EPL 2022/2023 - Game Week 5

What a weekend of Premier League soccer! Such drama and goals galore! Bring it on, we want more! Manchester United got their first win away win after 8 attempts with a good team goal but Southampton were hard done as they played well, even better than United, had more shots with 2 big chances and better xG. How was it not a handball penalty for the Saints when the ball hit Scott McTominay's hands three times even if it was not intentional but It kind of interfered with the ball's direction? Everton are still without a win as they allowed Brentford a late equaliser despite playing with lots of grit. Brighton continued their great success story with a 1-0 home win over Leeds but a gross negligence allowed Pascal Gross to fired home. 

What was Conor Gallagher thinking when he took down Harvey Barnes for a second yellow and marching order and it was only 28th minute? Gallagher was so outstanding on loan at Crystal Palace last season. Desite playing with ten men, Chelsea won 2-1 thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace. Its was either Chelsea were so good or Leicester were so poor or both. Liverpool responded perfectly after a dismal start with a huge and comprehensive win at Anfield. A 5-0 first half lead was a record first half score and the final 9-0 being equal to the Premier League's old. It was on the front foot and rampant. City were stunned and 0-2 down to Palace at half-time but roared back to score four with a Haaland hattrick. It meant that City's are having some defensive issues but their attack is so strong they could almost always come back to win. Arsenal continued their perfect record with four straight wins and top of the table. 

Relentless. The pace is relentless. Why do they have to play Wednesday week at 0230 hours to 0300 hours? 

Crystal Palace v Brentford - I told you the Eagles will trouble City and they almost did it even without Zaha. Brentford managed to steal a late goal to draw with Everton. It will be a tough game for both sides. Somehow I see Palace and Brentford as equally good. It is gonna be quite a physical game. 1-1.

Fulham v Brighton - Fulham did so well to hold Arsenal and even took the lead through Mitrovic. Brighton are having a super start and growing in belief thanks to Graham Potter and remained unbeaten. I enjoyed watching these two teams and neither deserve to lose. With Fulham's Mitrovic and Brighton's Paul Gross in such form they are the two guys to watch. 1-1.

Southampton v Chelsea - The Saints were really unfortunate not to get something against United. They played well and matched their opponent and unlucky not to get a handball penalty decision against United. It will not be easy for Chelsea as United found out. So Southampton need to repeat that form and score. Chelsea have better finishing for sure. So advantage. 1-2.

Leeds v Everton - Leeds did not play too badly at Brighton but at this level everything is down to a fine margin. Everton have a fine player in Anthony Gordon. James Tarkowski had a solid game at the back and you can see they worked really hard and play with determination. What they need are goals. Just tough defending can only work in some situation and could work here but if. 1-1.

Arsenal v Aston Villa - Arsenal are going great guns and enjoying it. The late 85th minute goal showed that they have the character. Many Arsenal players are playing well especially Martin Odegaard. Even William Saliba has scored and provided an assist from the back. Villa are not playing well and do not look like they could get something at the Emirates. The Gunners shouls maintain a perfect record. If Villa do not turn up with a big fight then Steven Gerrard will be fighting hard for his future. 2-1.

Bournemouth v Wolves - The Cherries just got a hammering of their lives. We all know Scott Parker is a fine manager but his lack of better signings are hampering their survival. Wolves huffed an puffed at the Molineux but the Magpies' roof was not blown away. Their season has started badly. The Cherries opening win over Billa was a bright start but have since not scored and conceded 16! Fortunately, Wolves aren't really firing. Draw chance for the home side. 1-1.

Manchester City v Nottingham Forest - City have defensive woes. Newcastle led them 3-1 before they came back to draw 3-3 and again Palace led them 2-0 before they came back to win 4-2. Their attacking strength and Erling Haaland's hattrick saved them. Forest were the better team against Spurs  and they put the ball in dangerous areas but could not score and the difference was simply the finishing. They were full of energy and fearless. Fancy Forest to score but City to win. 3-1.

West Ham v Spurs - At last, the Hammers got their first win at Villa Park with a Fornals' goal in the 74th minute. But did this London Derby come too soon. Conte has put in some steel in Spurs and while their results have been good so far, they have not been convincing and Forest were better in the last game. West Ham just paid a club record  50 mlion pounds for Lyon's Brazilian Lucas Paqueta. A tricky game for the visitors. 2-2.

Liverpool v Newcastle - Peter Crouch once said: "If you watch the game, you don't see Firmino. If you watch Firmino, you see the whole game". Roberto Firmino was written off as having past his prime. Two goals and three assists later in their moment of need and everyone is raving again. His pressing from the front, link up play, back heels and timing were brilliant. The old Bobby is back! Jurgen is just such a fine gentleman as after the 9-0 drubbing, he abstained from doing his usual fist pumping for his fans and just before the game ended, he had his arms around Scott Parker to show respect for his opponent. That is humility. It is so important for a leader to do that so that his team and fans would learn to do likewise. 

Newcastle are the new Magpies. Alan Saint Maxima's goal was magical and saved them a point at Wolves. Liverpool have a few injured returning bit Saint Maxima is out due to a hamstring. The Reds should be getting full points at Anfield. 2-0.

Leicester v Manchester United - Things are not going well at Leicester. Like Everton, Wolves and West Ham they are without a win. They are nowhere near where they were last season. They have been losing players and now Wesley Fofana has left for Chelsea. Brendan Rodgers is good but he needs to win soonest and he must spend those money from Fofana to beef up. United have jist signed Antony from Ajax for 80 million pounds with add-ons. In their desperate situation all selling clubs will increase prices with the transfer window closing. Anthony has 8 goala ans 4 assists last season. So no matter how exciting a player he is everyone is saying he is much overpriced. United is fast becoming a Dutch team. Not that its a bad thing but what if they sack Ten Hag later? Brendan Rodgers must raise his team's game as their visitors are not a settled side yet. 2-2.

I have a day job so I have no choice but to hit the snooze button. All the best! Zzzzzzz........