Five talking points from the Premier League’s game week 4
The first international break of the season is here but what a weekend it has been for the Premier League fans.
Let’s take a look back at five talking points from Match Day 4.
So that’s how Karius felt.
Before this weekend, the last competitive goal that Liverpool had conceded was the long shot from Gareth Bale which Loris Karius spilt into his own net. Hence, it is surprising to note that the next goal the Reds conceded was also due to a goalkeeping error.
Alisson Becker arrived at Anfield as one of Klopp’s statement signings in the summer. He looked solid in the opening two matches but his chip against Brighton & Hove Albion gave the Liverpool fans a mini heart attack. Back then, little did they know what was about to come against Leicester City.
A sloppy back pass from Virgil van Dijk put the ball away from Alisson but it was still in the safe zone. He could have easily cleared the ball away but he tried a Johan Cruyff turn. It was neither the place nor the time to do so as the opponents immediately snatched the ball from him and scored. Alisson was lucky that Liverpool managed to hold on to their 2-1 lead.
Watford to do a Leicester?
For the first time in 30 years, Watford have won all four of their opening games of the season. They swatted aside Crystal Palace prior to this weekend but now, they had a different test altogether. A spirited Tottenham Hotspur were awaiting them after taking three points at Old Trafford.
But it is the home side which dominated the visitors and retained their 100% record. The Hornets showed great character and desire to come back from 1-0 to win 2-1. Both goals came off Jose Holebas’ set-pieces as Spurs were caught napping. It is too early to compare them to the iconic 2015/16 Leicester City side but Javi Gracia and his coaching staff should be proud.
Cech mate?
Bernd Leno must start as Arsenal’s No.1 – as simple as that. Petr Cech was at his wobbly best against Cardiff City. Early on in the game, he passed the ball straight away to Harry Arter. Luckily for him, the Cardiff midfielder blazed the shot over the bar.
Unai Emery has implemented a passing from the back style at Arsenal but Cech is certainly not the player for that. Right from the first match against Manchester City, he has looked like a time bomb which could explode any minute. The opposition teams have realized this and have started pressing him to snatch the ball away. Hence, it’s about time Emery provides a chance for the young German.
Relief for Mourinho
After a tough week for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United, the 2-0 win at Burnley should do a world of good. United started the game brightly and scored two first-half goals to effectively finish off the match. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Alexis Sanchez were back to their dazzling best but Marcus Rashford’s red card was the main talking point.
The 20-year-old was involved with Phil Bardsley after the latter had clipped off Rashford’s heels even when the ball was out of play. Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini put in a match-winning performance by playing as the central defensive midfielder, who protected United’s back four from Burnely’s aerial attacks.
Another hammering for the Hammers
Although a 1-0 scoreline does not suggest a hammering, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers should be a major blow for West Ham, who have started this season quite feebly.
After a summer of big-name signings and the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the coach, this was not expected. Four losses in four matches have made the situation quite difficult for the manager. The last time West Ham lost their opening four matches of the season was in 2010 under Avram Grant, and they were relegated at the end of that campaign.
Read More: Analyzing Liverpool’s Champions League chances: How far can Jurgen Klopp’s men go?
West Ham’s next match at Goodison Park is a must-win game as they have two difficult games after that, against Chelsea and Manchester United.
