The Bookie of Eli

The 2nd week of the Premier League season was full of upsets and last second drama. Liverpool vs Arsenal ended with a brilliant free kick from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, the only goal scored between the two title contenders. Bournemouth humbled Thomas Frank with a 1-0 win over Tottenham and Everton continue to look explosive after adding Jack Grealish to the squad. Graham Potter and West Ham finally got their first positive result of this early season cooling the hot seat for another week. A stumble from Manchester City against Brighton was capitalized on by Chelsea as they took down Fulham at Stamford Bridge. A fantastic performance by Crystal Palace and newly promoted Sunderland resulted in wins for both this week. Last but not least Ruben Amorim and Manchester United finally got off the snide with a last minute penalty against Burnley.

Arsenal – 0 Liverpool – 1

Szoboszlai Magic Downs Arsenal

A brilliant late free kick from Szoboszlai gave Liverpool a hard fought victory over title challengers Arsenal in this early season match up. Chances were at a premium for both sides all game and Liverpool found their moment of magic late in the second half. To make matters worse for Arsenal key defender William Saliva went off injured five minutes into the game after twisting his ankle in the pregame warm up. Liverpool go into the international break with max points from their opening 3 Premier League games. Although perfect so far the performances have been grittier than in the past and the defense has been suspect at times. That was not the case in this game as Van Dijk and company orchestrated a shutout on one of the Premier Leagues best attacks. The additions of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak will make them even better moving forward. For Arsenal who were missing several key players this obstacle was simply too much to overcome. Gunner fans will be frustrated with the defensive and safe tactics put forth by Mikel Arteta’s side. There was a feeling that Arsenal would be content with a goalless draw prior to the free kick goal. Arsenal are now winless in their last 13 Premier League visits to Liverpool drawing 5 and losing 8 of those. New winger Eberechi Eze wasn’t subbed on until late in the second half while striker Viktor Gyokeres struggled against a stout Liverpool defense. After the international break Liverpool travels to Burnley at Turf Moor as Arsenal hosts Nottingham Forest looking to bounce back from this defeat. Scott Parker’s team will feel they lost chance at a key point against one of the biggest clubs in England. They will

Manchester United – 3 Burnley – 2

Late Penalty Saves United

All hope looked lost for Manchester United until a stoppage time penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes gave Ruben Amorim’s side a lifeline at Old Trafford. Another week of goalkeeping mistakes looked to be costly for the home side after a blunder from Altay Bayindir gifted Jaidon Anthony an equalizer. Anthony later was the offender for the penalty after he pulled Amad’s jersey in the penalty area. Fernades, who sent a penalty over the crossbar six days earlier at Fulham, kept his nerve against Burnley. A win and all 3 points was a massive result for Manchester United whose goalkeeping woes continue to be a thorn in their side. Next week’s Manchester Derby will feature two teams desperate for wins after slow starts. Scott Parker’s side will feel they let an opportunity slip for a key point against one of England’s biggest clubs. A game against reigning Premier League champs looms after the international break for Burnley with low expectations.

Tottenham – 0 Bournemouth – 1

Spurs Stunned by Bournemouth

A silent Tottenham crowd watched as a deflected strike from Bournemouth forward Evanilson gave his side the early lead. The Cherries who were knocked out of the Caraboa Cup by Brentford midweek took their frustrations out on Thomas Frank’s side. Defensively they were organized not allowing a shot on target until the 68th minute. A win this week highlights Bournemouth’s strong start with 2 wins in their first 3 games. They currently sit even with Tottenham in the Premier League table only seperated by goal difference. This was the worst result of Tottenham’s early season and followed a dominant win against Manchester City last week. The Spurs failed to create many chances in this game with an effort from Mathys Tel late in stoppage time the closest they came to salvaging a point. Spurs must travel to West Ham after the international break while Bournemouth hosts Brighton.

Chelsea – 2 Fulham – 0

Refs Forsake Fulham

Another goal from Joao Pedro continued Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season and Fulham ended up on the wrong end of two controversial VAR decisions. Pedro’s 5th goal in 5 games since joining Chelsea came from a corner which is becoming a habit for Enzo Maresca’s team. A would-be goal for the visitors was ruled off by VAR for a foul on Trevoh Chalobah in the build up. A harsh decision against Fulham who will take no solace in the Premier League admitting to the wrong decision midweek. Chelsea went on to score from the penalty spot in the second half after Ryan Sessegnon’s handball, again a controversial referee decision. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez finished the penalty with usual taker Cole Palmer out with injury. Another injury this time to new striker Liam Delap early in the first half will test Chelsea’s resilience moving forward. New signing Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United will be given plenty of play time immediately. Fulham are now without a win in their first 3 Premier League matches with only 2 points and face Leeds after the international break. Chelsea are 2nd in the Premier League table only 2 points behind Liverpool and will take on Brentford in their first game after the break.

Sunderland – 2 Brentford 1

Isidor Completes Comeback

Another dramatic stoppage time winner, this time by Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor, gave his side all 3 points and moved them up to 6th in the table. Brentford’s 1-0 lead from Igor Thiago’s header was completely undone after a Sunderland penalty and then Isidlr’s goal late. Brentford had a major chance to win all 3 points after Thiago’s goalin the 77 minute, but were unable to keep Sunderland at bay in the second half. Competing in just their first top-flight campaign since 2016-17, this is only the 2nd time Sunderland have won their first 2 Premier League home games. Unlike last season, when it took until October 19th for a promoted side to win their second game, Sunderland have their dream start to this new season. In fact, all of the newly promoted sides have shown their quality already with points and goals for each of the 3. Combined the 3 sides have achieved the best start to a Premier League season since that 2016-17 season. With the international break coming up, Sunderland’s next fixture will be in London against Crystal Palace while Brentford host Chelsea.

Wolves – 2 Everton – 3

Grealish’s Everton Flying

Jack Grealish continues to play inspired football since his loan move to Everton from Manchester City providing 2 assists and Everton held on to defeat Wolves 3-2. Now bringing his assist total up to 4 in 2 games, Grealish assisted Beto inside 7 minutes from the kickoff. A first half goal from Wolve’s Hwang Hee-chan equalised the scoreline before Everton regained their lead with a quick response from Iliman Ndiaye. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed all 3 points for David Moyes’ side and gave his side 3 straight wins in all competitions. Wolves did manage a concilation goal through substitute Rodrigo Gomes, but it was too little too late. Including last season, Wolves have now taken just 1 point from their past 7 league matches. Facing first Newcastle and then Tottenham in 2 of their next 3 Premier League matches following the international break, Vitor Pereira’s side must find answers fast. This match marked Everton’s 4th win in 6 away league matches and their next match will be against Aston Villa at their new stadium.

Leeds – 0 Newcastle – 0

Newcastle Toothless Attack Continues

In the 3 games of this young Premier League season Newcastle have managed just 2 goals and have watched their star strike Alexander Isak leave for Liverpool. Isak’s replacement Nick Woltemade who arrived from Stuttgart after his 69 million pound move was in attendance, but could only watch as his new side struggled offensively. Both sides were poor in attack, with Leeds not even managing a shot on target until late in the game. Jacob Murphy had a couple good efforts thwarted by Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Murphy either side of halftime. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a great chance to steal all 3 points late on for Leeds, but Nick Pope was equal to the task. In the end a goalless draw was deserved with Anthony Gordon out due to suspension and Isak’s replacement not ready to play, but still Newcastle will be disappointed with this result. Newcastle’s wait for a first win of the season goes on and a visit from Wolves following the international break might be the solution. Leeds will be delighted with a home draw against a top club and must travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in their next fixture.

Brighton – 2 Man City – 1

Back to Back Defeats for City

Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal in the 34 minute, but Brighton scored twice including a late winner to upset Manchester City. A penalty from former City player James Milner in the second half following a Matheus Nunes handball tied the game and made him the Premier League’s second oldest scorer. After the penalty Brighton gained momentum and snatched a victory when substitute Brajan Gruda scored in the 89 minute taking them past City. Back to back defeats will have City fans worried after their side were uncharacteristically poor at the end of games especially defensively last season. Heading into the international break, manager Pep Guardiola will return to the drawing board hoping to fix his sides defensive woes. For Brighton this game was a massive result and a much needed rebound from last week’s loss at Everton. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler used his substitutions masterfully with instant results from his side after the hour mark. A trip to Bournemouth is next up for Brighton and City will host Manchester United after the break.

Nottingham Forest – 0 West Ham – 3

West Ham Finally Firing

West Ham earned their first points of the season scoring 3 times in the final 6 minutes to ease the pressure on manager Graham Potter. Another loss would have been a devastating start to the season for Potter, but Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson all scored to comfortably defeat Forest. Forest were underwhelming for most of the game and manager Nuno Espirito Santo will continue to be under scrutiny from ownership. 1 win in 3 games to open the Premier League season is not enough if Nottingham Forest hope to replicate the success they had last year. A visit to Arsenal following the international break will be a stern test for Santo’s men. West Ham will host Tottenham in a London derby in their next game.

Aston Villa – 0 Crystal Palace – 3

Eagles Soar Over Villa

An opening first half penalty from Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta put his side ahead before captain and soon to be Liverpool player Marc Guehi scored a banger from the edge of the box. Villa are dealing with their own transfer drama with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez not included amid interest from Manchester United. Ismaila Sarr secured all 3 points for the visitors with a 78th minute header after a long throw was flicked on. On the one occasion Villa threatened to score Place keeper Dean Henderson saved brilliantly to preserve his side’s lead. Palace now have 5 points and are 8th in the Premier League table and have yet to lose a game while Villa are struggling with only 1 point and no goals scored so far. Villa have now failed to score in their first 3 games of the league for the first time in 28 years and manager Unai Emery will be hard pressed to find a solution. In their next matchups Villa will travel to Merseyside to face Everton and Palace will host newly promoted Sunderland at Selhurst Park.