5 Things We Learned: Premier League Matchday 2
For the first time this season, all 20 Premier League clubs played. We got to take our first look of what may come this season with every club. Let’s recap five things we learned about Matchday 2.
1. Liverpool still has it
Thiago signing on Friday, Diogo Jota signing on Saturday and massive win on Sunday capped a perfect weekend for the defending champions. Sadio Mane’s two goals fired the mighty Reds above a talented Chelsea squad.
Thiago got his first appearance for Liverpool and played some of the best football of his whole career. A man-of-the-match-worthy performance came from Fabinho, who was playing out of position, keeping deadly striker Timo Werner in his back pocket all game.
This was a big emotional boost for Liverpool, as critics were questioning the back line after they let in three goals to a newly promoted Leeds side last week. It seems like Liverpool is going to be a problem for opposing Premier League squads all season.
2. Chelsea still needs to get it together
Chelsea seemed to have won the transfer window, but the squad faced its first real test this weekend and struggled to get anything going. With Hakim Ziyech still injured from a preseason friendly, Christian Pulisic out with a hamstring injury, and Thiago Silva still yet to play, it may be a while until this squad finds its chemistry.
Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are slowly but surely adjusting to Premier League life, but with all the names yet to play, it may be a while until we see all five of these players playing on the same field.
3. All eyes are on the Spurs
Jose Mourhino-led Tottenham Hotspur exploded versus Southampton with Heung-min Son scoring four goals and Harry Kane assisting all four before scoring his own, putting the Premier League on notice. The recent signing of Gareth Bale may have fired up this momentum for the Spurs. Bale comes back to the club after leaving for Real Madrid in 2013.
Tottenham could be pushing heavy for a top-four finish and a deep run in the Europa League if this kind of play continues.
4. Manchester United’s embarrassing loss could be a worrying trend
The most unexpected result from the weekend was definitely Manchester United’s shocking 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace. An Andros Townsend goal and two by Wilfred Zaha gave Crystal Palace the victory. It’s clear that Manchester United is slow out of the gate to start the new season.
The club did this same thing last year before pushing for a top-four spot, but it still leaves reason to be worried. If the struggle continues, will we see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leave the club by January?
5. Is Everton a contender?
The blue half of Merseyside is seeing a revolution with Carlo Ancelotti. A 5-2 pounding of newly promoted West Brom sees the Toffees win two games in a row. New signing James Rodriguez got his first goal, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a hat trick.
Everton will look to keep its momentum rolling all the way to their first real test against Liverpool on Oct. 17.
Cole Koffler is a freshman majoring in communications. To contact him, email colekoff13@gmail.com.
About the Contributors
Cole Koffler
Sophomore / Broadcast Journalism
