EPL Week 2 Review - 5 Quick Thoughts
1. Spurs' Wembley Woes Continue
Tottenham blew a golden chance to christen their temporary new home with a crucial victory as they lost 2-1 to bitter rivals Chelsea. Chelsea, with a number of injuries and suspensions, appeared theirs for the taking, however Spurs were nowhere near ruthless enough and paid for their wistfulness in the end. Spurs dominated large periods of the contest but were unable to convert their numerous chances into goals, as a late Marcus Alonso sucker punch consigned them to another Wembley defeat. Spurs have now won just 2 from 11 games at Wembley since it was reopened in 2007, including 3 losses on the trot there in big games against Chelsea. To emphasise the challenge facing Spurs this season, they went undefeated at White Hart Lane all of last season, yet they have now lost their first game of the season at home.
2. Chelsea and Conte Find Their Mojo
There were lots of worrying signs from Chelsea over the last 6 weeks, including the Manager’s constant grumbles, a large injury toll, a lack of signings and red cards. However, they averted what would have been a crisis with another loss, by producing a gutsy and backs-to-the-wall display in character with being last year’s Champions. Antonio Conte managed to put together a patchwork side, including David Luiz in Midfield and Andreas Christensen at the back, to hang in and pinch a vital victory at the death. Whilst Chelsea rode their luck, they always looked a threat with Tiemoue Bakayoko impressing on debut for the club. With Eden Hazard on the comeback trail, Antonio Conte could soon be a man much more comfortable, especially if Chelsea can secure a couple of key signings before the window closes.
3. Ozil Continues to Frustrate for Arsenal
Once again Mesut Ozil was found wanting in a combative game at Stoke where Arsenal slumped to their first defeat of the season. Arsenal have had a mixed record at Stoke over the years and, despite a late flurry of chances, were unable to overturn a 1-0 deficit as storm clouds already gather over their chances of mounting a serious Title threat. Ozil is a player of immense ability, however his body language is never the best. He looked disinterested for large portions of the game at the Bet 365 Stadium. Ozil neglected virtually all defensive duties and went missing for large periods of the game and, for a senior player, that’s not good enough in a team desperately needing leaders and character. You have to wonder whether he would be allowed to get away with such displays under a more ruthless Manager like Mourinho or Conte.
4. United’s Perfect Start
Manchester United put an exclamation point on their strong start to the season by swatting away Swansea 4-0 in Wales on Saturday. United have now scored 8 goals, without conceding any, as Mourinho has his side purring early in the season. There is no better front runner in a League Title race so opponents will be hoping United don’t get out to too big a lead with their soft early season draw. Romelu Lukaku has scored in every game he has played for United in the pre-season and first two EPL games, and he has, so far, slotted in seamlessly to leading the line. Good friend Paul Pogba appears far more confident in his second season as he scored with a sublime chip to put the game beyond doubt.
5. Huddersfield Joint Top as Mooy Scores
Huddersfield continued their amazing start to the season by securing a second straight victory in holding on for a 1-0 victory over Newcastle. Huddersfield, energised by their opening home game of the season in front of a raucous crowd, were spurred on to victory by an Aaron Mooy goal as Huddersfield went joint top of the table with Manchester United. It was only a few years ago Mooy was shown the door by the Western Sydney Wanderers, and his first goal in the Premier League will be something to long remember. Mooy was moved on to Melbourne City, before joining their parent club Manchester City and being sent out on loan. Mooy played a central role in Huddersfield’s promotion, and now looks set to play a key role in Huddersfield’s first top flight campaign in 45 years.