GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: 3
StrumSolo > 02/09/2013, 17:10
Celebrations all round...
Arsenal
After that opening day defeat to Villa, what odds would you have got on Arsenal going on to win their next 4 games? A lot has been made of the Gunners’ inactivity in the transfer market (especially in relation to the splurge at White Hart Lane) but yesterday’s game against a Tottenham side that still haven’t scored from open play in the league this season, was a ringing endorsement to the benefits of a settled side. With the Mesut Ozil deal as good as done (at the time of writing) and more reinforcements in the pipeline, reports of Arsenal’s death appear to have been greatly exaggerated.
Liverpool
3 wins out of 3 and another goal for man-of-the-moment Daniel Sturridge, bragging rights over Man Utd aren’t to be sniffed at either. With the signings of Victor Moses, Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho confirmed since yesterday’s win, and Luis Suarez still to return, the Scousers are in danger of challenging for a Champions League spot if they’re not careful.
Norwich, Swansea, Newcastle and Crystal Palace
First wins for all four over the weekend and while its still early days, being cut off at the bottom the table is unnerving at any stage. Just 3 points separate 3rd and 18th place and Liverpool hold the only remaining 100% record, could we be in for a more competitive season than the last?
Mark Hughes
So QPR was a nightmare, but before that his record was decent. 2 wins out of 3 as Stoke manager suggests more of the same.
Commiserations all round...
David Moyes
In his entire career, he still hasn’t won at Anfield, Stamford Bridge or the Emirates. He’s not even won at Old Trafford yet! Early days, a tough run of fixtures to contend with… both valid excuses. But still, he could have done without losing to Liverpool. He needs a good deadline day and a positive response against Crystal Palace in United’s next league game, otherwise the pressure could seriously mount.
Paolo Di Canio
One point from the opening trio of ‘winnable’ matches, 3 of Sunderland’s next 4 games are against Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd. Come the start of October, Di Canio’s side could find themselves cut dangerously adrift at the bottom of the table. He seems to be turning on his players with worrying regularity too, John O’Shea bearing the brunt of it this weekend. If he wants to avoid a dressing room revolt, he’ll need to start taking some responsibility too.
West Brom
The only side keeping Sunderland off the bottom of the table, and the only team yet to score this season. It’s hardly surprising, despite finishing 8th last season, the bulk of their points came at the beginning of that campaign. In 2013 they’ve averaged less than a point a game, relegation form, and while their rivals have spent big this summer, the Baggies have had to make do with loans and free transfers. They need a strong deadline day desperately.
Tottenham
Unconvincing wins against Swansea and Palace, and a defeat in the north London derby. Their summer signings look good on paper but Andre Villas-Boas will need to integrate them and mould a convincing team quickly.
Entertainment
The Best League In The World produced just 13 goals from its 9 games this weekend. It’s not as if teams have been scrimping with their striker signings either, is it?