fair to say Andre Villas-Boas and Spurs did not play a starring role in this premiere of what can play only be put into the genre of 'comedy'. As Manuel Pellegerini's City, not for the first time at Eastlands, made a top Premier League side look like a Sunday League squad, especially after Spurs spending in the summer. This did make my weekend.
As Spurs become the laughing stock of English football, Arsenal become the top dogs, the team to beat and the team on form. After defeat to United, they responded with a tight victory over another form side this season, Southampton. The side with the least goals conceded could only despairingly watch as goalkeeper Artur Boruc tried to show his outfield pedigree, but instead of Johan Cryuff, it was more Nicklas Bendtner! This weekend was the stand out this season, as there were many controversial moments, dramatic and thrilling encounters and the complete and utter demolition of Tottenham Hotspur. (Sorry I can't help it, i'm a gooner)
Let's start with the opening game of this stunning weekend of football, at Goodison Park for the Mersyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool. Two sides on impressive form this season with strikers at the top of their game, Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Liverpool's Luis Suarez, top scorer in the league after missing the first 5 games of the season. It started with aggression, excitement and passion, typified with Kevin Mirallas' kun-fu kick on Luis Suarez, which luckily was not consequently given a red card. Phillipe Countinho scrapped Liverpool in front in 5 minutes, yet that man Mirallas fired Everton level, both the result of set-pieces and poor defending. Then the enigmatic Suarez showed why he's one of the best players in the world. A sumptuous free kick, bent round the wall and in at the near post from 25 yards out, a piece of magic. Despite this, Simon Mignolet was keeping Liverpool insight never mind ahead as Everton threw wave after wave at the Red's goal, in particular Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian beast couldn't beat his counterpart, until a Lukaku effort was parried to Gerard Deulofeu who's cut back diverted to Lukaku who placed the equaliser into the corner, as Goodison Park erupted with joy as the Deby was back on. Lukaku had the fire in his eyes, he was up for the derby and he was up for Ross Barkley's corner to thump Everton into the lead in the most entertaining of derbies in recent time. But just when you thought Liverpool had blown it all, this amazing game had yet another twist, as substitute and Suarez's SAS partner Daniel Sturridge flicked in Steven Gerrard's peach of a cross to once again put this derby level, probably the deserved result. Both played their part in what was the game of the season so far.
This Premier League season is by far the most unpredictable, entertaining and dramatic season ever. Refereeing decisions have taken the spotlight, Wes Brown's red card and Ramires' penalty the main examples so far, with managers Gus Poyet and Steve Clarke feeling aggrieved from these awful and quite frankly disgraceful decisions both Sunderland and West Brom big points.
My Predictions- First Review, 12 GAMES!
Top 8
So I currently have no positions correct in the current top 8 to my prediction, however, 6 teams I predicted would finish in the top 8 are in this region, with only Spurs and Swansea missing. Liverpool and Manchester United are the main surprises to my end of season prediction as Liverpool are second (P= 7th) and United are sixth (P= 3rd). Arsenal and Manchester City have swapped from m prediction, however as a gooner, I do still expect them to originate back to my prediction, City (P= 1st), Arsenal (P= 4th). Swansea have been disappointing this season, well off my 6th place prediction, however, after a sticky start with new players settling and Europa League fixtures to ease into, I believe Swansea will start hitting gears soon and rising up the league.
Bottom 8
I have Cardiff correctly predicted as they're 15th (P= 15th), Crystal Palace are second from bottom, one place above my original prediction. A big mistake seemingly is West Brom. I'll always say, Steve Clarke saved West Brom on deadline day, awful start and looking a side which could struggle, the signings of Anichebe, Amalfitano, Sessegnon and emergence of Saido Berahino, have seen West Brom tear up the prediction I made as they sit 11th (P= 18th). I really worry for Hull, memories of their previous debut season of a impressive start, defying the odds, ended with a dreadful and dramatic slide down to 17th, just avoiding relegation on the last day.
I have faith in my predictions that they will turn good come May. Manchester City will be the champions come the end of the season, as much as I want it to be Arsenal, I believe if they sort out a system away from home, they have the home form to beat everyone and watch this space!
Predictions (From Pre-Season):
Top 4
1) Manchester City2) Chelsea
3) Manchester United
4) Arsenal
Bottom 3
18) West Brom/Stoke
19) Hull City
20) Crystal Palace
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