Barclays Premier League Week 2 Review

Week 2 of the Premier League season followed up on the debut with possibly the biggest upset in recent Premier League history. This second week shows you that money can not buy you everything and how evenly matched two English titans are.

Wednesday, August 21

Eden Hazard gives the Blues the early lead

Chelsea  2-1 Aston Villa (Luna OG 6, Ivanovic 73, / Benteke 45)

The first time these two squads met since the 8-0 demolishing by Rafa Benitez's former side. Aston Villa looked much better this time, and were very unlucky to not gain a penalty after a John Terry handball.  At the start, an Oscar excellent pass led Eden Hazard to put the Blues ahead, the shot was credited as an Antonio Luna own goal after the ball ricocheted off the Spanish fullback. Christian Benteke leveled up just before halftime to make the score 1-1. There was earlier controversy in the 73rd minute as Brainislav Ivanovic elbowed Villa forward Christian Benteke before converting the eventual match winner after a Frank Lampard cross. Aston Villa having benefited from the referees against Arsenal, faced the wrath of them against Chelsea and is rather unfortunate to lose after playing really well against a bigger side.

Saturday, August 24

Last year's signings; Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski(left to right) proving why Arsenal does not need another striker.

Fulham 1-3 Arsenal (Giroud 14, Podolski 41,68)

Following a disappointing loss against Aston Villa in which the fans backlashed against Arsene Wenger urging him to buy more players, Arsenal responded pulling off two straight wins against Fenerbache and Fulham. The game could have got called off as it was pouring in Craven Cottage but it did not stop Olivier Giroud  from continuing his goal scoring run after the ball fell right inyo his feet before he gained the composure to give Arsenal the 14th minute goal.The inclusion of German Lukas Podolski worked wonders as the German responded in a magnificent way scoring in the 41st and 68th minute. Darren Bent who came off the bench and erased a clean sheet for Szczesny in what proved to be only consolation for Fulham. Despite the win for Arsenal, there is a cause for concern if the Gunners have enough depth at center-back with Sagna playing out of position in the backline with Vermaelen and Koscielny injured.

Robbie Brady clinches the only goal for Hull as they manage to hang on with only 10 men

Hull City 1-0 Norwich City (Brady pen 22)

Hull manages to gain their first win in the Premier League season and it is vital for the Tigers to make their home a fortress if they want to stay in the first division. A foul by Michael Turner in the box gave the former Manchester United striker Robbie Brady the opportunity to score a nice left footed finish to erupt the Hull crowd. Center forward Yannick Sagbo was given red card for an attempted headbutt but did not affect The Tigers frpm acquiring the victory over Norwich City.

The 5'6 Giaccherini scores his first Premier League goal off a corner.

Southhampton 1-1 Sunderland (Giaccherini 3 / Fonte 88)

Two mid tier Premier League clubs faced off head to head in a match that would prove to be a stalemate. Many wondered how Sunderland was able to get Emanuele Giaccherini from Italian superteam Juventus and the diminutive Italian was able to score in a big way off a corner over the tall walls to give Sunderland the early lead. The young Southhampton side dominated possession and dominated the match and would of been frustrated if they lost this one and better late than never for center-back Jose Fonte scoring an 88th minute header to equalize. It was a pinpoint cross from 18 year old James Ward Prowse as the future is bright for this Southampton squad.

A defensive display for Coloccini(left) and Newcastle

Newcastle 0-0 West Ham

These two clubs might be fighting from relegation this season and there was nothing to decide between the two.  Newcastle's defense played excellently but was largely disappointing in the attacking side of the field as Papiss Cisse had a game to forget. Same can be said for West Ham although they should be the happier of two sides avoiding defeat at St. Goodison Park. Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye again did not make an appearance and his future with the Magpies seems questionable. With the transfer window ticking down, Newcastle needs to make a late signing if they ever want to regain their European level form from two years ago.

A better showing for Stoke as Ryan Shawcross seals the winning goal.

Stoke City 2-1 Crystal Palace (Adam 58, Ryan Shawcross 62 / Chamakh 31)

Both teams were win-less and scoreless before this match and it was Stoke City to come back from behind to grab the home win. Former Arsenal man Marouane Chamakh looked lively and enjoyed his finish in the 31st minute and it is interesting to see where this new lifeline at Crystal Palace will bring him. Stoke City fans were not amused and let the players hear it just before halftime. Charlie Adam responded to the fans call, scoring in the 58th minute and Ryan Shawcross completed the rout in the 62nd. Stoke manager Mark Hughes has to be credited for the team's second half improvement and it will be interesting to see if Stoke can finish in the mid-table this season.

Marouane Fellaini and Youssouf Mulumbu(right to left) battle it out in a goal-less draw.

Everton 0-0 West Brom

Everton will be upset not the win this one with various clear cut chances from Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas alike and West Brom could consider themselves fortunate. Their goalkeeper Ben Foster was partly to blame with Everton's struggles to find the net. However, Foster had picked up an injury in the 78th minute still Luke Daniels managed to pick up the slack and hold off the Toffees to get an away draw. Youngster Ross Barkley has been rewarded for his nice start with a chance at the England international level with a World Cup qualifier.

Suarez who? Daniel Sturridge is the name on every Liverpool fan's lips.

Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool (Sturridge 21)

After fearing the wrath of the referees, Aston Villa now felt the wrath of the schedule falling to hands of a Daniel Sturridge goal with the third game in two weeks. The English international scored the goal in terrific fashion out dribbling goalkeeper Brad Guzan before blasting the ball through the back of the net. Liverpool had quite a few chances to deepen the scoreline but was parried by American goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Christian Benteke in the face of the tough schedule was determined to not let the Villains lose with a scorching shot towards the end of the match that was blocked well by Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet who followed up on his impressive debut. Villa fans still have the last laugh, at least they can keep their star striker from being unhappy. 

Sunday August 25

What do you do when you host your first Premier League game in half a century?
Beat Manchester City, it's that simple.

Cardiff City 3-2 Manchester City (Gunnarson 60, Campbell 79, 87 / Dzeko 50, Negredo 90)

Somewhere in Wales, Cardiff is still celebrating their earth shattering upset against money bags Manchester City, proving that money can not buy you the willpower that the whole Cardiff town possessed. Few outside of Cardiff predicted this marvelous upset especially with Edin Dzeko scoring a powerful effort outside of the box to give Man City the first dent in the scoreline. Cardiff fans were still cheering strong and the team was feeding off of it, ten minutes later, South Korean international Kim Bo-Kyung drilled a deadly cross into the box that was parried by Joe Hart in the first effort but was equalized by Icelander Aron Gunnarson as the Cardiff fans lifted off their seats to commend the team's determination.  It was not over yet and Cardiff's no. ten Frasier Campbell was not to be denied in the air to score two headers from corners that gave the severe underdogs a two goal lead. Man City newcomer Alvaro Negredo scored his first Premier League goal for City in what was only consolation for the Citizens and a dream for Cardiff City.

Spurs again win by a result of a penalty and Soldado is the man to take it again.

Tottenham 1-0 Swansea (Soldado Pen 58)

More of the same for Tottenham as they win again through a penalty although the wrong penalty from referee Neil Swarbrick. Earlier in the match, former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey took out Tottenham's Andros Townsend's legs just inside the box. The fans let Neil Swarbrick hear it as he waved it off for a free kick just outside of the penalty area.. After halftime, Neil Swarbrick decided to make amends to Spurs fans giving Tottenham the penalty at the result of the same two players. In this case, Andros Townsend committed an obvious dive and Shelvey was just trying to get out of the way. Nothing that Swansea can do and Spanish international Roberto Soldado scored his fourth goal in three games and Tottenham fans must be delighted by his outstanding debut so far. Fans must also be delighted by Andros Townsend who won man of the match playing in Gareth Bale's presumed right wing position and earning a call up in England's World Cup qualifiers.

Monday, August 26

Jose Mourinho could not find his pen and the English giants could not find the back of the net in this goal-less draw.

Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea

A night of emotions for Manchester manager David Moyes making his first Premier League appearance at Old Trafford since the legend Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down. An interesting pre-match highlight was the lineups of both squads; Manchester United featured Wayne Rooney in the lineup against the team that made two bids for him and Chelsea playing without a true striker as Andre Schurrle took the role and Juan Mata left out for the third straight game. This comes as no surprise with the self proclaimed "Special One"  not afraid of benching star keeper like he did with Iker Casillas during his time at Real Madrid. This match was a nice audition from Wayne Rooney who was a problem in both offense and defense playing behind Van Persie and gaining the love and support of the fans in Old Trafford. Manchester United dominated possession but failed to convert any chances due to Mourinho's trademark defensive style and Welbeck missing a clear chance from a Rooney pass. Also controversy with a Frank Lampard handball that was denied by Martin Atkinson. Jose Mourinho must be the happier of the two managers avoiding defeat in the Theater of Dreams and gaining the top spot in the standings with a game ahead.

Barclays Premier League

Standings

#	Team	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS
1	Chelsea	3	2	1	0	4	1	7
2	Liverpool	2	2	0	0	2	0	6
3	Tottenham	2	2	0	0	2	0	6
4	Man United	2	1	1	0	4	1	4
5	West Ham	2	1	1	0	2	0	4
6	Southampton	2	1	1	0	2	1	4
7	Man City	2	1	0	1	6	3	3
8	Arsenal	2	1	0	1	4	4	3
9	Aston Villa	3	1	0	2	4	4	3
10	Stoke City	2	1	0	1	2	2	3
11	Cardiff City	2	1	0	1	3	4	3
12	Fulham	2	1	0	1	2	3	3
13	Hull City Tigers	2	1	0	1	1	2	3
14	Everton	2	0	2	0	2	2	2
15	Norwich City	2	0	1	1	2	3	1
16	Sunderland	2	0	1	1	1	2	1
17	West Brom	2	0	1	1	0	1	1
18	Newcastle	2	0	1	1	0	4	1
19	Crystal Palace	2	0	0	2	1	3	0
20	Swansea City	2	0	0	2	1	5	0

Best Player: Frasier Campbell - Cardiff City

Best 21 and Under: James Ward-Prowse - Southampton

If you missed last week's offering check out the Barclays Premier League Week 1 Review.

Barclays Premier League Week 1 Review

Ladies and gentleman, the Premier League is back in full swing coupled with an abundance of scoring, bending free kicks and upsets. A couple of debutants have already made a name for themselves. And with that, lets get this Premier League season under way.

Saturday, August 17

Gooner fan gives Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger some advice on his transfer policy.

                Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa (Giroud 6 / Benteke 22, pen 61, Luna 85)              

Perhaps the most shocking scoreline of all this week but if you watched the game it would of been easier to understand. With the new introduction of goal line technology, Arsenal might be protesting an instant replay for penalities after conceding two of them. The first penalty was the result of an obvious late dive by Wojciech Szczesny in an attempt to deny the pacey Gabriel Agbonlahor. Belgian Christian Benteke rebounded off his own missed penalty to equalize an early Giroud goal. Referee Anthony Taylor once again awarded another penalty decision, carding Gunner defender Laurent Koscielny in the process. This penalty was by far more controversial than the last one and if you look at the replay Koscielny made a perfect tackle on Gabriel Agbonlahor who seems to have a knack for getting the referee's attention. Anthony Taylor waves the protests and gives Koscielny a second yellow which eventually leads to an easy Antonio Luna finish. Although Aston Villa had obvious help, they were also the better and more incisive team that Saturday running at the defense at will. Arsenal also picked an injury to youngster Alex Oxlade Chamberlain which could not have happened at a worse time as Arsenal face Fenerbache in an UEFA Champions League qualifier Wednesday.

Norwich midfielder Wes Hoolahan holding off the mammoth Marouane Fellaini

 Everton 2-2 Norwich (Barkley 61, Coleman 65 / Whittaker 51, Van Wolfswinkel 71)

These two teams had their fair share of shake-up this offseason. Norwich had more than a few transfer signings and a manager switch for Everton as former Wigan gaffer Roberto Martinez takes charge. Upon watching the game, it was easy to notice the different style of play under the Spainard, playing the ball on the ground a lot more looking for possession. Norwich noticeably looked a much stronger team than last season, boasting pace that was effective on the counter. Steven Whittaker took proceedings early with a strike in the 51st minute, Barkley responds with an absolute screamer with his left foot for his first career Premier League goal, Coleman routs with a tap in on the 65th and newcomer Ricky Van Wolfswinkel scores a header off a Whittaker cross to seal the eventual draw at Carrow Road. Ross Barkley is my man of the match constantly threatening the opposition goalkeeper with powerful long shots. Barkley at only 19 years old could be the breakout player of this season and could be relied upon more if Marouane Fellaini eventually gets sold. Highly rated La Masia youngster Gerard Deulofeu did not make an apperance on the pitch but should be a player to watch in the coming weeks.

Liverpool players congratulating newcomer Simon Mignolet after making a double save

Liverpool 1-0 Stoke (Sturridge 37)

With Liverpool trying to survive six games without Luis Suarez. Kolo Toure who had been seemingly forgotten in Manchester City, came close to scoring after hitting a header on the post. Dainel Sturridge had a goal disallowed but gave Liverpool the lead in the 37 minute. An accidental handball in the box by Dainel Agger gave Stoke City a chance to equalize from the penalty spot only to be saved twice by former Sunderland man Simon Mignolet who was noticeably enthusiastic in his debut. Stoke City looked more like the Stoke of old under new manager Mark Hughes being hard to crack on defense but unimaginative on offense. Liverpool's attackers Iago Aspas and Daniel Sturridge could take on the burden if Luis Suarez eventually moves on.

Match winner for club and country, better late than never for Rickie Lambert.

West Brom 0-1 Southampton (Lambert pen 90)

West Brom hosted a young Southampton side and it would prove youth would prevail. Southampton had a number of chances to get in front of the Baggies but had a goal hit the post by Jay Rodriguez and an offside call on a 33rd minute finish by Adam Lallana. This game was the spotlight of 18 year old left back Luke Shaw who looks certain to take over the reigns of England's fullback position once Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines move on. Luke Shaw constant runs got him brought down by West Brom's Youssuf Mulumbu in the box to set up a Rickie Lambert penalty. West Brom's Nicolas Anelka makes a return to the Premier League but was largely ineffective, Southampton debutant Dejan Lovren was largely to blame for that breaking up many attacks from the back.  Having Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain come through the ranks of the Southampton academy, the Saints are looking to keep their young players this time as they certainly have potential to be an upper-tier English club in the future.

21 year old Patjim Kasami after scoring his first goal for Fulham.

Sunderland 0-1 Fulham (Kasami 52)

A debut league return for American striker Jozy Altidore failed to capitalize off his amazing international run of scoring goals. The new Sunderland striker was giving the Fulham defense problems with his athleticism but could not help the Black Cats pull away.  Fullham's new goalkeeper Maarten Steklenburg made an impact stopping a 25 yard shot from Ondrej Celutska. Sunderland may had the better game, but it was Patjim Kasami to win for Fulham with a header from close range off a Damien Duff corner. Sunderland survived relegation last season and will probably struggle to survive this season.

Premier League veteran Joe Cole puts West Ham in front.

West Ham 2-0 Cardiff (Cole 13, Nolan 76)

The newly promoted Cardiff City faced off against last season's promoted team West Ham United and it was the latter who acquired the victory. Cardiff's new signing Danish striker Andreas Cornelius did not make his debut due to injury and that proved all the difference as Cardiff could not generate much attack up front. Experienced midfielder Joe Cole scored a fine finish past opposition goalkeeper Andy Marshall to put West Ham up one and Kevin Nolan ended proceedings with a first time shot in the 76th minute. Both clubs are expected to fight relegation this season and West Ham survival will also rely on a now permanent Andy Carroll who was also missing in action to injury.

Danny Welbeck starts his Premier League season in style scoring more goals than all of last season

Swansea 1-4 Manchester United (Bony 82 / Van Persie 34, 72, Danny Welbeck 36, 90)

David Moyes could not have started any better with Manchester United getting a big win against Swansea away from home. In terms of tactics, not much have changed as Manchester looked like much of old and Robin Van Persie looked like the world class scorer he is.  The Dutchman netted 2 goals including an downright deadly left footed finish in the 72nd minute. Swansea's defense was questionable, why on earth would any team not mark Van Persie's left side? You are just asking to concede a goal. Danny Welbeck made the start over Wayne Rooney(who's the subject to transfer rumors to just about every top English team), scored two goals as well with a cheeky chip in the 90th minute. Wilfred Bony gave Swansea some dignity pulling an placed finish in the 82nd minute after coming close on numerous occasions after coming on as sub. Speaking of Wayne, he came in on the pitch as a sub as well but was overshadowed by the other aforementioned strikers; Welbeck and Van Persie.

Sunday, August 18

Roberto Soldado(Center) and company celebrating after scoring a penalty against Crystal Palace

Tottenham 1-0 Crystal Palace (Soldado pen 50)

Despite the absence of superstar Gareth Bale to "injury", Tottenham managed to gain a narrow win against the newly promoted Crystal Palace. Roberto Soldado who is my pick to challenge Robin Van Persie for goals, scored the only goal via penalty from Crystal Palace's full back Dean Moxey's handball.  Crystal Palace was a little unfortunate playing a defensive approach that forced the Spurs to multiple long shots.  

Crystal Palace looked more lively in reponse but Tottenham managed to control the match and seal the victory. There is no question Soldado is a quality player and Paulinho(right) is also another excellent addition in attempts for Andre Villas-Boas to finally surge the Hotspur to Champions League qualification. However, if Gareth Bale does not stay with Tottenham, that can prove all the difference from the Champions to the Europa League.

Oscar scoring the first Premier League goal of Mourinho's second reign in Chelsea.

Chelsea 2-0 Hull City (Oscar 13, Lampard 25)

Every Chelsea fan in the world was anticipating the debut of the self proclaimed "Special One" Jose Mourinho. When interviewed, Jose shrugged off the pressure and said this match was about the players and how they perform rather than being about him. Whether we believe that is up to debate, but the talent of Chelsea was on full display with Oscar making a nice run into the box, received a beautiful Kevin De Bruyne  and slid the ball past the keeper to start of the return of the Portuguese manager. Twelve minutes later, Lampard scored a goal of the year contender with an unblockable free kick in the 25th minute. The long tenured Chelsea man was under constant speculation of leaving Chelsea last season but it seems like he's been assured as an important piece in Jose Mourinho's plans. 

Monday, August 19

David Silva scores the first of many Pellegrini goals

Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle United (Silva 6, Aguero 22, Toure 50, Nasri 74)

A plethora of goals were scored at the Eithad Stadium in the expense of Newcastle United. Manuel Pellegrini also made his Premier League manager debut and Manchester City looked as passionate as ever, something that was missing under Roberto Mancini. David Silva was at the right place in the right time scoring a ricochet header in the 6th minute. In the 22nd minute Sergio Aguero scored a classy finish from the edge of the box to rout on the scoreline. In the second half, Yaya Toure converted a curling free kick, debutant Alvaro Negredo came on late in the game to have a goal denied by being narrowly offside and lastly a harder working Samir Nasri also came on as a sub and finished the onslaught with a simple finish in the 74th minute. Despite conceding four goals, Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul was their best player as they could have easily conceded alot more. Krul stopped mulitple shots from Edin Dzeko who has to be frustrated for not scoring but has to be happy winning the man of the match award for creating two goals. Manchester City looked every bit of a title contender and Newcastle looked like the same team who severely underacheived last season. Yohan Cabaye did not make an appearance apparently being the subject of a transfer bid from Arsenal and his absence affected Newcastle emphatically lacking creativity in the middle of the park. If Newcastle performs how they did last season, the French Revolution may be cut short and Alan Pardew's job will be in question.

With the full week of matches out of the way, here's how the Premier League table looks at the moment.

Best Player of the Week: Robin Van Persie, Man United
Best Under 21 Player of the Week: Ross Barkley, Everton