The second Matchweek of the Premier League did not disappoint. VAR drama, Sheffield and Norwich getting their first wins, United stuttering at Molineux, again. It was memorable. Here are the Winners and Losers from the Premier League. Bet on the Premier League here.
Winners
Sheffield United and Norwich City
Premier League newcomers Sheffield United and Norwich City produced stunning performances over the weekend to register their first league wins of the campaign. The Blades marked their first Premier League game at Bramall Lane for 12 years with a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace. This was a surreal result for them given they were playing in League One three seasons ago. Most pundits have tipped them to get relegated but they’re holding their own so far. The Canaries defeated Newcastle United 3-1 with Teemu Pukki scoring a hat-trick in a comfortable win. After two games, Norwich look like they can compete in the top flight.
Tottenham Hotspur
If it were not for the VAR Spurs would’ve lost the game against Manchester City. The hosts were dominant for large parts of the game. However, Spurs remained competitive throughout the game. Despite the hosts’ dominance, Mauricio Pochettino’s men always have a way of scoring against City. Before Saturday’s game, City had won their previous 15 home games in all competitions, conceding just six goals in the process. But three of those six goals were scored by Tottenham in their Champions League game in April. In spite of the dramatic end, this was a positive result for Spurs.
Both Teams to Score Bettors
Both teams scored in all but two matches in the Premier League this week. Watford and Palace were the only teams who failed to score this weekend. Moreover, both of these teams are yet to find the back of the net and will have to work on their attack heading into match day three.
Losers
Chelsea and Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard was denied a win in his first game at Stamford Bridge since becoming Chelsea manager as the Blues drew 1-1 with Leicester City on Sunday. Lampard’s first three matches have seen his team lose 4-0 at Manchester United, lose on penalties against Liverpool in the European Super Cup and now this draw with the Foxes. He becomes the first Chelsea boss not to win any of his first three games in charge since Rafael Benitez in the 2012/2013 campaign. The Blues will have to pull up their socks. Their next two matches are against promoted sides Norwich and Sheffield United, which are winnable. These two matches can kick start their campaign.
Paul Pogba and Manchester United
Paul Pogba saw a second-half penalty saved as Manchester United drew 1-1 at Wolves. The Red Devils produced a much better performance than in their last two visits to Molineux. United dominated possession in the first half but were unable to penetrate Wolves’ resolute defence. In the second half, the hosts got more into the game after the introduction of Adama Traore. This are the early days for this United team and signs are promising but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to wait much longer for his first win over Nuno Espirito Santo.
Aston Villa
Villa succumbed to a second defeat in the Premier League when they were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth in a fiery encounter at Villa Park. Villa had the lion’s share of the possession but just lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Villa’s mass spending will always be under the microscope with every passing game. Dean Smith and his team will have to get to grips with the league soon or risk having their fate sealed like Fulham did last season.