Winners and Losers of the Premier League — Week 2

Analyzing the winners and losers after a lively matchweek 2 in the Premier League

Rohan Singh
Aug 22, 2017 · 5 min read
Spurs playing their first game at Wembley Stadium.Credit: BBC.com

Winners:

Manchester United Offense

If you were able to watch the second half of Manchester United vs. Swansea City match, you would have seen the impressive display put on by the Manchester United offense. Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Anthony Martial all found the back of the net in the second half. Along with this, Henrikh Mkhitaryan assisted on two of those goals. Overall, when a rhythm is found, Manchester United’s offense can rip apart any opposition.

Anthony Martial shooting the ball against Swansea City. Credit: Manchester United Facebook

Huddersfield & Aaron Mooy

The newly promoted Huddersfield hit the ground running in the Premier League, winning their first two games. Most pundits had Newcastle, another newly promoted side, winning this game. Unfortunately, Jonjo Shelvey, a key player for Newcastle, received a red card last week. Huddersfield capitalized on this and Aaron Mooy scored the goal to give Huddersfield the 3 points

Aaron Mooy celebrating his goal against Newcastle. Photographer: Andrew Yates/Reuters

Jesé Rodriguez

Jesé Rodriguez, Stoke City’s new forward, has had a successful debut with the club, scoring against Arsenal in the early minutes of the second half. The goal came from a miscommunication with Granit Xhaka and the Arsenal defense, leading to Rodriguez having an easy shot on goal. Rodriguez should have no trouble adjusting to the Premier League if he is able to be consistent with his play throughout the season.

Jesé Rodriguez celebrating his goal against Arsenal. Credit: Getty Images

Chicharito

Despite being quiet in his first outing with West Ham, Chicharito found the back of the net two times against Southampton. In this hard fought defeat, he proved to the Hammers that he will not give up on the team not matter how many goals or men they have down. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough as Southampton took the game 3–2.

Sadio Mané

Mané looks as dangerous as he was last season as he was today. When this man is in form, he can prove to be a problem to any opposing defense. After an unfortunate deflection off of a Crystal Palace defender, Mané was able to capitalize on it by scoring a goal and getting Liverpool three points.

Sadio Mane celebrating his goal with new teammate Salah. Credit: Martin Rikett/PA Wire

Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso by far is the biggest winner this week. Alonso scored two goals against Tottenham, one which was an amazing free kick right into the top corner. Alonso all game proved to be a problem for the Spurs’ defense and got Chelsea three very well deserved points. Overall, if Alonso can find this type of form consistently, he can be a key part in another title for Chelsea.

Losers:

Rafa Benitez and Newcastle

Rafa Benitez and the whole of Newcastle have not adjusted well to the style of play in the Premier League. Losing their first two games, along with losing Jonjo Shelvey to a red card in the first match. Newcastle needs to find some form soon in order to stay in this league. Still, even with this being said, the season has just started and Rafa Benitez has enough time to get Newcastle in form.

Starting line-up for Newcastle v Huddersfield. Credit: thegaurdian.com

Arnautovic & Zabaleta

These two West Ham players played a key role in the clubs defeat to Southampton. In the 33rd minute, Arnautovic stuck out his elbow and took down a Southampton player. This resulted in Arnautovic receiving a red card. Along with this, West Ham could have gotten a point from this game but in the dying minutes, Pablo Zabaleta took down a Southampton player in the box leading to Charlie Austin scoring the game winning penalty. West Ham fans have to be disappointed with their new signings and how they have hurt them more than helped them.

Arnautovic receiving red card for elbowing Southampton player. Credit: Action Images/ Reuters

Arsenal & Tottenham finishing in the Final Third

It was apparent when Arsenal and Tottenham played, they lacked the capability to finish in the final third. Arsenal looked hopeless when trying to finish the ball against an average team such as Stoke. It shows that this Arsenal club is missing Alexis Sanchez and the effect that he has on the rhythm of the offense. Tottenham’s offense struggled finishing the ball a number of times against Chelsea.

Dele Alli taking on two Chelsea players. Credit: Tottenham Facebook

Kyle Walker & Morgan Schneiderlin

Kyle Walker in only his second game for Manchester City received a red card. The former Tottenham defender would have hoped to have a better start to the season, but the opposite has happened with this penalty. Also, Morgan Schneiderlin received a red card as well during this game. The challenge was unnecessary and the two will find themselves missing out on the next match.

Kyle Walker receiving a red card. Credit: EMPICS Sports

Michy Batshuayi

Michy Batshuayi has not been the player that Chelsea fans had aspired for. He scored an own goal, equalizing the game for Tottenham. Batshuayi is lucky that Marcos Alonso scored the late goal to get the 3 points for Chelsea, or Chelsea fans would’ve had enough from the underperforming striker.

Michy Batshuayi scoring own goal. Credit: Thesun.com
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Rohan Singh

Written by

The Great Zamboni

Modern Sports Commentary From Everyday Fans, For Everyday Fans

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