It was good, it was bad and a little bit ugly too. Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away to Swansea on Monday saw the Reds leave Wales with one point, which was sufficient for them to regain top spot in the Premier league after four games. However, the game largely revolved around former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey with the 21-year-old scoring one and assisting another for his own team Swansea City but gifting two easy goals to the Reds with wayward passes. The fragility of Liverpool’s defense was exposed although Brendan Rogers would be more than happy to take one point back to Merseyside.
Four goals in four games – Daniel Sturridge is flying high
Playing good football for only half the game is becoming a typical pattern for the Reds this season, a problem Rodgers needs to address quickly if they are to be a genuine title chance. Even if they simply hope for European qualification, the central defense needs significant improvement.
Everton caused the major upset of the weekend with the energetic Toffees stunning Chelsea through Steven Naismith’s header at Goodison Park. This was the Blues’ first league defeat since José Mourinho ‘s return to Stamford Bridge while the two Merseyside clubs are now the only two in the Premier League still undefeated. Remarkable!
Arsenal’s new German engine Mesut Özil
Several players who moved to the Premier League on the final day of the transfer window made their league debuts and some were quick to hit the ground running. Liverpool’s Victor Moses shot the Reds their second goal at Liberty Stadium but the shining star was undoubtedly Mesut Özil, who looks to be worth every penny Arsenal paid for him in their record £42.5million deal with Real Madrid. Aside from an assist to Olivier Giroud in the opening minutes, the German wizard’s passing, movement and technique are simply world-class. Tottenham Hotspur was also blessed by their new No.10, with Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen enjoying a fine game and being involved in both of his side’s goals. Marouane Fellaini needs more match time to show he is the real deal for the Red Devils, while Samuel Eto’o missed several scoring chances on his disappointing league debut for Chelsea.
As we predicted, the big clubs with new managers are struggling a bit at this stage of the season. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea will have to raise their game to be considered title contenders.
