The 2015/2016 EPL Weekend-Round 3

Manchester United's 100% recorded was ended in what was arguably their best attacking display of the season which ironically ended in a stalemate.  Newcastle put together a resolute defensive display that led by Collocini. United's final ball and finishing on numerous occasions left a lot to be desired. Depay failed to follow up his brilliant showing against Brugge in midweek more often than not failing to trouble Tim Krul in goal. Rooney fared even worse struggling to impose himself in the lone striker position. Louis Van Gaal insists he doesn't need to buy a striker but on the evidence of this game, United are laboring to finish off chances created. Rooney needs to play off a main target man. Depay at times seems to be trying too much. He needs to relax and enjoy his game. United also need to decide who will be taking their free kicks. They had more than one tasty looking freekicks that were wasted. The routine looks like when they get a free kick, either one of Rooney, Depay or Mata will take it, then they rotate the role through out the game. They need to settle on one person who will be under no pressure and will know how to correct the mistakes of a previous free kick. As poor as United were offensively, the opposite was true for the defence. United's defence has been rock solid so far this season under the stewardship of Smalling and Blind. The two seem to have discovered some sort of chemistry and are enjoying playing alongside each other. Darmian has been the stand out performer among the new signings and he continued with his good for. Luke Shaw looks a completely new plyer having shaken off his injury woes and he had a solid game. United are still trying to find the right mix for their mid field. Morgan Schneiderlin has slotted in well but it still a guess as to who will partner him their long term. So far Carrick and Schweinstiger have been used inter-changeably. Herrera has seen little playing time and Fellaini continues to serve a suspension. Juan Mata has consistently been in the starting line up this season and his perfoamnces have justified his selection. Perhaps the one player who will feel hard done by is Ashley Young. The winger has put in impressive perfomances whenever he has been selected to play this season but still finds himself unable to force himself into the starting line up. If i was Van Gaal Young would always be in my starting line up. His speed and skill means he is always a source of threat either when bringing in crosses ot finishing chances himself. I feel he has been a victim of circumstances in that United having signed big names, they have to start and Young has been one of the sacrificial lambs. United next play high flying Swansea in the league with Montero and Gomis sure to provide a stiffer challenge to the United defence. Montero was the architect of last season's win by Swansea in the same fixture last season.

Chelsea finally got a win in an action packed game against West Brom. New signing Pedro was man of the match scoring on his debut as well as providing an assist. That rubbed wounds into United wounds having failed to capture the player and struggling to score themselves. Chelsea looked comfortable uptothe Terry sending off which saw them withstand a second half onslaught by West Brom. In the end Chelsea were barely hanging on. Chelsea's defence has been the subject of scrutiny so far this season and that was the case again this weekend. They have already shipped in 7 goals in only 3 games. Chelsea will no doubt keep on trying to bring in a defender before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal and Liverpool battled to an entertaining draw in the last match of the weekend. This was as good a goalless draw as you can get. Both goalkeepers were well on top of their game with Petr Cech brilliantly making vital saves against Benteke and Courtois while fine reflexes saw Mignolet deny Giroud. Both sides also hit the wood work in a game littered with goal scoring opportunities. Both defences were shaky and Arsenal might feel hard done by with Ramsey's goal ruled out due to a controversial offside decision. Both managers will however be pleased with a draw.

Manchester City continued their impressive start to the season with a 2 nil win over Everton. City are yet to concede a goal this season. They have dominated games and it will take something special for them to be beaten. David Silva completely dominated midfield orchestrating play and providing the outlet for most of City's attack. The defence marshaled by Kompany totally nullified the threat presented by Lukaku and in the end it was a very comfortable win. At this rate ,it will take something really special to stop this City side from reclaiming their title from Chelsea.


Team of the week
Butland
Kompany
Kolarov
Smalling
Collocini
Pedro
Silva
Mata
Bolasie
Costa
Aguero

Player of the week
David Silva