EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 3

VAR! VAR has become VAR, VAR, Vroom! Is it good or is it bad? It depends on who benefited isn't it? But it does slow down the game. Without VAR, teams would sometimes be on the losing end and also sometimes benefited. 

This week's big game are from the pace setters - Liverpool and Arsenal in number one and two positions at Anfield. One or both are set to drop points. Aston Villa and Chelsea are searching for their first win while both City and United of Manchester are seeking to return to winning ways after their respective draw last week. 

Aston Villa v Everton - Captain Jack Grealish was Man-of-The-Match but Villa lost to 1-2 at home to Bournemouth last week. I told you he is good but not it was not enough as the Villans slumped to their second defeat and if not corrected soon may end up as the new Fulham of last season. Everton drew in their opener and won at home over Watford (1-0) so this is progress for them. a 10th minute goal by Bernard was enough. A home win will be huge for Villa and their fans and they need to birng back their pre-season form. Everton have not lost a match for sometime and hard to get past but they do not score many. Villa need to tighten at the back and to score early. Villa is likely to have to wait a little longer for that win. 1-1. 

Norwich v Chelsea - The Canaries roared back in style at Carrow Road beating the Magpies 3-1. Frank Lampard's Chelsea are still without a win. Mason Mount's 7th minute goal saw them cruising but Leicester's fight back was complete when Ndidi scored erasing his earlier mistake that gave away the goal. One year ago, I told you that Mason Mount at the time on loan to Derby was a very good youngster along with Jason Sancho, Rhian Brewster and Phil Foden. He showed it and repaid Lampard's faith in him despite some criticism. Lampard's boys have so far started well in their matches but faded and he is in need of a win badly. Norwich is a good side that plays positive. They have Tettey, Pukki and a manager called Farke. Pukki has been terrific and just had a hattrick last week. What a player! Chelsea have been leaking goals so Norwich shall score especially Teemu Pukki. I think it is time for Chelsea to return to winning even as they are playing away. It may come with a flurry of goals. It has to be noted that Lampard's has been unlucky despite solid performances. Norwich will fancy their own chances but a Chelsea win is imminent. 2-3.

Brighton v Southampton - The Seagull's could not defeat West Ham at home and now have another home game to take full points. The Saints improved a lot since their losing opener and gave Liverpool a tough game at the St. Mary's. Brighton are on a roll and will look forward to build on it. Southampton are without a win. Ralph Hasenhuttl need a bit of luck but Brighton are looking too good now. 2-1. 

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - The Red Devils were held 1-1 at the Molineux by Wolves. Paul Pogba missed a penalty when it should be Marcus Rashford's job to take it. United are much faster and fitter now and Martial and Rashford are looking good. Palace have not won, neither have they scored so it does not look good going to Old Trafford unless Roy Hodgson's team  perform a miracle. Their ex star player Aaron Wan-Bissika has been wonderful. I guess United should win this more comfortably. 2-0.

Sheffield United v Leicester - The Blades recorded their first win in the Premier League with a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane and remain undefeated after two matches but they are not safe here even as they play at home. The Foxes are their visitors who has had two tough matches versus Wolves and then Chelsea. Leicester have not lost easily and seemed to have tightened up. If their midfield and forwards are more clinical, they could get a win here. 1-2.  

Watford v West Ham - The Hornets are facing a horror start to their campaign. West Ham too. Both are supposed to be stronger this season based on last season but yet are floundering as they crashed at home and got trounced in their season opener. So this is a defining game for them and could indicate how they will finally turn out this season. I do not see them gathering speed from here in the early season but they have shown to pick up towards the later half. 1-1.

Liverpool v Arsenal - The Reds looked lethargic last week and allowed Southampton into the game. Their defence, the best in the league needs major improvements. Adrian's howler aside, they were a bit lucky but fortunately Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino scored two pretty individual goals to seal a win to keep them on top. They may be having a habit of winning but now one of the big boys Arsenal are coming. Unai Emery has improved the Gunners. They won again at home to Burnley (2-1). The host cannot afford to be sloppy as the Gunners do have top marksmen in Lacazette and Aubameyang and now have Ceballos threading strings in the middle. Interestingly, how will the Reds line up? They will need to be back to their best to win here as they have won so far without shifting into higher gear. Liverpool's front three has scored and assisted and much will depend on whether Arsenal could stop them. In this match, one or both teams may drop points but this is the kind of match you must win if you want to be champions. Some are predicting a draw which is possible but if Liverpool's midfield stop Ceballos and then if their three musketeers do their job at Anfield then a home win but their clean sheet may have to wait. Last 3 visits to Anfield were: Liverpool 3-1, 4-0 and 5-1. Liverpool do have a psychological advantage and history behind them here. Liverpool has reached a new club record of eleven straight wins and winning this would make it 12 in a row. Arsenal are an attacking team so they are more open to Liverpool's attack unlike teams who come to just defend. Roberto Firmino has been impressive and he likes to score against Arsenal with 8 goals in 8 games. 3-1. 

Bournemouth v Manchester City - The Cherries are unbeaten and to win at Villa Park was a very good result. City dominated Tottenham but their winning goal was declared null and void by VAR. There was also unhappiness and a heated argument between Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero when he was substituted. City were on a 15-win streak at home but it was halted by Spurs. City have won all previous 8 encounters against Bournemouth so it does not look very optimistic. Anything less than a win would be a surprise for City as you would expect but no one predicted a draw for them at home against Tottenham but me. Raheem Sterling would be their only constant. It may also be Gabriel Jesus's turn to play ahead of Aguero who reminded me so much of former Brazil great Romario. 1-3.

Spurs v Newcastle  - Spurs put out quite a show. While still not at City's level yet, Spurs have proven once again they have what it takes to beat the top teams in the premier league and Europe. They were dominated by City and yet found their way back not once but twice. That was courage and belief even if you do not like VAR. Newcastle looked terrible against Norwich. A rampaging Harry Kane on home ground is not what you would like as Magpies' fans but the poor start is not unexpected when Rafa Benitez left. Steve Bruce is onto a tough start. Surprisingly, Eriksen appeared poor after his good game against City when he came on and Lucas Moura seemed to be more effective. Could he come ahead of the pecking order? 2-0. 

Wolves v Burnley - Wolves disposed of Armenian outfit Pyunik 4-0 and later matched Manchester United in a 1-1 draw at the Molineux. Now they host Burnley in a winnable game but the Clarets have shown they will be no walkover as they lost only 1-2 to Arsenal at the Emirates. Wolves are also a difficult team to breakdown and have proven last season they could even take on the big boys and will not be out of place. They drew their two games against tough opponents and their third here could throw out their first win. At least, I thought they could win here. 2-1.