The English Premier League got off to an intriguing start. With several upsets, it just goes to reinforce the unpredictability and strength of English football. I for one was reminded of it’s excitement and passion, as already teams usually associated with the bottom half of the table look menacing. This means no easy points this year, unless you play Liverpool.
So here is a quick briefing of the second week of the Barclays season.
Swansea City Vs West Ham United
09:45 pm Saturday AEST at Liberty Stadium
It will be a packed house when the Swans play their first home game of the new campaign, fresh off a 5-0 demolition at the expense of QPR.
I doubt it will be as easy all season for the Welsh outfit, who take on the another London club this week.
The West Ham faithful will be looking to gather as many points away from home this season to re-establish themselves in top-flight football, but it will be a tough ask in Wales.
Swansea City 2 – 1 West Ham United
Manchester United Vs Fulham
12:00 am Sunday AEST at Old Trafford
No doubt Sir Alex would be more than disappointed with his side’s start, after the Red Devils went down 1-0 to Everton.
Fulham on the other hand, had a ripping win at home and won’t pose as an easy three points for United.
Robert Van Persie will be hoping to make more of an impression for his new side this weekend, and will hope to be on the scoring sheet.
The theatre of dreams is no easy place to visit, especially when United are coming off a loss.
Manchester United 2 – 0 Fulham
Norwich City Vs Queens Park Rangers
12:00 am Sunday AEST at Carrow Road
Both sides are coming off equally ugly loses and will hope that their defences won’t be as leaky the whole season.
The Canaries have already taken swift action signing centre-back Sebastian Bassong, while it seems a fee has been agreed between QPR and Real Madrid for the services of Ricardo Carvalho.
Chris Hughes will be hoping for a response from his team and will certainly look for his midfield of Ji-Sung Park and Shaun Wright-Phillips to create some genuine chances.
Norwich City 1-1 Queens Park Rangers
Aston Villa Vs Everton
12:00 am Sunday AEST at Vila Park
Not to sure what to make of Villa. Everton looked extremely sharp against United and will be hoping that they’re home form can be carried with them on the road.
Despite Everton losing Jack Rodwell and Tim Cahill, David Moyes seems to always make do with what he has at his disposal.
I would be hoping for a classic open game here, couldn’t see any reason why there wouldn’t be a lot of goals.
Aston Villa 2 – 3 Everton
Tottenham Hotspur Vs West Bromwich Albion
12:00am on Sunday AEST at White Heart Lane
A Tottenham loss and another poor start to an Andre Vilas-Boas Premier League debut, it just doesn’t get any easier for the former Chelsea boss.
The Luka Modric saga seems to be on going, and the manager will look for stability as he takes on a side fresh off a 3 – 0 victory over Liverpool.
The Baggies were extremely impressive in attack and have plenty of options up forward, including the man Villas-Boas brought into English football, Romelu Lukaku.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Southampton Vs Wigan Athletic
12:00am on Sunday AEST at St Mary’s Stadium
Wigan showed great resilience after going down two goals inside seven minutes to Chelsea last week, dominating possession and attempts at goal.
Southampton were also impressive against Manchester City, and perhaps, were unlucky not to gain a point for their troubles.
Wigan need more potency up forward. Franco Di Santo found himself in good spaces at times but lacked the ability to impose himself as a centre-half.
Could be a costly season for Wigan if he doesn’t come good.
Southampton 1-0 Wigan Athletic
Sunderland Vs Reading
12:00am on Sunday AEST at The Stadium Of Light
Reading will be disappointed that they don’t have more points on the board, especially after a superb performance against the European Champions in midweek.
The stadium of light is a daunting place to visit, but the newly promoted side should push Sunderland the whole way.
Louis Saha could provide danger up forward for Sunderland, and may prove the decider if he is given minutes and opportunity from his midfield.
Sunderland 2 – 3 Reading
Chelsea Vs Newcastle United
2:30 am on Sunday AEST at Stamford Bridge
After playing two games, Chelsea sit at the head of the table with their new signings shining in each victory, especially Eden Hazard.
However, Chelsea still look sloppy at times, giving the ball away in deep midfield and looking suspect in defence.
Newcastle will pose a massive threat for the home side and look to re-create last seasons upset at the bridge.
Fernando Torres will look to continue his goal scoring form for Chelsea as he continues to build confidence.
Chelsea 3 – 2 Newcastle United
Stoke City Vs Arsenal
10:30pm on Sunday AEST at Britannia Stadium
Aresenal seemed to lack the speed and movement for which they are known for, and they will have to find it quickly when taking on a side like Stoke.
Most likely the bus will be parked, and Stoke will look to catch the Gunners on the break, or any set piece they get.
It is always a scrappy affair at Stoke and Arsenal will have to make a large improvement on last weeks efforts.
Stoke City 0 – 2 Arsenal
Liverpool Vs Manchester City
1:00 am on Monday AEST at Anfield
Liverpool were beaten by a more than impressive West Brom side. It wasn’t a good start for Brendan Rodgers and he will be sure to feel the pressure of managing a side with such an outstanding history.
The reigning premier league champions came away with a scrappy win over the weekend, and it came at a price, with star striker Sergio Aguero sustaining an injury.
There will be no cause for alarm at City, with a plethora of strike options, they will be sure to continue scoring.
Liverpool 0 – 3 Manchester City
Joshua Jeans is a final-year Bachelor of Media Studies student at La Trobe University and is upstart’s current sports editor. He hates Liverpool. You can follow him on Twitter: @jeansjoshua.
