he shot from distance and saw his effort deflected from Dier, flat foot the keeper, hit the post and roll in.2-0 Chelsea, and the visitors well on top and had further chances, and in time added on Rudiger made it 3-0, and another three points for the Blues.

 

Week Six:

• CHELSEA saw pressure from visitors MANCHESTER CITY right from the start. An early change came for the home side as James picked up an injury, Silva came on and the blues had to make a tactical restructure. Star striker Lukaku was being shackled well and Chelsea manager Tuchel is looking unhappy at his sides’ application. The German continued to be frustrated with his team into the second period as City were helped by indecisive play by their opponents. Things got worse on 53 minutes when a deflected strike hit by Jesus made it 0-1, a change soon follows with Havetz replacing Kante. A desperate off the line clearance by Silva saw relief to soon turn to disappointment as Lukaku has a tap in finished disallowed. The home team now seemed to have woken up and begin to press themselves. Despite more intensity and another positive forward Lofus-cheek for midfielder Jorginho, the game has an ominous look to it There is no joy fir the home side as City finish the game 1-0 victors.
• MANCHESTER UNITED welcomed ASTON VILLA to a rainy fixture. Play and chances were shared in the early stages. Shaws’ afternoon came to a premature end when a following a knock, he was replaced by Dalot just after the half-hour. The visitors were holding their own as chances were being created and wasted by both teams. Into the second half before the Reds were fortunate that a potential penalty when Ings was brought down by Maguire, was superseded by a offside call, the tackle seems however to affected by the challenged and is visibly struggling, He continues on he too has to leave the field and a second change to the United back-line sees him replaced by Lindelof The home side are struggling to make any way past the villains, Cavani replaces McTominay as they throw their final roll of the dice with ten minutes to go. The re-jigged United defence were then pierced as Hause heads in from a corner in the 88th minute. Into added time and there is a chance for redemption when a Penalty is awarded, but Fernandes makes a hash of it - and blasts the ball High, wide and … ugly. The game ends and it’s a second 0-1 loss in a week for United.
• “Z-CARS” welcomed EVERTON and an oddly looking ‘Orange-shirted’(?) NORWICH CITY side to Goodison Park, with the home side making better of the early stages, though had to wait until the half-hour when put Townsend was on the spot to put away a VAR confirmed Penalty kick. Following the break, the visitors looked sharper, though Benetiz always organises he sides well and gave little away and doubled their lead through Doucoure on 77 minutes.The game plan was working and stuck to to ensure a relatively straight forward 2-0 win. Although the Canaries improved in the second period, another defeat sees them with No points from their opening six Premier League games.
• LEEDS UNITED were without Star striker Bamford as they looked to turn their fortunes around against a WEST HAM side, fresh from mixed result against Manchester United in League and Cup fixtures. The visitors started the better with three excellent chances, but it was the home time who; in the 19th minute went behind when Raphinha finished off a smart attacking move. The second period was fast and frantic, Soucek thought he had drawn the sides level on 53 minutes, but a VAR check saw the goal ruled put. On minutes however on 67 minutes Leeds lose their defensive discipline and West Ham are level. Bowen is found in acres on the right flank by Coufal and gets into the ball into the box and via two deflections the ball flies in off Firpo. Into the last minute and another error in the Leeds defensive sees Antonio strike home and enough to see the visitors take the points 1-2
• Two strong sides met at the King Power stadium, as LEICESTER welcomed a BURNLEY side who had not had the best of starts to the season. Sean Dyche and his side however are nothing if not resolute and don’t panic. Playing to their usual disciplined pattern, it was they who took the lead when following a strong corner, the ball flicked of Vardy to the away side ahead. Both sides worked hard, and a frantic five minutes just before the break the game was explosive. On 36 minutes Vardy made amends for his OG, with a run and finish. Then three minutes later a Cornet volleyed finish put the clarets back ahead. The second half saw the home team relentless in attack and Burnley had to work hard to defend and were fortunate not to see a Penalty kick awarded to them. On 85 minutes Master Striker Vardy drew Leicester level with his fifth goal of the season. The visitors thought they have stolen the points in added on time but the header from Woods in ruled out by VAR and a final score of 2-2
• The Hornets were slow to start at Vicarage Road saw WATFORD take on along with their (ever) under pressure manager Bruce NEWCASTLE side. (Only 6 minutes played and “"We want Brucie out, say we want Brucie out," sing the away end”) Despite this the Magpies looked focused and following three good efforts it was Longstaff who gave the visitors the lead on 23 minutes (though to be fair keeper Foster made a bit of a hash of it) The second period saw the hosts increase their desire and Newcastle rued their earlier misses.as Sarr equalised in the 72 minutes with a sharp finish following a corner kick. With 3 minutes to go Watford put the ball in the net, but VAR showed the strong Newcastle line had caught the forward offside. In the end the points are shared 1-1.
• LIVERPOOL were greeted with a cauldron on noise as they visited BRENTFORD, who were hoping to continue their good start to the debut Premier league season. Although they had to defend some early pressure, the home team took the lead on 26 minutes when a ball swung in evaded the retreating Liverpool defenders and was met on the back post by Pinnock to give the hosts the lead; though seemed to pick up a pull and would be replaced 11 minutes later. Before that however Jota drew the visitors level with a firm header. The Bees had keeper Raya to thank for not going into the break behind on 39 minutes with first a touch onto the post followed up with a tremendous reflex save to deny Jota a second.Into the second period, and Brentford continued with their playing style, though despite another good stop from Raya to (once again) deny Jota, went behind when Mo Salah finished off a good pass to see him reach the milestone of fastest to reach a century of goals for Liverpool to make it 1-2. The hosts continued to focus on task and were rewarded in the 63rd minute when they pressured the Liverpool defence and created an equaliser with Janlt netting. Their joy however was short-lived when a Curtis Jones strike took a slight deflection to beat keeper Raya and put the visitors ahead again. Brentford sent on and Wissa and following a scrambled but cool finish, it was he who made it 3-3 on 80 minutes. The game continued to excite until the final whistle, and the final result a just one,

 

SUNDAY:

• The Saints hosted WOLVES in the first of Sunday’s double feature. A brisk start saw the visitors go close after just 45seconds, and the game then progressed with an end-to-end feel about it, though in truth the good progressive play exhibited by both sides saw no end product. Redmond went close for SOUTHAMPTON just before the break, but the sides went in level. The second period saw more of the same though it was Wolves that were have the better of it, and no surprise when just on the hour Raul Jimenez left the home side defence in his wake as he strode forward and finished well. The Saints were made to rue their missed opportunities and went down to a 0-1 home defeat.
• ARSENAL blew away visitors TOTTENHAM in a 25th minute spell and a first hal performance that Spurs had no answer to. Goals by Smith-Rowe, Aubameyang, and Saka was enough to see off the visitors who put in another underwhelming performance. England Captain Kane had two chances, but failed to produce anything like his best and although Son did net in the 79th minute, they were outplayed by the home side, who cruised home to a 3-1 win

MONDAY

• The Monday night game saw CRYSTAL PALACE take on BRIGHTON. Palace were the livelier of the two sides as they created some good early opportunities, though despite their better possession, the Seagulls also had chances, especially on the half hour when Wellbeck should have made better of his. Just as 45 minutes were up, a poor challenge by Trossard on Gallagher saw the Palace player barged over, a Penalty award, which was easily put away by Zaha. 1-0 Eagles. The visitors stepped their game up in the second period and the game became an equally matched up game. Ayew had a great chance to double the lead on 75 minutes but fluffed his lines, and opportunity wasted. The match seemed to be safe and secure for so long but into the 5th minute of added on time, with almost the last kick of the game, an inaccurate goal kick saw Maupay run onto the punted return, and chip the ball over the keeper to see the latest of equalisers and the points shared 1-1

 

Week Seven:
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- MANCHESTER UNITED hosted EVERTON with a re-jigged side that saw a few of their main players ‘rested’ for the day. There's a minute's applause at Old Trafford for the passing of former Liverpool and England striker Roger Hunt which showed despite football rivalry due respect for the passing of England ‘66 World Cup winner.
Martial spurned an early chance before the visitors themselves had a chance following an error in the Reds defence. There are opportunities for both sides with United and Everton youngsters Greenwood and Gordon putting in strong and impressive displays for their respective sides. Just before the break and it was the home team that took the lead through Martial with a run and strike. The second half begins with the Reds continuing to press, and on the hour, enter Ronaldo and Sancho. Despite the pressure a breakaway – following a United corner!
More sloppiness as they failed to stop Townsend breakaway and equalise in the 65th minutes. Five minutes later and on comes (more shots than many – yet to score) Pogba. It’s another late strike and fright as Mina nets, but a VAR call denies a late winner, still, a good point for a depleted Everton side. 1-1.
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- BURNLEY were held to a goalless draw by a NORWICH side who earned their first point of the season. The home team had no less than 4 Penalty claims turned away as they tried to begin momentum to their own slow start.
After the break both sides had half chances in the second period, though ultimately the two sides showed more battle than penetration. The 0-0 result sees Norwich remain bottom of the table and Burnley 18th.
*
- CHELSEA struck late (twice) to edge past visitors SOUTHAMPTON. Chalobah headed home for the Blues in the 9th minute and nearly doubled their lead, but Werner's effort was ruled out by VAR.
After equally good play for the rest of the first half and into the second, the Saints got their reward when Ward-Prowse levelled up the score on 61 minutes – converting by Penalty claim. But hero became villain a quarter hour later when the Saints captain saw a late yellow card challenge on Jorginho, upgraded to a red following VAR review. The man advantage was capitalised upon when Werner Ben Chilwell both struck late, and the hosts run out 3-1 winners
*
LEEDS UNITED took the points with a strong display over visitors WATFORD thanks to an 18th minute ‘poked home’ effort from Llorente. The home side looked to be returning to last seasons’ form, whereas the hornets looked lack-lustre, made several unforced errors and looked second best. Despite this, they did net in the second half in their best five-minute spell, but Kabasele's effort was ruled out after a foul Cooper in the build-up. The result saw a deserved and comfortable 1-0 win for the hosts
*
WOLVES picked up their first home win of the season with a 2-1 over NEWCASTLE UNITED curtesy of two strikes, one in each half from their South Korean striker Hee-Chan Hwang. His first came after 20 minutes, but the score was evened up on 40 minutes in somewhat controversial circumstances. Magpies’ striker Jolinton and Wolves keeper Sa were involved in a collision, the ball cleared, was recycled and Hendrick (a substitute for the injured Joe Willock) struck home past a grounded Sa. Referee Graham Scott and VAR Assistant Referee Andre Marriner were happy with the decision, and the score now level.
Into the second period the host had better possession and msde the most of this when they re-took the lead on 58 minutes when Hwang, fed the ball by their industrious playmaker, Jimenez, finished well, and see more pain Newcastle boss Steve Bruce.
*
BRIGHTON put in a impressive first half display that saw them create a number of chances against visitors ARSENAL; who were clearly second best in the wet and windy conditions of the South coast. Their dominance however was not matched with goals, and time would tell if they would rue these missed opportunities.
The second period started much of the same, Brighton had control with Arsenal restricted in ‘break-out’ efforts’, though as the time passed, the Gunners began to make inroads. The second half though was still 75/25 in the Seagulls favour, with the visitors hanging on in the final minutes. In the end, two points lost for Brighton, Arsenal happy with a point 0-0.

 

Sunday Fixtures.:
*
CRYSTAL PALACE had been unfortunate in recent weeks when their footballing displays had not been converted into both goals and points. They hoped that today would see a change of fortunes, though the first period saw the pattern repeated. Despite having more of the play and possession, it was LEICESTER CITY who went ahead at the break 2-0. In what can be described as a ‘Smash and grab’ raid. Firstly, it was IInheanacho; who capitalised on a defensive slip to rob the ball and finish well on the half-hour, and (inevitably) Vardy who took the ball, resisted the tackle and slotted home in typical fashion. The second half saw the home team continue to play good football, though it was perhaps more down to the (some might say inspired) substitutions that made the difference. Sub:1 Olise pulled a goal back – at the second time of asking, before Sub:2 Schupp (playing against his former club) headed in the equaliser on 72 minutes. The Foxes must feel like it was two points dropped, whereas the comeback for the Eagles was more of a morale boost. 2-2 the final score.
*
TOTTENHAM got back to winning was at home against an ASTON VILLA side that were in good spirits after some recently good results. The first period saw the visitors start well but fade and allow the host to take some degree of control. Spurs went ahead in the 27th minute. when Son set up Hojbjerg who finished clinically and give them a 1-0 half-time lead. Villa came out for the second period with more desire and after suffering two close calls, levelling up on 68 minutes through Watkins following on from a good advantage call earlier in the move. They only kept the lead for a few minutes however, as in the 71 minute, more good work from Son set up Moura for a bundled in finish (later amended to a Targett own goal) - though they all count. Spurs grew in confidence, and it was they who ended the game the better and secure a 2-1 home victory.
*
Hosts WEST HAM were on the back foot from the start against newly promoted BRENTFORD, who dominated the first period with creative attacking and disciplined defensive play. They were unfortunate not to go on more than 1-0 ahead (thanks to a 20th Mbeumo - scrabbled but electronically confirmed finish) at the break. The second half wind and rain saw the hammers a bit more refreshed. and after gradual and continued pressure equalised through Bowen in the 80th minute when he latched on to a flicked on corner kick. The game in the balance wit both sides going for the win, and it was the Bees who got the result - when Wissa volleyed in a 93rd minute winner. 1-2 to the visitors
*****
After LIVERPOOL paid respects to the passing of ‘one of their own’, England ‘66 World Cup winner, Roger Hunt,.....
. . . .
the game saw them overwhelmed by a MANCHESTER CITY side who had far greater possession, better passing play and chances. City had clearly targeted the right back area as a source to put the Reds under pressure and it worked, with stand-in (and ex-City player) Right back picked up a booking just before the break. The home team welcomed the whistle more as the sides went in 0-0.
After the break and the few words from Manager Klopp must have said looked to make a difference. Liverpool were much better and began to make progressive progress against the visitors, who were second to the ball. The home team went ahead when Salah slipped the ball through to Mane who clinically finished and get his 99th Premier league goal on the hour. The Blues however kept faith in their play and on 68 minutes a great weighted pass saw Foden take the ball and strike home an equaliser from an angled position. Both teams were going for the win, and it was Salah who struck with a superb solo dribble and finish on 75 minutes. Five minutes later however, and the teams were again level through a De Bruyne strike from the edge of the box (which then saw an animated response from City boss Guardiola) 2-2 the result– and points shared