Last weekend, all four English clubs involved in the Champions League won their EPL games. It’s still early days for the new season, so playing two games in a week won’t bother these big clubs with their deep benches.
Chelsea’s quality excels week in and week out, despite being plagued by off-pitch scandals. After John Terry was charged by the FA, Ashley Cole’s tweet rant is likely to see him be the next Blues player to suffer this fate. But Chelsea used football to do their talking. It wasn’t Ashley Cole or Terry in the spotlight during their game on Saturday, but Spanish magician, Juan Mata. The Spaniard made two assists to see the Blues win 4-1 against Norwich City. In the past four games, Mata has scored four goals, and created another five. His phenomenal performance has even surprised his manager, Roberto Di Matteo.
Manchester City beat Sunderland 3-0 at home. After the match the Black Cats’ manager Martin O’Neil said, “We were well beaten by a superior team”. The Blue Moon finally got their first clean sheet of the season, although the victory was rather spoiled by Mario Balotelli’s petulant behavior. The ill-tempered striker refused to acknowledge the bench after he was replaced, instead storming straight into the players tunnel.
Kolarov’s trademark free kick gave City the early lead.
Arsenal visited West Ham, with the Gunners fighting back from 1-0 behind to leave Upton Park with all three points. Manchester United visited Newcastle United in a game marred by yet another goal-line controversy. But a few controversial decisions by the ref couldn’t deny Manchester United’s superiority, with a convincing 3-0 final score line over the Magpies. The Red Devils are now sitting second on the league table, leading City on goal difference.
The Champions League didn’t affect the big clubs’ domestic performances, but the upcoming international games might cast some doubt on them. Some players will have to travel long distances, and injuries and physical tiredness are sometimes unavoidable.
Will the upcoming World Cup qualifiers affect the league form of the EPL’s super stars?
