Premier League Week 2: Round-up
The perfect antidote to a cagey, low-scoring World Cup, the Premier League - not always renowned for attacking, flowing football - has dished up 64 goals in 20 games. Time to break out the logo-ed running clothes - after the second round of Premier League games, Chelsea already look imperious, the only side to win both their games, and by an aggregate of 12-0. They are joined in the top four by Arsenal, Man Utd and Man City. At the other end, things are already looking grim for Wigan and West Ham. An exciting weekend of fixtures was also marked by three missed penalties, goal of the month contenders from Gareth Bale and Joey Barton, a remarkable three 6-0 scorelines, and a game without a single corner.
Arsenal 6-0 Blackpool
Blackpool were brought back down to earth on Saturday as Arsenal dished out a Premier League lesson. A Theo Walcott hat trick capped a terrific Gunners performance, although Blackpool played an hour with ten men following Ian Evatt’s dismissal. Arshavin converted the penalty, while goals from Diaby and Chamakh completed the rout.
Birmingham 2-1 Blackburn
A brilliant penalty save from Ben Foster paved the way for Birmingham to record their first win of the season. Despite Foster saving Pedersen’s spot kick, Steven N’Zonzi gave Blackburn the lead close to the hour. Birmingham hit back with two goals from Craig Gardner, their second comeback from a losing position in as many matches.
Everton 1-1 Wolves
The two sides played out an entertaining score draw, Tim Cahill opening the scoring before Sylvain Ebanks-Blake gave Wolves a deserved equaliser on 75 minutes.
Stoke 1-2 Tottenham
Spurs bounced back from their Champions League ordeal to overcome a strong Stoke side, Gareth Bale scoring twice – the first an accidental ricochet, the second a curling left-footed volley. Spurs didn’t have it all their own way, with Fuller equalising from one of many poorly defended set pieces. Stoke were denied a point when Chris Foy judged that Jon Walters’ header had not crossed the line – TV replays suggested it had.
West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
West Brom rallied from their opening-day thumping at Chelsea to record an impressive victory – new signing Peter Odemwingie scoring with a composed finish in the final ten minutes.
West Ham 1-3 Bolton
West Ham are still waiting for their first points, after losing to a predatory Bolton side. The Hammers dominated the first half but could not capitalise, Carlton Cole missing from the penalty spot. After the break, Johan Elmander (2) and an Upson own goal gave Bolton the points, with a Mark Noble penalty little consolation for West Ham.
Wigan 0-6 Chelsea
The Chelsea juggernaut eventually rolled over Wigan at the DW Stadium; despite a closely fought first half-hour, Wigan unravelled in the second half. Two goals each for Anelka and Kalou, an opener from Malouda and a first Chelsea goal for Yossi Benayoun completed the rout. After just 2 games Chelsea are six points clear of Wigan, with a goal difference 22 goals ahead of the Latics. As if this wasn’t remarkable enough, six goals were scored in the game without either side winning a corner.
Newcastle 6-0 Aston Villa
A third 6-0, and comfortably the hardest to foresee, as unfancied Newcastle took full advantage of a shocking defensive display from managerless Villa. The Magpies were 3-0 up at half-time through a terrific Joey Barton strike, and well-taken goals from Nolan and Carroll. After the break, Carroll completed his hat trick and Nolan grabbed another. A nightmare day for Villa, which could have been very different had John Carew converted a penalty with the scores still level.
Fulham 2-2 Man Utd
A terrific topsy-turvy affair at Craven Cottage, although the result looked a formality after Paul Scholes scored his 150th Premier League goal with a drilled effort from 25 years. Fulham bounced back through Simon Davies and had the better of the second half until defender Brede Hangeland put through his own net. Seconds later, United won a penalty for a Damien Duff handball. Nani stepped up but Fulham keeper Dave Stockdale went the right way. Hangeland fittingly completed the turnaround, heading past van der Sar with a minute left on the clock.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
City joined Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd in the top four after a comfortable victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Liverpool. Gareth Barry opened the scoring after 13 minutes following good interplay between Adam Johnson and James Milner. Carlos Tevez doubled the lead on 52 minutes, getting the faintest touch on a Micah Richards header. A Tevez penalty ended a tough night for Liverpool, who were denied by the post and an excellent Joe Hart save on the hour.
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