Premier League round-up: City goes tyrannical, Arsenal respond and United plunged further down
The weekend is done and it’s time to take stocks, time to look at the biggest performers and sympathize with the broken lots, no doubt about it, Manchester City were the biggest winners and their next-door neighbors are the worst in terms of context and standings but some words are due to Spurs and their VAR cries, one has to remind them of recent history as well as offer condolences to Chelsea that gave everything and yet lost on their own porch.
City’s wicked revenge
While we all knew the loss at Norwich was a blip, and the champions will definitely bounce back in style but not many expected them to ram eight past Watford that appeared to have turned the corner in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal. |
| Raheem Sterling had a lot to laugh about despite been on the bench as Man City thrash Watford 8-0 in the Premier League. |
Bernardo Silva fired in his first career hattrick in the rout and another surprise was the fact that Sergio Aguero didn’t score more than once on the day. Give it to Kevin De Bryune, his vision, precision, and attention to detail proved the huge difference, and Fernandinho made the center back role looked too easy for anyone to remember they’re missing lots of defenders.
City are next away at Everton, a very good test and considering how shambolic Everton were at home to Sheffield United, Marco Silva’s men wouldn’t want to look forward to that fixture.
Arsenal proved they’re not a spent force
Aston Villa had lost the previous six encounters to Arsenal without scoring a single goal, but they found themselves ahead on Saturday after the usual moment of madness in the Arsenal defense.
Not long after, Maitland Niles was sent off in a very debatable circumstance considering the fact that he got the ball before the man but that appeared not to matter as Arsenal leveled from the spot early in the second half; it was the first time Nicholas Pepe would find the back of the net and he had Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to thank for the gesture but they hadn’t settled into positions after the goal that Leno had to pick the ball from his net again, yet another deep sleep at the back.
Arsenal sincerely can’t wait to have the trio of Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin who both had some time on the pitch for the first time last Friday for the U23s and Rob Holding who is available for selection again.
Callum Chambers showed he has something to offer with a commanding performance in Frankfurt last week and again on Sunday after his introduction, you wonder why Niles gets the nod ahead of him in Emery’s selection.
Arsenal equalized through a well taken Chambers lob after a very efficient run from Matteo Guendouzi and the young lad was instrumental again for the third, and for once in Arsenal colors, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang scored from the free-kick to complete the comeback.
Aston Villa will have themselves to blame for allowing such capitulation to a ten-man Arsenal with lots of defensive weaknesses. Up next for the gunners is a trip to Manchester United, one to look forward to with the current dynamics at Old Trafford a tale of woe and pains.
United in deep trouble
West Ham aren’t as bad as results often show and they sure aren’t a yardstick for a team’s failure but United showed on Sunday that there is nothing good to expect from Old Trafford this season.
While injuries have been unkind early on which is very relative as rivals also have stories to tell but Manchester United are their own worst enemies; United allowed Ander Herrera to leave for free without replacements, United sold Lukaku to Inter and let Alexis Sanchez leave for the same destination on loan, no replacements, they did sign two quality defenders in Aaron Wan Bissaka and Harry Maguire but of what use is defensive reinforcements when what you have ahead of them is absolute crap?
From very weak gameplay to lack of grit even when in pole positions, strangely, the situation is not entirely down to the manager although some will argue he indulged the board by saying he can work with what he has.
The 2-0 loss at the London Stadium once again brings to fore the crisis at Manchester United and with Arsenal net and very well without Marcus Rashford, it’s a difficult time for the Red Devils to put it mildly.
Images via premierleague.com
