A twist in the Barclays Premier League this weekend, which
sees an unlikely top 4 at this early stage.
The lunchtime kick-off from Upton
Park saw City lose 2-1 to West Ham, with in-form striker, Sakho scoring in his
sixth consecutive game, adding to Amalfitano’s first half opener. David Silva
hit back minutes after the Hammers second but the sky blues were unable to find
an equaliser. West Ham now sit in fourth place with 5 wins from 9 games.
Southampton moved into second place with a 1-0 win over Mark
Hughes’ Stoke City, at St Mary’s. Sadio Mane got his first Saints goal, to give
them a deserved first half lead. Pelle was unable to add to his impressive
scoring record, as he hit the bar for a second time, with a well-directed
header early in the second half. Stoke had a few chances of their own, but were
unable to break-down a solid Saints defence.
Southampton have the best defensive record in the league by
far, having conceded just 5 times in their opening 9 games, and only twice in
their last six. Personally, I really like Koeman as a manager, and I hope he
can continue to do a fantastic job, which began by losing £100 million worth of
players in the summer.
In the other games on Saturday, Liverpool wasted numerous
chances at home to Hull City, as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw, and another
game without a goal for them, and Balotelli still in search of his first
Liverpool League goal. Sunderland were at it again, as they gifted Arsenal, and
striker Sanchez, two goals. Mistakes from Wes Brown in the first half, and then
Minnone late into stoppage time at the end of the game, gave the Gunners a 2-0
win. West Brom came from two down against Crystal Palace, at the Hawthorns to
earn a point, as in-form Berahino calmly slotted home a 93rd minute
penalty, 2-2 the final score. In the evening kick-off from the Liberty Stadium,
a Bony double helped Swansea to a much-needed victory, against a poor Leicester
City. That’s the Swans first win in six, and Wilfred Bony has now scored 4
goals in his last 3 games. It was a timely win for Gary Monk’s side, with tough
games against Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City to follow.
Sunday’s clash of the day came from Old Trafford, as Van
Gaal took on old friend, Mourinho in the 16:00 kick-off. A dramatic late
equaliser from Dutchman Robin Van Persie, gave United a 1-1 draw, and the Red
Devils recent form is beginning to look a lot healthier.
Didier Drogba had given Chelsea the lead after heading home
a Cesc Fabregas corner in the 53rd minute, and United didn’t look
like getting anything from the game, as they wasted chances. But after Phil
Dowd had sent Ivanovic off for a second yellow card in the last minute, for a
soft foul on Di Maria, it gave the reds one last chance, with a free-kick near
the corner on the left side. Di Maria’s perfect cross found Fellaini in space,
and his powerful header was palmed out by Courtois, only to fall to the deadly
left foot of Van Persie, who smashed home from 10 yards, to send the Old
Trafford crowd wild. Mourinho, fair to say, unimpressed.
The Monday Night Football came from Loftus Road, and a
much-needed win for Harry Redknapp and his QPR side, as they beat a poor Villa
side, who continue to slide down the table after a promising start to the
season. A goal in each half for Charlie Austin ensured just a second league win
of the season for QPR, which moved them above Burnley, dropping the clarets to
the bottom of the table.
There were chances for both sides, and Villa will be happy
to have Benteke back, although he may need a bit of time, as it was a long
absence. Villa have now scored just 4 goals in their opening 9 league games,
their last goal coming in the 1-0 away win at Anfield on September 13th.
#
|
Team
|
Pl
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
F
|
A
|
Pts
|
+/-
|
|
1
|
|
9
|
7
|
2
|
0
|
24
|
9
|
23
|
15
|
|
2
|
|
9
|
6
|
1
|
2
|
20
|
5
|
19
|
15
|
|
3
|
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
19
|
10
|
17
|
9
|
|
4
|
|
9
|
5
|
1
|
3
|
17
|
12
|
16
|
5
|
|
5
|
|
9
|
3
|
5
|
1
|
15
|
11
|
14
|
4
|
|
