Two games have been played already this season. We have already seen how the changes to mitigate time wasting have changed the game and how the rule of handball has people’s opinion divided once again. Only three teams won both their opening matches, Man City, Arsenal and Brighton; how will they do on the third time of asking?
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PREMIER LEAGUE SO FAR
The premier league is cut-throat and any mistake will be punished. Alexis McAllister found that the hard way as his tackle was deemed dangerous and he was sent off, not the way you want your Liverpool career to start. He won’t be available for the game at St James’ Park, in what is looking to be the biggest game of the weekend. Time-wasting and handball judgements were a huge talking point in both match weeks and we are expecting the same this weekend.
Clamping down on time-wasting was needed as actual playing time was down to an alarming level, but some of the decisions to book players that took a few seconds to restart play were harsh. A great example is the first yellow card issued to Arsenal’s left-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was handed the ball by Kai Havertz who delayed play more than the Japanese international. The gravity of the situation was amplified due to the eventual double-booking and sending off after Tomiyasu tugged on Ayew’s shirt, halting a counter-attack.
The other big talking point is: what is judged to be a handball? Alejandro Garnacho’s shot was blocked by a raised hand from Cristian Romero in the penalty area but the referee on the day did not signal a penalty. VAR had a look and they concluded that Romero was too close to the shot from Garnacho, so it was a ball-to-hand incident, rather than a hand-to-ball. While proximity was a consideration, Romero had his right arm raised and if the penalty had been awarded it certainly wouldn’t have been rescinded. A similar situation happened on the opening game between Chelsea and Liverpool, as Nathan Jackson handled the ball after a corner kick, admittedly his hand was closer to his body so that might have had a bearing on the decision.
Newcastle V Liverpool
After a tough battle at the Etihad, Newcastle United lost narrowly to the treble winners but failed to create any decent chances of scoring. They had a hard time keeping tabs on Phil Foden’s darting runs, which created the space for Alvarez to score the only goal of the game. It was a fair result, but the Magpies hoped for a better result to complement their fiery start to the campaign. Next up, they have Liverpool at home, a game that had drama until the very last minute last year. Liverpool on the other hand, managed to keep Bournemouth at arm’s length after their midfielder McAllister was shown red and actually looked the better team. Despite going one goal down so early in the game, Liverpool remained calm and stuck to the game plan. Jurgen Klopp was hailing his boys as they really did well despite their inexperience playing in the formation that they played in and after a rocky start.
Both teams would love to make a statement victory on Sunday, with both teams aiming to finish in the top four places come the end of May. The atmosphere at St James’ Park will be electrifying and buzzing to host such an occasion. Newcastle starts off as the favourites at 2.17 to win, with a first-half victory for the home side at 1.72. A dominant showing from Eddie Howe’s men to win without conceding a goal is at 5.10. Liverpool left it late the last time they visited St James’ Park and we are pricing Liverpool to score last at 2.10, whilst a victory and three points in the bag is at 3.10.
Brighton V West Ham
An electrifying start to the season continues the great feeling around Brighton, despite a number of their main players being sold off, the system with which De Zerbi’s operating compares to that of Man City. After putting Wolves to the sword last weekend, they are top of the league on goal difference, and they have a great chance of extending their stay at the summit. Kaoru Mitoma, produced one of the best solo efforts this season to gift his side an early lead. It’s such a joy to watch the movement off the ball and the understanding between the players.
West Ham on the other hand, took advantage of the weaknesses of Chelsea and came out 3-1 winners at the London Stadium. Taking the lead in such games is always pivotal, after James Ward Prowse’s precise delivery found Aguerd for a free header which he dispatched. Chelsea came back at the Hammers, and at the break it was all level. Another couple of mistakes at the back and Michail Antonio pounced as he rifled his driven effort to the bottom left of the net. Paqueta’ added another in stoppage time after Moises Caicedo committed a foul in the penalty area. West Ham looked comfortable to repel Chelsea’s attacks even with a man light, showing that they are capable to withstand great amounts of pressure when defending their box.
West Ham has lost three of their last five away meetings against Brighton, thus we are pricing the Seagulls at 1.50 to win, whilst a Brighton win by two or three goals at 3.00. West Ham will look to be compact and restrict space to the wingers, and we are pricing under 2.50 goals to be scored at 2.50, with a West Ham win valued at 6.25.
Manchester United V Nottingham Forest
Two games in and Manchester United are yet to show some great football, against Wolves they were outplayed for the majority of the game, but they managed to score whilst keeping Wolves at bay, one way or another. In the first half against Spurs, they played well, but they missed two great opportunities. In the second half, Spurs turned on the style and romped United with a classy display. Erik ten Hag has to go back to the drawing board and assess why they are being so exposed in midfield. Rasmus Hojlund’s availability will be crucial to United going forward as that would allow Marcus Rashford to take his preferred position on the left.
Nottingham Forest managed to secure their first win of the campaign as they locked horns with Sheffield United. The in-form striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored within the first three minutes, continuing the fine form in front of goal. The game was levelled after a terrific strike by the Hamers but Chris Wood had the last laugh as his 89th minute strike was crucial for his side to claim three points.
After the disappointing performance against Spurs, we fully expect Manchester United to bounce back especially since they will be playing at home. We are pricing United to win at 1.30, with over 2.50 goals coming in at 1.52. A goalless draw is priced at 19.00.
Arsenal V Fulham
Two wins in a row for Arsenal signals a great feeling for the new season, especially after the manner they ended their campaign last season. Two victories that might not have set the world alight, but the points are what matters. The sending off for Tomiyasu was very harsh and that really dented their aspirations of adding another goal to secure the points early. The Gunners are looking good especially in midfield, with Declan Rice putting on an imperial showing against Crystal Palace.
In contract, Fulham look disjointed and nothing like last year. In their first game against Everton they conceded too many chances and were lucky to come away with the victory. They found it tough against Brentford, managing only two shot on target. The 3-0 scoreline will only galvanise Marco Silva to make changes and hope for a response against Arsenal.
Without a doubt, Arsenal are the favourites to come out on top in this contest, priced at 1.25 to win, with a goal from their golden boy Bukayo Saka at 2.50. A 2-0 correct score win for Arsenal is valued at 7.00. Fulham will have to play one of the best games to stand a chance of earning points at the Emirates, a 1-1 draw comes in at 9.50.