EPL Game Week 4

The score read Manchester 13, London 3 last weekend. Merely after 2 matches, the games came alive! The power is being transferred from central London to Manchester. City, the Blue side announced their arrival with a thumping 5-1 win away to Tottenham at White Hart Lane with Aguero scoring one and Edin Dzeko scoring an incredible four. Not to be outdone, the Red Devils gave a strong signal with their relatively young squad murdering an Arsenal side depleted by injuries and suspension 8-2 with Rooney bagging a hattrick including two brilliant free-kick goals. The complexion of the game might have been different had van Persie scored from the spot to make 1-1.

Before Gameweek 4 begins, the August 31 dateline and scramble for new signings took a new high throughout Europe as if there was no financial situation or recession facing many of these countries. Soccer is recession-proofed? This is where Arsenal is doing a real fine job by being not tempted to splash big money on new signings but at the same time being of this world and not doing it like the rest of the world can be a very tough job. They had wanted Juan Mata (pronounced "one mata" not one policeman) but but all clubs waiting to sell will wait for the highest bidder in which case Chelsea came in and claimed Mata. So Arsenal went for German Internationl Per Mertesacker, a 6ft 4 or 5in giant who though slow has represented his country in the World Cup and European Championship. He should address the Gunners soft spot of leaking goals at set pieces.

Arteta who is Spanish but never represented Spain is a good player who will replace Fabregas one for one but he is injury-prone and at 29 is no spring chicken. Adding Benayoun is good as he can open up a game when called upon. The internationals brought respite for Arsenal allowing them time for a breather.

Arsenal v Swansea - Swansea is looking for their first Premiership goal and based on game week 3's results there is no better team to play to get a goal but the Gunner has been reinforced and every team is due a freak result sometimes even when you are playing golf. So what does not kill Arsenal will make Arsenal stronger? Arsenal has not gone bad overnight but they cannot do themselves justice if they do not start winning and a morale boosting win over Swansea could well be the antidote. They can't afford otherwise. 2-0.

Everton v Aston Villa - Everton got a lucky win at Blackburn while Villa were held by Wolves. David Moyes's job is not easy as he has lost Arteta so Tim Cahill has to raise his game but a draw could be the likely result. 1-1.

Manchester City v Wigan - Wigan did well to win 2-0 over QPR but if you had witnessed how City destroyed Spurs away and the manner they went about it, you fear for Wigan. Another couple of goals for Edin Dzeko? 3-0.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TQYYCG0e70 (Spurs v Man City)

Stoke v Liverpool - So far the really impressive teams have been the two from Manchester. Liverppol is looking good and should go on in strength but there is too much dependency on Luis Suarez for creativity. I could not understand why they sold Raul Meireless to Chelsea - they have to sell someone? Stoke won away to WBA and now at home can be a tough nut to crack. Liverpool won 3-1 v Bolton but Stoke looks tougher than Bolton these days. Can Liverpool roll up their sleeves this time? They are having a good run so they may just ace this one. 1-2. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6fGoLJrj54

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktPcZacgcoE (Liverpool v Bolton)

Sunderland v Chelsea - A slow start for Chelsea but they will grow on it. Sunderland do have some pressure to deliver but at home against Chelsea? 1-2.

Wolves v Tottenham - Wolves and Spurs are in unfamiliar territory - at the wrong end of the table. Two thrashings by Man U followed by Man City had them propping up the table. Meanwhile Wolves are re-writing their own story with a new verve. Interesting. Would Wolves be a handful at the Molineux or could Spurs awake from their slumber? Ask Harry (Redknapp). The Cockerels may have to wait a little longer. 2-2.

Bolton v Manchester United - Bolton epitomise work ethics and is largely a solid team but they lack the resources of the big and rich elites. It is not an easy place to go to but then United is on fire at the moment. Gary Cahill who scored in the opening game and again for England is having a ball of his time. Why didn't Arsene Wenger splash the cash on him? Can he stop Rooney who scored a hattrick against Arsenal and then a brace for England against Bulgaria? 1-2 to the Red Devils as they hope to continue a two horse race with the neighbour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcCFIsoqkxA (Man Utd v Arsenal)

Norwich v WBA - I thought these two teams has been playing well but then they are in the Premier League. They certainly have to slog harder than others to try for a result. 1-1.

Fulham v Blackburn - Fulham always ends up in a respectable position at the end of the season but haven't got the best start. Blackburn was like Bolton and Bolton was once like Stoke. So in this respect Blackburn has fallen in the pecking order in recent times since the halcyon days of Kenny Dalglish at the helm with Alan Shearer leading the charge. With home advantage at Craven Cottage, Fulham ought to pull through. 2-1.

QPR v Newcastle - QPR was a popular team in the former First Division boasting players like Gerry Francis, Phil Parkes, Les Ferdinand and Roy Wegerle but coming back after such a long time has brought their giddying heights of promotion from the last division crashing like a satellite down to earth in the Premier League. Trounced 4-0 in their opener, surprising winning 1-0 at Everton and then going down 2-0 to Wigan ensured their topsy-turvy ride continues. I thought Newcastle is having a weaker team then before but their results spoke otherwise. With a little good luck they may even win this one. 1-2. Have a nice EPL weekend.