EPL 2020/21 - Game Week 2

Welcome back to the EPL! It is still strange to see empty stadiums and fake crowd noise. Where there is no intimidating home ground advantage and the only slight advantage for the home teams are that they are more familiar with their own pitch and they don't have to travel. 

In last week's season opener, Arsenal and of course Aubameyang got off quickly with a reassuring 3-0 away win at Craven Cottage over Fulham. Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace actually had a win over Southampton. Then Liverpool and Leeds showcased an exhilarating encounter. West Ham stammered at home instead of hammered so that Newcastle flourish. The Foxes got a good 3-0 away win at WBA, courtesy of Jamie Vardy scoring two penalties to ensure he is just one goal shy of Mo Salah who got a hattrick thus Salah has got a new record for being only the 4th player ever to score on four opening days and broke Rooney's record with 35 wins whenever he scored. Tottenham's home defeat was Everton's first away win there in 9 attempts. Sheffield United got off to a disappointing 0-2 home defeat by Wolves while Brighton lost 1-3 at home to Chelsea despite a spirited display. It's still early days but we got an idea of the new season. The two Manchester clubs, Aston Villa and Burnley have yet to feature but will play their opener in Game Week 2. 

On between league games, there is the EFL Cup happening where most if not all teams are fielding different players, allowing their second stringers or younger players to have a run especially in this condensed season. Although it may help some teams with their morale, do not read too much into them. 

What an opener at Anfield it was at Anfield that left us gasping for breath. Let's hope for many more exciting games and hopefully the demise of Covid19 so that fans could slowly return. Let's see what is in store for Game Week 2 based on my observation in Game Week 1.

Arsenal v West Ham - Another London derby which suitably puts Arsenal for a fine start. Looks like the Gunners will lead the table after two matches. Arsenal's two new signing were impressive - Willian from a free transfer from Chelsea complimented the Gunners' attack. Aubameyang looks likely to continue his more than 20 goals a season with one in the opener and Gabriel Magalhaes, the 1.90m, 22 year old Brazilian looks to solve their defensive problems with not only a commanding game but also got a goal. It is a bad time for West Ham to visit the Emirates even if the Hammers were encouraged by their 3-0 EFL Cup win over Charlton where Sebastian Haller got 2 goals. He also had a pre-season hattrick so he may be their key player for the new season. Brazilian Felipe Anderson also scored and he was early last season the Hammers' best player. Then there have been times like this where surprises are in store with West Ham waking up and Arsenal going to sleep. If West Ham keep the back tight and play the right attacking components up front, they may get something but likely to be a home win. Last season Arsenal won 1-0 at the Emirates. 2-1.

Aston Villa v Sheffield United - Villa rested and now host the Blades at Villa Park. Jack Grealish helped them escaped relegation and despite much interest form other clubs remained anchored. As this is their second life, Villa must learned from last season. They have since signed Arsenal goalie Emiliano Martinez for 20 million pounds and striker Ollie Watkins who scored 26 goals for Brentford last season for 30 million pounds. Then there was a 16 million for right-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest. That is quite a lot of cash! Sheffield United were stunned 0-2 at home by Wolves and will need to bring back their first season form quickly. The Blades are in the midst of bringing young Liverpool talent Rhian Brewster on loan to add goals. Villa is not the most difficult opponent to restore their faith but Villa got off a winning start in the EFL Cup away to Burton where they won 3-1 and Ollie Watkins scored the equalizer and Jack Grealish the winning goal. The tie at Villa Park last season was 0-0. A tough season is ahead for both. 1-1.

Chelsea v Liverpool - This is the match of the week! It is going to be a cracking match. Chelsea 3-1 away win over a well-drilled and confident Brighton is a good result. New big signing Timo Werner was sharp and di you know that the Seagulls dominated the Blues with 52% possesion and 13 shots to Chelsea's 10? Chelsea are still saddled with defensive issues and goalkeeper Kepa, once the most expensive in the world lacks authority and confidence. The win was a laboured one. The rich big chap who beat up the small poor guy game is over and this is a real test for both teams. In their new signings of Timo Werner, Kai Harverts and Hakim Ziyech, Chelsea could rival the Reds' much heralded front three. Chelsea and Lampard will be eager to renew their rivalry with Liverpool and Klopp. The end result would be a signal of intent. 

Liverpool were a mixed bag at Anfield in their dramatic 4-3 win over Leeds in an exhilarating game. They were rusty but showed glimpses of their true ability at times but they will need to be back to their best especially with their defensive woes. How Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez were easily turned and dragged for the first goal conceded to Leeds, how of all players, Virgil Van Dijk was just too casual in trying to flick the ball rather than simply giving it a hoof. It could have been a misunderstanding with Alisson who was so superb for the last few seasons but looked tentative at times. Liverpool's midfield was also harassed by Leeds and at times bypassed by long balls that breached Liverpool's high defensive line. The really bright spark was Mo Salah who looked very lively and sharp from the first whistle like he was on a vengeance. He tormented the Leeds' defence and at times even appeared Messi-resqued. His first penalty was a choice of power as he rammed home into the middle as the goalkeeper dived to his left. Later, he completed his hattrick sending the goalkeeper the wrong way as he placed his shot low and the the keeper's right. You need nerves of steel to score this as the minutes were ticking away and a goal would be the winning one but it was his second goal that took the cake as he controlled the ball allowing it a little bounce before smashing a half-volley that curled towards the end into the corner. That was sheer confidence. That aside, Liverpool had only 49% possession but had 22 shots to Leeds' 6 and created 15 chances to Leeds' 5. That was in itself wastefulness. 

Lampard would love to get the Reds' scalp here but if he names a full attacking outfit and push forward with abandon, they may get hammered because they defence has been woeful last season and were poor when defending counters. Liverpool's high defensive lines and their marauding full backs are tempting to exploit. I can imagine another possible thriller coming up. Liverpool have taken their time to blend in players. Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino looked settled and are showing their potential. Minamino has scored in pre-season, friendlies and in the Community Shield. Plus the signing of Thiago Alcantara, the midfield wizard that used to boss the midfield of Barcelona and Bayern Munich would be joining soon. Thiago is an amazing player who plays at his own pace and dictates a match. He was the man of the Match in the Champions Leagues final when Bayern Munich won 1-0 against PSG. Thiago is a player who sees all angles, strings all passes as a deep lying midfielder and opponents won't get near him when he has the ball. He shall give Liverpool a totally new dimension and way of playing, light up Anfield and the Premier League and a shot at the title. It is difficult to improve a team like Klopp's Liverpool and very few players can improve this great team and Thiago is one of the rare few.

Chelsea's attack have the talents to rival the Reds' if they gel immediately but the Reds' formidable front three have more experience and paying together. The real battle could be in midfield and defence holds the key as Chelsea's have been shoddy last season and Liverpool's were the best but three golas conceded to Leeds and the mistakes made raised a few eyebrows. Kepa was poor last season and made another mistake last week while Alisson who was the best for a few season looks tentative at times. It does look to me that there could be fireworks and a goal fest for the above reasons. Last season, Liverpool won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and won 5-3 at Anfield. This match comes a bit too early to judge them. A cliffhanger may be in store. Salah looks the hottest of them all. Doesn't look like he will get the match ball again but he will play a big part. Liverpool have been trained to and have been grinding out results. They may just nick it. 1-2.

Note: By the way, Liverpool have just signed Diogo Jota from Wolves. He is a 3 season veteran and yet remains only at 23. He has 17 goals and 2 assists last season and was rested in some games. A very good and wise acquisition under the radar. 

Everton v WBA - The Toffees must surely be full of confidence and they have reasons for it. Dominic Calvert-Lewin may have his finest season yet to fulfill his potential that Ancelotti believed he has. Richarlison once again proved his menace with a MOTM performance. I do like the looks of new signings Allan and the once much touted Colombian James Rodriguez who was a thorn against Spurs. The Baggies' opener was a reminder that they are now in the Premier League. WBA started their previous match well but ended badly. They have a decent attack, mediocre midfield and poor defence. They certainly need to improve especially at the back or they could soon be staring down their next season. The Baggies did get a win over lower division Harrogate (3-0). By the way, their jersey looks like bar code to me. Everton have a good warm up 3-0 win over Salford in the EFL Cup. Anything less than a good win would be disappointing at Goodison Park for  the Toffees who look impressive. Everto used to struggle against WBA but not this team. 2-0.

Leeds v Fulham - Leeds United are going to light up the Premier League! The Marcelo Bielsa brand of soccer can be intoxicating. Mikel Arteta is right tha playing Leeds is a a visit to the dentist - you get nightmares. Leeds wasn't afraid and fearlessly took the game to Liverpool. I had a first glimpse of Kalvin Philip and what a player! His glorious long searching pass resulted in the first equaliser as he found Jack Harrison who had beaten TAA, cut back across Joe Gomez and crashed home. They are both young English players. Pole Mateusz Klich was also very good when he got the third equaliser. You see, Leeds went down 3 times and fought back each time till they conceded the last with 2 minutes left and no tiem and energy to chase. This Leeds team is going to bring a breath of fresh air and lighten up the league and they are going to give many teams hell. But then again, Leed's style of play could also be exploited by other teams  at the back and it is a long season. I love open, attractive, attacking soccer so I wish Leeds to continue to play this way enthralling all fans and getting good results. 

Fulham conceded 81 goals in their previous Premier League season. They started badly at Arsenal but ended well and like WBA they could get some good results along the way. Their head to head results against Leeds in the were not bad. Last season in the Championship, they lost 0-3 at Elland Road and won 2-1 at Craven Cottage but as I saw how both played, I have a fear for visiting Fulham this time. do note that Leeds stumbles in the EFL Cup as they were held 1-1 by lower division Hull and lost 8-9 on penalty kicks though they fielded a different team.  Fulham did win in the EFL Cup 1-0 away to Ipswich. Both Leeds and Fulham knew each other well having played last season in the Championship but at Elland Road, Leeds to win. 2-0.

Leicester v Burnley - Despite the fine result of a good win in their opener, Leicester were not totally convincing. An opening 3-0 away win should have boosted them. Burnley will be playing their first match here. They will not be winning many matches but are always tough and at certain period of the season are poor or very good. Unpredictability is the word. Sean Dyche has been doing a great job at Turf Moor and their recent 5-4 penalty kicks win over Sheffield United after tying 1-1 in the EFL Cup showed their mentality. This is no easy game for Leicester. Burnley have one of the top goalkeepers in the league in Nick Pope who scored top points for his many wonderful saves and he may dish out his heroics once again.  I feel it will be a tight game but the Foxes should have enough quality up front especially with last season's 33 year old top scorer Jamie Vardy looking sharp. Both home teams won 2-1 last season for the record. 2-1.

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - A delayed opener at Old Trafford is a good way to start the season and convinced themselves and the fans that the later half of last season was no fluke. United have big dreams and ambition with many big name players linked to them. Their triumvirate of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood holds promise but Greenwood with great potential showed maturity on the pitch at such a young age but the same cannot be said about him outside the pitch. He has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently. Palace got off to a rare opening win. They were stubborn against the Saints but more significantly, Wilfreid Zaha was quite unstoppable. As soon as they were cheered they lost 10-11 on penalties to Bournemouth after a 0-0 draw but they fielded different players. Crystal Palace can sometimes surprise top teams if they keep it tight and can be dangerous in their counters and Wilfried Zaha was top class last week. The key is for Palace not to concede early goals. At Old Trafford, United may be just too strong and if Marcus Rashford, Anthony Marshal and Mason Greenwood can carry on the same form towards the end of last season then surely a win for the Red Devils but be warned that in 2019, Palace won 2-1 at Old Trafford. 2-0.

Newcastle v Brighton - After so many dodgy seasons, the Magpies came alive on opening day with an unlikely 2-0 away win over West Ham as unlikely as Steve Bruce bringing them success. Were the Hammers very poor or Newcastle very good? The fact that Callum Wilson scored meant they can now be a proper threat. Brighton played well at Chelsea despite the loss and the scoreline did not reflect their play. The Magpies are flying a bit on the wind of a new season as they chalked up their 2nd win with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn at St. James Park with new signing from Bournemouth Ryan Fraser scoring. This is form. Brighton were good against Chelsea, organised and well drilled and should be further encouraged by a 4-0 win over Portsmouth in the EFL Cup. WHile Newcastle are looking good, Brighton are better than the results suggested but last seasons' home and away ties ended 0-0. 1-1.

Southampton v Tottenham - The Saints did not carry on where they left. They dominated Palace with 70% possession, had 9 shots against their host's 5 and a few occasions where they could have scored. Jose Mourinho has called his players lazy after a 0-1 home defeat to Everton. Is this a sign of trouble brewing? Mourinho has often done especially well in his second season at all his previous clubs were quite often they have won the league. Ralp Hasenhuttl's Southanpton have good energy. They can get scrappy but inntelligent and can expose their opponents weakness with a burst but question marks arose when they lost o-2 at home to Brentford (who lost out in promotion to premier league narrowly last season) with almost their first team. This could be worrying but then this is often how the Saints start a season. More worrying would be Jose Mourinho and his Tottenham side. If they appeared hopeless against Everton, was it Mourinho's selection and tactics that needed questioning? Jose's teams do not press of play a higher defensive line and often conservative deliberately allowing his opponents possession so he could create counter-attacks. Confidence can be eroded if not quickly restored. Southampton may make them struggle as Spurs are no longer that lovely attacking team of 2 seasons ago since Pochettino and Eriksen left. Spurs fans must have their hearts in their mouth as they need 2 late goals by Kane ((80th0 and Ndombele (85th) to claim an away Europa League clash with Lokomotiv Plodiv. The well drilled Bulgarian side big, bald and bearded players are the 6th best side in Bulgaria. The return of Gareth Bale is a double edged sword as Bale could inspire but he has been playing more golf than soccer in Madrid for quite some time. Spurs need to convince not stutter. Normally Spurs are clear favourites but that was the old normal. Last year's tie at the St. Marys ended one apiece. 2-2.

Wolves v Manchester City - Wolves have been one of the most consistent teams in the league over a few seasons as they welcome City who are playing their first match of the season. This may be the second best match after Chelsea v Liverpool. Unfortunately, they crashed out of the EFL Cup at home against Stoke City (0-1). Nevertheless, they will be difficult opponents for City as Wolves did the double over them last season - winning 3-2 here at the Molineux and 2-0 at the Etihad - unpleasant memories for pep Guardiola. The signing of Dutchman Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for a big sum could help City's defence which was an issue. They have also added young Ferran Torres that will provide an attacking edge since they have lost Leroy Sane. City shall start as favourites but dropped points would raise question marks. Wolves are City's bogey team and hard to break them down. If the hunt in packs with confidence at the Molineux, there could be trouble for any visitors. 2-2.