This weekend’s set of games started of with a bang, with Everton vs. West Brom seeing a total of seven goals and a red card. West Brom scored within the first 10 minutes, and managed to tie the game at 2-2 at half, but all was down hill from there. DCL of Everton scored his first career hattrick in the victory, as Everton looks poised for a top four run with their revamped squad and seasoned manager in Carlo Ancelotti.
Another wild game ensued with Leeds United vs. Fulham FC, as the battle of the newly promoted saw an end scoreline of 4-3. Leeds have scored seven goals in their opening two matches, but have also conceded seven, a worrying sight for all Leeds supporters.
Next up was the almighty Manchester United, who’s opening match was at home to Crystal Palace. Palace broke through first thanks to a fine finish from Andros Townsend at the 7 minute mark. Wilfred Zaha, the eagles gunman, would go on to score a second half brace, while new singing Donny van Beek managed a consolation goal in the 80th minute. Manchester United, who managed to secure a champions league spot last season on the final matchday, will face a must win against Brighton next weekend, as fans grow tired of their inconsistent play and frugal spending.
The first London derby of the 2020/2021 season began with Arsenal vs. West Ham, with the Gunner squeaking by with a 2-1 victory.
Southampton vs. Tottenham was another high-scoring affair, ending 5-2 in the lilywhite’s favor. Son Heung-Min scored four goals in the rout, his first PL hattrick.
Brighton were 3-0 winners against Newcastle, who quickly put aside their loss last weekend against Chelsea to collect their first three points of the season.
Current Champions Liverpool FC faced their first big challenge of the 2021 season, heading to Stamford Bridge to take on the $500 million + Chelsea, whos match day squad included prior Liverpool transfer target Timo Werner. After a fairly even first half, a counter attack from a Chelsea corner saw Andreas Christensen rugby tackle Sadio Mane to the ground in a play that was sure to put the Senagal start through. After a VAR check, Christensen’s yellow card was replaced with a red, which saw Chelsea fall to 10 men just before the break. Soon after the half, Sadio Mane headed Liverpool in front in the 50th minute, while pouncing on a Kepa Arrizabalaga mistake for a second. New Liverpool signing, Thiago Alcantara, who came on as a substitute in the second half, gave away a penalty (albeit soft) in 68th minute. Chelsea captain Jorginho would then see his penalty saved by Alisson, and the match would end 2-0 in the Reds favor.
Leicester followed up there win against West Brom last weekend with a 4-2 win against Burnley.
Mondays matches saw Aston Villa win a 1-0 victory against 10-men Sheffield United, who now have lost their opening two matches.
The final match of the week was Wolves vs. Manchester City at Molineaux. Pep’s side looked sharp in the early on, scoring twice before the half. Wolves #9 Raul Jimenez cut the lead in half with a header in the 78th minute, adding a bit of tension for the final 15. However, Jesus had other plans, scoring in the 95th minute to open up Manchester City’s season with 3 points. (Wolves did the double over Man City last year, so Pep likely had this game marked down in the calendar)
The high profile Matchday 3 games include Liverpool vs. Arsenal, Sheffield United vs. Leeds, and Man City vs. Leicester City
YNWA