The EPL Weekend-Round 8

After a 2 week break, the EPL returned to offer a bucket load of excitement. We had controversial goals, dubious penalties,sending offs, crazy own goals, spectacular strikes, last minute action and plenty of talking points.

Chelsea went into their match against Palace looking to solidify their grip on top of the table. The blues were without Costa due to injury and Mourinho brought in Remy in his place. When Oscar opened the scoring early on with a delightful free-kick, it looked like Chelsea would have an easy day.But Palace responded well with resolute defending coupled with quick counter attacks. And when Azpilicueta was shown a straight red for dangerous play, Palace had the opportunity to capitalise. The one man advantage was however quickly wiped out when Palace themselves were reduced to ten men shortly after. The second Chelsea goal did eventually arrive and when it did, it was a beauty. Palace scored a late consolation but the scoreline flattered them. This was a comfortable win for Chelsea. The blues still look unbeatable and  it remains to be seen who will put a halt to their seemingly unstoppable march towards the title. Next up is Manchester United. Chelsea enter into a phase where they are likely to be without their main striker Costa and it will be interesting to see how they cope.

Manchester United had a tricky away trip at the Hawthorns. While coming back from behind twice to earn a draw showed some bit of character, these are the sort of games you would expect United to win. United's defence showed the now all too familiar signs of fragility. Berahino's goal in particular highlighted that particular problem.

Jones was caught out and Rafael was left chasing shadows. The most disappointing thing for United was that this was after a period in which they were absolutely dominant. Before the baggies scored their second, United had produced some of the best attacking football they have played this season but without a goal to show for the efforts.

Blind's late leveller saved United from another away defeat but this was more a case of two dropped points than one gained. United enter into a phase where they will be facing Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal in their next few matches. If they are to get anything from these games a lot has to improve. The defence has to be a lot tighter and solid than it currently is. United arguably started their strongest back four of Rafael, Rojo, Jones and Shaw against West Brom. Taking into account the available options, this was their strongest back four and i would continue to play them. With time they will get used to each other. Shaw looks way below his best form and he needs to improve fast. In midfield,i am in the minority that does not rate Januzaj that high. I actually think he is over-rated. He is a delightful prospect who will be a star in the future but i think he dwells on the ball too much, doesn't do much defensively and is at times selfish. He reminds me of a younger Ronaldo but slower, lighter and a bit lazy. For me Valencia will always be first choice in the right flank.He offers more defensively, works hard, and keeps the opposing full back occupied.

Arsenal were once again their usual self, a lot of play, majority of possession, enough chances but not enough sharpness and incisiveness. Arsene Wenger was forced to put together a patched up defence due to injuries. Monreal was a center half and teenager Bellerin started at right back in the absence of Koscielny and Chambers. As if to complete the script, Arsenal picked up another injury when Wilshere was taken off injured. Arsenal need to get back at least two or three of their injured defenders back to stop the bad run they have had. Alexis Sanchez was a bright spot for Arsenal and you just think he has to be starting for Arsenal regularly. He scored a brilliant goal and did superbly to st up Welbeck's injury time equalizer. He looks well worth the amount Arsenal spent on him. Flamini for me doesn't command the midfield the way he used to. On more than one occasion this season, opposing attackers have gotten past him a bit too easily.

Liverpool were extremely lucky to get all three points against QPR. Balotelli divides opinions but for me he is not the reason Liverpool are struggling. The players are simply not performing. Lovren and Lallana continue to prove that Southampton transfer business was shrewd.

Sturridge's latest injury set back is a big blow to Liverpool. Balotelli still hasn't fit into Liverpool's system and style. Individually he can be good but Rogers needs to fit him into the system. I would play 2 strikers, Balotelli and either Borini or Lambert with Balotelli playing in a withdrawn position behind the main striker. He doesn't seem to thrive in the lone striker role for Liverpool.

Manchester City were impressive in their 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham. Aguero finally seems to have gotten past his past injury struggles. He is some player when fully fit and he seems to be enjoying himself scoring goals at will. City look the most likely challengers to Chelsea and on this performance, it is easy to see why.

Team of the Week:

Hart, Coleman, Jagielka, Dawson, Baines, Fabregas, Diame, Tadic, A.Sanchez,  Aguero, Pelle

Player of the Week:

Sergio Aguero

The EPL Weekend-Round 7

 

Liverpool got the weekend rolling with a hard fought victory over West Brom. The Reds appear to be struggling with having to play in the Champion's League in mid week and the EPL on the weekend. It ended the Reds winless run and provided Brendan Rodgers with much needed relief going int the international break. Adam Lallana finally looked like the player he was at Southampton marshaling the left side of Liverpool's attack. His touch, movement and goal was pure class. Rickie Lambert preferred to Mario Balotelli provided the flick for Lallana to finish. Liverpool were then unlucky to concede a penalty for a foul committed outside the box but Jordan Henderson showed good awareness to stroke home a loose ball after Sterling had been brought down in the penalty area. Liverpool's central defensive pairing of Lovren and Skrtel struggled all day to cope with the intensity and runs made by West Brom's attack and more than once Berahino should have punished them. It remains to be seen whether Lovren was really worth 20M. Liverpool will have Sturridge back on by the time they next return to the field and with Lallana and Henderson showing signs of regaining last season's form, Liverpool have reason to hope. What needs to be sorted though is the defence.

Manchester United won for the second match running, something of a rarity these days. Valencia and Mata came in for Herrera and Rooney. And like last weekend against West Ham, it was a nervy affair to the very end. As is becoming routine, United took the lead only to be pegged back by Everton's equaliser.  In between De Gea saved a Leighton Baines spot kick. Angel Di Maria continues to justify the amount paid for him and once again produced the goods for United with a goal and an assist. His abilities with the ball has given United a boost and opposition defenders have struggled to cope with him. But for all the talents United have in attack, it was De Gea who ensured United got away with all the 3 points. De Gea has lately come in for criticism, and rightly so. I mentioned earlier that he needed to start producing match winning performances and he did not disappoint. Not many fancied De Gea to stop Baines spot kick, based on De Gea's poor record in penalties in England and the fact that Baines doesn’t miss penalties. There's always a first time for everything. United's defensive struggles continue to haunt them though and this is a game where Everton would easily have pinched 3 points let alone 1. De Gea's saves to deny Oviedo and Osman were outstanding. More worrying though for United, they appear to have acquired this trend of having a fine first half and a poor second half. Traditionally United are known to finish matches strongly but not this season. United are now into top four and they will hope to remain there come end of the season,

Chelsea v Arsenal served up an exciting London derby. Both teams boasted the only remaining unbeaten records in the league.It is remarkable that Wenger has never beaten Mourinho in English football in 10 plus games. To be honest it didn't seem like this was going to be the occasion when Wenger picked up that first win. Chelsea have developed a good understanding through out the entire team. Every player knows their role and they do it well. With quality on the bench, it is also possible for Mourinho to call on reinforcements that actually add value to the team. One thing Chelsea do so well is to maintain their shape either when defending or attacking. The back four has been superb. Fabregas and Costa have added a different dimension to the team. This has made Chelsea complete. What Chelsea did so well against Arsenal was to deny them space. They hurried them whenever Arsenal had possession. The Chelsea midfielders including Hazard showed tremendous work rate whenever they lost possession and ensured the back four and the keeper were protected. That was where Arsenal failed. At times and especially on the two occasions when Chelsea scored, the defence was exposed. Arsenal barely created anything. Chelsea look the real deal. It remains to be seen for how long. For Arsenal, this defeat showed they are not yet title contenders and they now need to dust themselves and concentrate on finishing in the top four.

Manchester City, for long periods, appeared headed for a damaging draw until Yaya Toure popped up with a class goal. In all fairness City should have been ahead by then. Villa had frustrated City with a well organised defence. Toure, so often critised this season for being below par, came up with the goods when it mattered the most. Class is permanent. Aguero made it safe with another good finish to ensure City kept up the chase of leaders Chelsea. Pellegrini knows he cannot let Chelsea get too far ahead. It was a good win and once again showed City's never say die attitude as they kept coming and coming at Villa as they did against Hull. The EPL now goes for a 2 week break with the International Matches coming up this week.

Team of the Week

De Gea, Ivanovich, Kaboul, Davis, Kolarov, Di Maria, Hazard, Henderson, Fabregas, Fletcher, Cisse

Player of the Week

David De Gea

Have a sporty week ;)

Mark Macheda