Good week...
Chelsea
Eto’o got on the scoresheet, a couple of goals for Hazard, one for Oscar, and Mata started. There’ll be tougher tests to come than Cardiff at home of course, but is the Mourinho message starting to sink in? It might be time for Arsenal to start looking nervously over their shoulders…
Arsenal
Or not. Like Chelsea, they weren’t up against the toughest of opponents on Saturday, but it was breath taking at times. Wilshere’s goal (of the season?) in particular was the perfect illustration of the creativity and firepower possessed by their midfield. How many goals and assists will he, Ozil, Ramsey and Cazorla have between them by the end of the season? Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain are still to return too, and Podolski. Decent.
Southampton
A draw away from home should never be sniffed at, but if the Saints are to qualify for the Champions League, they’ll need to stop dropping points against mid-table sides…
Ha. Also, Dejan Lovren looks a player doesn’t he?
Everton
Another win, one that sees them two places and four points better off than Man Utd. And people said Moyes would be missed.
Tottenham and Man City
Away wins for both against teams that could have made life difficult. If they can just find a bit more consistency then City’s title challenge, and Spurs’ Champions League push will be well underway. And what a couple of weeks it’s been for Andros Townsend.
BAD week...
Sunderland
It was a strange decision by the board to appoint Poyet when they did, with the international break meaning he only had a couple of days to work with the squad before Saturday’s game. Still, that performance was Di Canio-esque and the gap between Sunderland and safety looks daunting, and will be even more so if Fulham beat Palace tonight. Whatever magic he’s got, he’ll need to work it quick.
Man Utd
Dropped points are hardly news for United these days, but the way David Moyes contrived to forfeit the initiative against Southampton is a real concern. His starting eleven was probably about right, and after van Persie opened the scoring, the home side looked likely to build on their lead. Then came the substitutions. First it was Ryan Giggs, on for the impressive Nani, and completely overrun by the Saints’ energetic midfield. Welbeck for Fellaini? Maybe, but Smalling for Rooney? Since when did United try and cling on to 1-0 leads? A minute later, Lallana popped up with the equaliser. You’re not at Everton anymore, Davey.
Stoke
Last year they were the second lowest scorers in the division, and the lowest the year before. So far this season they’ve scored 4, the lowest again. Doesn’t look like much has changed really.
Norwich
Still in the bottom three, Hooper and van Wolfswinkel… Well, where are they? Only won 6 games in 2013 too. Not looking great for Chris Hughton, is it?
Anything else?
Image Source