By Yemisi Adegoke
The Premier league got off to a rousing start on Saturday. How did your team fare?
Man United 1-2 Swansea
It was a record breaking start to the season for Louis Van Gaal. But probably not the kind of record he’d have liked. He is now the first manager of Manchester United to lose at home on the opening day of the Premier league. Fans of the Red Devils will be hoping this was just a momentary slip up and not a sign of things to come. But it was very much a case of different manager, same team. United lacked creativity and were too often on the back foot of Swansea who made the most of United’s weakness in defence. Even the newly appointed captain Wanye Rooney’s equaliser wasn’t enough to pull his side through. With a fortnight left until the transfer window closes, will Van Gaal buy to build his ailing squad?
Next game: 24/8 Sunderland 4.00pm
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
Arsenal picked up right where they left off with a dramatic win at the Emirates thanks to a goal in the 90th minute courtesy of Aaron Ramsey. However, it wasn’t the most convincing victory with the Gunners lacking rhythm and seeming disjointed. Credit must be given to Crystal Palace who frustrated Arsenal for long periods. It will be interesting to see how Palace bounce back after the abrupt departure of Tony Pulis who made such an indelible mark on the squad. Over in North London, there will be a sigh of relief at the three points collected.
Next game: 23/8 Everton 5.30
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
Can they do it without Suarez? Liverpool’s opener signals their intent to prove they can. A goal in the 79th minute from Sturridge and a stellar save from Mignolet in the 88th led to Brendan Rogers pitch invasion. Relief? Hope? Who can say? Southampton did not deserve to lose here, they were tighter and restricted Liverpool from being as fluid as they normally are. But in the end it was Liverpool who exploited their chances and, to their relief, scooped up three points.
Next game: 25/8 Manchester City 8.00
Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle
It was business as usual for Manuel Pellegrini’s reigning champions as they cruised to an easy victory at St James’ park. Sergio Aguero who is not yet fully fit, scored the match winner in stoppage time and although City were not at their best the team play between Edin Dzeko and David Silva gave a glimpse of the danger within. This was Newcastle’s 11th straight defeat to Man City, they had some chances but were simply outclassed by the reigning champions.
Next game : 25/8 Liverpool 8.00
Chelsea 3-1 Burnley
Chelsea are in it to win it. Mourinho’s men came back from a goal down to beat Championship newbies Burnley 3-1. Diego Costa scored the equaliser on his Premier league debut, followed by Andre Schurrle four minutes later. It was Ivanovic who sealed the win with a third in the 34th minute. Cesc Fabregas is already proving a valuable investment, his pass to Schurrle for Chelsea’s second goal was beautiful and is surely a sign of things to come. The team to beat? Maybe.
Next game : 23/8 Leicester 3.00
Best of the rest
Leicester 2-2 Everton
Spurs 1-0 West Ham
QPR 0-1 Hull
West Brom 2-2 Sunderland
Stoke 0-1 Aston Villa
What are your thoughts on the opening games this season?