Is Van still the Man?

As the Premier League gets up to speed, two gameweeks have been played and we've already seen shocks, late goals and a managerial departure.  As well as that, the Capital One Cup reached the second round where the top teams face potential cup upsets and with the transfer window reaching deadline day, deals are being done by the minute.

Premier League

So, the new season began with a new era starting in Manchester, again.  'King Louis' started with a home tie against Swansea City, routine win surely?  David Moyes opened his reign with a win over Swansea however, so a win shouldn't be a sign of things to come.  But a win nevertheless was vital for United who had Ander Herrera making his League debut.  Yet, the problems at Manchester United were never going to be fixed by a change in manager.  The team is simply not good enough and the right players need to be brought in, something Moyes did not do when signing Zaha, Fellaini and Mata.  Swansea would prevail 2-1 winners with goals either side of half-time from Ki Seung-Yung and Gylfi Sigurdsson.  Wayne Rooney had equalised but United's defence was and isn't strong enough for Van Gaal's system.  Playing Ashley Young as a Left Wing Back and Jesse Lingaard at Right Wing Back emphasise the lack of depth, as well as the appearance of Tyler Blackett, who failed to get into Balckpool's team last season.  This was followed by a 1-1 draw at Sunderland where they were again unconvincing, Van Gaal needs wins and fast, starting at Burnley.

The main title contenders have 100% records so far.  Chelsea and Manchester City have started well and seem destined to maintain title tilts this campaign.  Chelsea, Spanish recruits and all saw past Burnley then Leicester with Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas putting in impressive showings.  City had tougher encounters but made equally light work of Newcastle then Liverpool.  Despite not many signings being added due to UEFA implications, the current crop are still potential world beaters when Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero come together.  Arsenal are also unbeaten after two games.  Less convincing performances but signs of improvement with a gritty win over Palace and enthralling comeback at Goodison Park against Everton.  The Arsenal of last season caved in but with goals from Aaron Ramsey then Olivier Giroud, Arsenal claimed an unlikely point.

Crystal Palace have struggled.  Tony Pulis leaving days before their trip to Arsenal didn't help, yet they were still close to earning a point there.  A humbling at home to West Ham has dampened morale and now with Neil Warnock at the helm, can they start their season fresh. QPR have also looked weak.  A clearout still needed and new players still to bring in, Redknapp will hope for some deadline deals.



Capital One Cup

This week saw the return of the Capital One Cup and as usual it brought its share of upsets.  Leyton Orient knocked out Villa at Villa Park, Burton dumped QPR out, but the biggest shock would be at Stadium MK.  Manchester United arrived expecting an easy ride this was far from it.  United were sluggish and lazy, epitomised by Jonny Evans' error for Will Grigg's opener.  His second, a sublime improvised finish.  Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe put pain to United's defence, bulldozing his way to a double, 4-0 to the Dons, United need a miracle to challenge now, or maybe just an Angel?




I will do a Deadline Day blog, reviewing the weekend and Deadline Day as it has happened to that point!

Signing off, sjt