Citizens Take Control

A third week of Premier League action is over and the only team showing any form in the top division appear to be Manchester City.

The blue side of Manchester took control of the Premier League this weekend as they bid to regain the trophy they won in 2013/14. They saw off a challenge from Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday which was closer than the 2-0 score-line suggests. Serbian international Kolarov put City ahead fifteen minutes into the second half and Nasri doubled the lead late on to secure the points and become the only team with a 100% record.

They have looked the slickest team so far but there is an awful long way to go. Two points behind them are a trio of teams – Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester United. The un-fancied Foxes continued their great start with a draw at home to Spurs while Liverpool managed an excellent goalless draw at Arsenal. The Old Trafford faithful watched on as the same result materialised at home to Newcastle, a game they would have expected to win.

Currently holding onto a Europa league spot is our beloved Palace who are experiencing similar giddy heights to Leicester after seeing off Aston Villa at the weekend. Then come two teams that many expect to be in and around this part of the table, Swansea City and Everton. The Swans were held by a struggling Sunderland side who took a welcome first point of the season.

Reigning champions Chelsea beat West Bromwich Albion to climb away from the relegation zone in a game that should really have been easier that it was. An impressive debut for new signing Pedro who scored and had an assist was marred by the sending off of captain John Terry.

As for the newly promoted teams, they have faired well so far. Particulaly Bournemouth who have received plenty of plaudits after their games so far who travelled to West Ham and came away with a deserved 4-3 win. Meanwhile, Norwich City drew with Stoke City while Watford also drew their game with Southampton.

It was another week of controversy with a disallowed goal in the Palace win over Villa, which in hindsight was arguably the correct decision. Red cards for West Ham defender Jenkinson and Chelsea captain Terry were more contentious. The final game of the weekend on Monday night was not free of controversy either. A goal for Arsenal scored by Aaron Ramsey was called offside when the replays showed it was not.

We are hoping that while there are few teams not particularly convincing so far this season and there is room for improvement, the same can be said of the officials. Lets hope that the contentious decisions are few and far between as the season continues unlike last season.

It is odd seeing the Premier League table after just three games played for each team. It really is not significant as it only really takes some shape after ten to fifteen games or so into the season. I have a feeling that two of the current top four will be sticking around though.