Match Day 3 of the English Premier League ( EPL ) was a topsy turvy ride with most results on the unexpected lines. Some gruelling encounters, some fascinating football, some belligerent performances and some serious soul searching. Though its early days yet, it so appears that this season is going to be an extremely hard fought one and the big boys may have a good tight run for their money.
A Normal Day at the Office for the Spurs and the Gunners
Tottenham ( Spurs) got the better of a tenacious and a strong defensive Wolverhampton Team by a solitary Harry Kane goal whereas an amazing looking Arsenal ( Gunners ) brushed aside Bournemouth ( 3-0 ) with another impressive display, led by a brilliant Gabriel Jesus in Red hot form. The Gunners are the only Team to have won all their first three a Games and are at the top of the Table.
London Neighbours and a Gruelling Battle
Fulham and Brentford squared up against each other at Craven Cottage ( Fulham’s home ground ) and as expected it was a gruelling battle between the London neighbours who have a history between them too. Fulham forged ahead with a two goal lead in no time. However, the Bees ( Brentford ) fought back with two goals to bring parity. The Bees dominated the second half with some spectacular attacking football, but Fulham had the last laugh scoring in the 90th minute through a Mitrovic header. Craven Cottage was in splits and Brentford disappointed. It was a terrific game and though the Bees lost they can hold their heads high.
A Chelsea, Mendy Struggle
Chelsea faced Leeds Utd at Elland Road ( Leeds’ home ground ). Chelsea had impressed in both their earlier matches and though they drew with the Spurs in their last game they played superbly well. Leeds on the other hand had a difficult season last year and were hoping for a good start against Chelsea which they were given on a platter by a terrible and uncharacteristic mistake by Mendy, Chelsea’s world class Goalkeeper. Mendy had all the time in the world to clear the ball or just pick it up in his hands, but a rare indecision saw the ball being snatched away from him by Aaranson on the goal mouth resulting in the first goal for Leeds. A stumped Chelsea could hardly recover when a superb header by Rodrigo made it 2-0 for Leeds just 4 minutes later. Chelsea had their chances too but could not make them count. Another goal by Harrison in the 69th minute sealed it for Leeds causing a bit of an upset. Chelsea were further pushed on the back foot by a Red card for their hero of the last game Kalidou Koulibaly. A setback for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
An Escape for Manchester City at St. James’ Park, Newcastle
A 6 goal thriller, a spirited pacy Newcastle ( I was impressed by the pace they have in Wilson and Almiron) almost got the better of the Champions. After an early goal from Ilkay Gundogan, Newcastle shot back with 3 goals on the trot, with the third one being a show stopper from a Trippier free kick. A bullet of a hit which swirled away from the Goalkeeper and into the net in a flash. A goal easy to demoralise the opposition. However Manchester City are a tough team to beat and came back strongly with goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva to restore balance and force a draw. It was a match of some classy football from both sides and in my opinion Newcastle played better and looked dangerous on the counter attacks. A moral victory for Newcastle nevertheless.
Listless West Ham , a resurgent Southampton
West Ham who have yet to score a point in this season ( after some fine performances in the previous two seasons) , were beaten by Brighton comprehensively. Problems galore for Manager David Moyes as West Ham find themselves at the bottom of the table and surprisingly have yet to score a goal. On the other hand a resurgent Southampton came from a goal behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 in an engrossing match. The highly rated James Maddison scored for Leicester from a brilliant free kick, but C.Adams scored twice for Southampton coming on as a substitute. The second goal was all class and power from the Southampton forward. Everton drew with Nottingham Forest to snatch a point in a good match at Goodison Park, Everton’s home ground , with both the goals coming in the last 10 minutes. Crystal Palace too were extremely impressive with their forward Zaha and beat fancied Aston Villa by 3 goals to 1.
The Match of Day 3
Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford, Manchester was the most anticipated match of Match Day 3 of the EPL and it has to be said it lived up to its billing. With controversy in the form of massive protests by the fans against the owners of Manchester Utd threatening the match itself, and with the home team in dire straits after two embarrassing losses, there was a lot at stake for new Manager Erik ten Hag and his under pressure boys and they did not disappoint. J Sancho scored one of the finest goals of his career for Manchester Utd 16 minutes into the match and Marcus a Rashford added another one in the 53 rd minute after a spectacular counter attack. Mo Salah got one back for Liverpool in the 89 th minute, but it was too little too late and the match in a 2-1 victory for Manchester Utd. A big relief for Erik ten Hag. Liverpool played a weird game. They absolutely dominated possession ( 71%) but played too much in the midfield without purpose and enterprise it seemed. The defence by Manchester Utd was stoic too and they held their nerve strongly. Manchester Utd looked more desperate and hungry for a win rather than the subdued Liverpool. The victory was an extremely crucial one for Manchester Utd. It will give their fans hope and some breathing space for the team. Liverpool look a bit scattered and need to regroup and should show more purpose while attacking in the future matches. Lots of work for Juergen Klopp.
The Goal of Match Day 3
It was a tough choice to make between two superb free kicks from Trippier and James Massison, the powerful volley from C Adams and a fine goal by J Sancho. Considering the pressure of the game and the happenings off the field, the goal by young J Sancho stands out. He held the ball with superb control in the box amongst the defenders, kept his composure and shot just wide of Allison Becker’s right arm. It was so precise indeed. The goal gave massive confidence to Manchester Utd and brought Liverpool under pressure. What a goal.
Match Day 3 was again fabulous to watch and equally interesting in writing a brief on it. Keep reading rizkhan.in for Football. What a humdinger of a Sport.
A very comprehensive , superb and focussed coverage of the goings-on during Match Day 3 of the English Premier League. I hope Riz’s this critical ‘ read ‘ on the game swings is easily accessible to all Football lovers.
An extremely good , interesting and exciting report !
Glad you liked it.
Glad you liked the coverage