The big game in the second week of the Premier League is often a fixture that has flattered to deceive.
A game between two of the teams that are expected to challenge for the title, whoever they are, always seem to be hyped and rarely lived up to. This one was different. There was an argument that it was too early in the season for it to mean much but you tell that to Manchester City and Chelsea fans and players alike.
A three goal win without reply against the reigning champions is no mean feat and while there is plenty of time for Chelsea to recover, the way that City went about the win was impressive. They have set the marker at this early stage for others to gauge themselves on courtesy of goals from Aguero, Kompany and Fernandinho.
Following the medical team controversy in the opening weekend, things got worse for the Blues with their stalwart defender substituted at the break and bustling striker Diego Costa looking to pick a fight with anyone that moved. To be fair, he had received an elbow to the head so he was likely seeing red, or at a risk of seeing that colour in the shape of a card.
Elsewhere, Arsenal managed to get themselves a win at Selhurst as we well know after a surprising loss on opening weekend. With that loss went Palace’s hopes of a win in view as the Gunners rarely see two surprise defeats in a row. They were professional and showed their experience to get the win but we certainly ran them close.
In the first test of the Friday night games, United narrowly beat Villa. I cannot tell you much more than that other than for young multi-national winger Janazaj scoring the winner. I have no idea if the first Friday night Premier League game was a success or not but I for one certainly prefer it to a Monday night. Regardless, two wins from two for the red half of Manchester is a decent start while Sherwood’s troops look to bed in their new signings over the coming weeks.
Whatever the Manchester teams can do Liverpool can match after they handed newly promoted Bournemouth to their second defeat in as many games in a season that promises to be a steep learning curve. The hosts did have the benefit of two decisions in the first half as the level of officiating in the top division remains questionable.
The final of the four teams with a 100% record is the surprise package so far as the Tinker Man has managed to continue their fine end to last season into the start of this. This time it was a trip to West Ham who were the victors at Arsenal the week before and they managed to return to the Midlands with all three points. This is what makes the Premier League what it is. A team that toppled one of the top four lose to a team the following week to a team that just survived the season before.
Elsewhere, a fine and welcome win for Norwich City away at Sunderland after what was deemed to be rough luck against Palace last week. The hosts start the season as perennial strugglers until they decide to pull the rug away from the feet of their latest lamb to the slaughter. Two goals in two games for the impressive Nathan Redmond helped secure all three points.
Could it be the curse of the Europa League once again? Southampton were heavily beaten at home by Everton while South Wales finest Swansea City saw off Newcastle United who finished the game with ten men following two bookable offences by Dutchman Janmaat.
The other two games had the points shared. It was goalless game at Vicarage Road between Watford and West Bromwich Albion when Berhino missed a great chance to steal the points for the Baggies. Tottenham were cruising with a two goal lead at Stoke City but the visitors battled back to grab a point, their first of the season.
The performance of the week has to be the away win for Norwich City at Sunderland. Their first win in their return to the top division and an emphatic one at that which ensures Sunderland fans looking at an all too familiar scenario. Meanwhile, player of the week goes to Ross Barkley for his performance in Everton’s big win at Southampton. Expect a big season from the young England midfielder who even outshone two goal striker Lukaku.
