The EPL is so unpredictable this season, what with Leicester topping the league and defending champions Chelsea languishing in 15th place. The top scorers chart has unfamiliar names like James Vardy and Ighalo while the more established marksmen like Costa and Rooney struggle to score.
And so this weekend the excitement continued. Manchester United kicked off the weekend fixture with an away assignment at promoted Watford. This is the kind of a game that would have been a guaranteed 3 points for United a few years ago but things have since changed. United had to do without Rooney, Martial and Carrick all out wiht injuries and illness. Memphis Depay who has fallen out of favor recently was nanded a rare start and he did not disappoint scoring the games opening goal. Watford rallied to equalize late in the second half courtesy of a penalty only for Schweinsteiger to ensure United came away with all three points forcing Deeney to slide the ball into his own net. Cruel for Watford but for United there was a sense of deja vu with United famed for late goals during Fergie's era. United look in good shape but injuries continue to pile as the games come thick and fast. Valencia joined the list of injured players and the absence of Rooney and Martial highlighted United's lack of alternative forwards, a situation which might come back to bite them against stiffer opposition.
Arsenal came up against West Brom looking to continue their recent run of good form. The Gunners were dealt an early blow with an injury to the influential Coquelin and his replacement couldn't have endured a worse day, he gave the foul that led to West Brom's equalizer, scored an own goal and then went off injured in what turned out to be a frustrating day for Arsenal. The Gunners peppered the Baggies goal in the second half bad a combination of wayward finishing and dogged defending by the hosts ensured West Brom collected maximum points. The Gunners even missed a late penalty with Carzola ballooning his spot kick skywards.
Arsenal's famed injury problems look to be back with Coquelin and Arteta joining an already growing list of injured players. With City losing to Liverpool, Arsenal missed a perfect opportunity to ascend to the summit of the table and they now turn their attentions to the Champion's League where their slim hopes of progression are hanging by the thread. It will be interesting to see how Arswenal manage without Coquelin given his replacement Flamini is often unpredictable blowing hot and cold.
Manchester City against Liverpool was the weekend's big game and it did not disappoint. Few would have predicted the result. City were thrashed and well beaten by a well organised Liverpool side.
The scoreline was shocking but what was even more surprising was the manner in which City defended. Every Liverpool attack looked like it would result in a goal. The forward duo of Firminho and Coutinho cut to shreds the City back line time and time again. Mangala has never been comfortable at City since his big money transfer and he was left chasing shadows. His partner Demichelis did not fair any better and this display further added weight to the argument that when Kompany misses from the City line up, the struggle. The only City players who left with their reputations in tact were Aguero who was returning from injury as well as Hart whose saves ensured the scoreline was kept low.
City have lost in a similar manner this season, against Spurs and they bounced back brilliantly to the top of the table. A similar response will be expected. Pellegrini will hope Kompany returns to his side sooner and he also needs to reinstate Otamendi to the starting line up as he is a better defender than Demichelis and Mangala. City also need for Silva to return to the side.
Chelsea returned to winning ways with a narrow 1 nil win over Norwich. In truth the scoreline flattered Norwich as Chelsea missed several opportunities to make the scoreline comfortable.
Eden Hazard was back to his best as he bossed the left wing with a number of intelligent runs. All round this was a much improved performance by the Blues as they showed much more desire and hunger for the 3 points. Similar displays will surely ensure they earn more points and improve their league position. They next face an on form Spurs side in a match likely to show exactly where Chelsea are.
Team of the Week
De Gea, Walker, Terry, Skrtel, Rose, Coutinho, Dembele, Kane, Firminho, Barkley, Lukaku
Player of the week
Coutinho
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