The Premier League takes a break for the international action this week but here we look back on another weekend of high drama in England’s top flight.
1 – The real Manchester United finally showed up
After what has been a stuttering start to the season from Manchester United, finally we got to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s true colours on Sunday as the 3-0 win at Newcastle proved they are very much title contenders again this term (United 2/1 – Premier League Outright).
St James’ Park remains one of the toughest places to get a result in the top flight but the way the Red Devils tore the Toon apart in the opening half hour should be an ominous warning to Manchester City, Chelsea and co.
They may have lost twice already this season but United appear back to their best and the rest of the league should be worried.
2 – But City click into gear too
If United’s start had been below-par then City, while unbeaten heading into Saturday’s home clash with Sunderland, could hardly be described as looking like defending champions in the early weeks of the season.
Draws at Stoke, Liverpool and at home to Arsenal, coupled with narrow victories over Southampton and Fulham, have led to questions marks over whether Roberto Mancini’s side can handle the pressure that comes with being champions (City 13/8f – Premier League Outright).
However, the utterly convincing 3-0 win over the Black Cats – that could easily have been five or six – suggests they too are now ready to prove the doubters wrong.
3 – Paul Lambert has plenty to do at Aston Villa
Paul Lambert’s arrival at Villa Park over the summer was greeted with cheer by the fans, but a thoroughly underwhelming start has left them scratching their heads.
Villa, who are 3/1 to be relegated, have won just one game so far and only really impressed in that victory over Swansea and in fits and starts since.
Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Spurs was a meek surrender after they had held their own in the first 45 minutes while Lambert’s decision to again start proven goalscorer Darren Bent on the bench is baffling.
4 – Diving remains an issue to be tackled
Another weekend in the Premier League and another Monday is dominated by talk of how to combat players diving.
Luis Suarez (9/1 – Premier League Top Goalscorer) has drawn plenty of criticism from managers for it in the past and Stoke boss Tony Pulis described his going to ground in the second half of his side’s 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday as “embarrassing”.
The ‘dive’ was laughable with no Stoke player even making a challenge let alone contact with the Uruguayan, although the Liverpool striker will claim in his defence – if it is one – that he has had three legitimate spot-kicks turned down this season already by referees in earlier games.
Gareth Bale was also guilty of it in Spurs’ win over Aston Villa so is it now time for retrospective action to be brought in by a panel of experts assessing the weekend action?
5 – Hughes must pick up points soon
Despite receiving the backing of chairman Tony Fernandes this week, QPR boss Mark Hughes must now be under some degree of pressure at Loftus Road after another weekend defeat (QPR – 2/1 To Be Relegated).
Despite heavy summer investment, the Rs look like a side without a structure and, at times, appear totally disjointed. The arrival of so many new faces is bound to unsettle things and they will need time to gel.
There is talent in the ranks at Loftus Road and Fernandes will clearly stick by Hughes but wins are what is needed after the 3-2 reverse at West Brom on Saturday.
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