EPL REVIEW

The first game of the weekend was a London Derby between West Ham and Chelsea. The blues took the lead courtesy a Juan Mata goal via a rare Torres assist. The hammers came out guns blazing in the second half  and put three goals past Petr Cech, leaving Rafa Benitez without a win in his first 3games in charge of the Blues, the worst run by any Chelsea manager. The result also rubbishes the claim that the Spaniard had sorted out the problems Chelsea have in defence. Benitez claim that the current Chelsea team lacks character and insists that positive results will come soon.

Arsenal was shocked at the Emirates by Swansea. A double from Michu, whose £2million price tag seems like a bargain silenced the Arsenal faithful. Swansea outplayed and out passed Arsenal. The gunners looked jaded and have now slumped to 10^th on the league table. This is Arsenal’s worst start to a Premier League season under manager Arsene Wenger.

Liverpool bounced back from the midweek defeat to Spurs with a victory over Southampton, halting the Saints winning streak. Defender Daniel Agger scored the only goal of the match.

Man City welcomed Everton to the Etihad Stadium. Everton have be somewhat of a boogie team for the Citizens and were the last team to beat them at home in the league. Everton got off to an excellent start as Felliani gave them the lead. City fought back and equalized from a Tevez penalty after Felliani had being dubiously judged to have fouled Dzeko.

In the second London Derby of the weekend, Tottenham thumped Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Striker Jermaine Defoe scored a brace, his 4^th goal in 2games.

Harry hasn’t gotten QPR winning yet but at least they are not losing games.  Aston Villa paid a visit to Loftus Road on Saturday. The home side went a goal behind after 8minutes as Holman gave Villa the lead but Jamie Mackie headed QPR level before the break. QPR created a host of chances but were denied by an inspired Brad Guzan in the Villa goal who saved well from Wright-Phillips, Nelsen and Diakite. QPR have now created a league record of 15games without a win.

Man United beat Reading in a thriller. In a first half flurry, Robson- Kanu gave the Royals the lead on the 8^th minute but United hit back with goals from Anderson and a Rooney penalty. Le Fondre made it two all and the Morrison put Reading 3-2 up. Rooney made it 3 all before Robin Van Persie scored United’s fourth in the 34^th minute.  The first half had produced 7 goals, equalling the record for most first half goals in a Premier League match. The other games to feature seven goals before the interval were Blackburn v Leeds (Sep 1997) and Derby v Bradford (Apr 2000). Sir Alex bemoaned his team defending describing it as their worst defensive performance of the season and said he may be up for selection to play in defence in the Manchester derby this weekend.

West Brom lost a second successive game. Losing 0-1 at home to Stoke. Dean Whitehead’s second half strike earned Stoke their first away win of the season and ensured West Brom wasted the chance to go third.

Bassong scored his second goal in a week as Norwich held off a comeback from Sunderland. This is Norwich’s eight game without defeat a run that includes victories against Arsenal and Man United. Credit has to be given to Manager Chris Hughton for turning things around. Sunderland is one point above the drop zone. Martin O’Neill’s record at Sunderland after just over a year in charge is 11 victories from 38 matches – a win percentage of 29%.

*Newcastle play Wigan on Monday night. Kickoff is at 9pm (Nigerian time)