Week 2 has come and gone in Europe, and things are beginning to take shape. The better teams are vying for the top spots, while the rest of the teams fight for the remaining positions. But it’s a long season, the transfer window remains open until Sept. 1, and it is possible that one of these transfers can alter the league rankings in any of the top flight leagues. Let’s take a look at this past weekend’s action
Barclay’s Premier League
The Best
Chelsea vs Leicester City
Chelsea had its home debut at Stamford Bridge against the newly promoted Leicester City, who opened last week with an encouraging 2-2 draw against Everton. Chelsea’s opener had them earning three points with a 3-1 win at newly promoted Burnley. Clearly change is in the air for the Blues, as Jose Mourinho opted to start Courtois in goal instead of fixture Petr Cech, while Fernando Torres was omitted from the squad altogether. The first half saw a draw, with the Foxes having the better of play. Chelsea’s game picked up in the second half, with the keeper Schmeichel keeping the Foxes in the match. Chelsea broke through in the 63rd minute with a Diego Costa goal, banging home a rebound shot from 6 yards out. Eden scored Chelsea’s second goal in the 77th minute with an unassisted goal. But the biggest round of applause came in the 79th minute, with Diego Costa being substituted for Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, even bringing Blues owner Roman Abramovitch to his feet. A hard fought win for Chelsea as they earn the three points with a 2-0 win.
Everton vs Arsenal
With one point separating these two teams in the last campaign, an equally competitive match was expected at Goodison. With an early injury to Steven Pinaar in the 9th minute, the Merseyside lads had to rely on Leon Osman early on at his critical midfielder position. Seamus Coleman started the scoring on a header from a brilliant pass from Leighton Baines in the 18th minute combined with some less than stellar defensive coverage from Mesut Ozil. Naismith doubled the lead right before the half on a goal that was shown on the replay to have been offside, but the flag stayed down in a rare miscue by an EPL linesman. Aaron Ramsey pulled one back in the 83rd on some lackadaisical center back play by Everton and in the 89th minute, Olivier Giroud scored the equalizer on a header six yards out. For the Everton supporters, it must’ve seemed like déjà vu, after their Blues had the lead twice last week and settled for a draw against a newly promoted team. For Arsenal supporters, they kept their patience throughout and made the most of their opportunities. Wenger’s squad, however, will be well satisfied with a point at Goodison Park after trailing 2-0 at the half.
Sunderland vs Manchester United
The Red Devils saw an early Juan Mata goal equalized by a Jack Rodwell score in the 30th minute, with the final result a 1-1 draw. While both teams had their opportunities at the Stadium of Light, the overall match was evenly played, with neither team outplaying the other. Because of their storied past, I am reporting this score under “The Best” section, but if Manchester United doesn’t up their quality of play, look for them to be featured in the section below in the near future. They are in the final negotiation stages of signing Angel di Maria from Real Madrid. While that may not be the total solution, he is the type of player that can improve a team in different ways and is a unique talent. While the overall transfer fee is estimated to be in the 80-90M euro range, the Red Devils have deep pockets and after garnering a lone point in their first two matches against weaker teams, will more than likely be moving forward with the transfer.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Queens Park Rangers
Spurs easily beat QPR 4-0 at White Hart Lane, and are currently top of the table. It was less than a happy return for Ranger’s manager Harry Redknapp, the former manager of Spurs, as he watched his team take a thrashing from the onset of the match. The Rangers’ two center backs are a combined seventy year old, and it was readily apparent that QPR will need to replace some of their players or else find themselves relegated back to the Championship division at the end of the current campaign.
The Rest
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
In a game that ended in a scoreless draw, Newcastle had 4 shots on goal, while Aston Villa had no shots on frame. Playing at home, this represents a disappointing result for Lambert’s side. Newcastle’s defender Williamson was sent off with his second yellow card, but in the 90th minute had no real effect upon the match. For Newcastle, it represents the Magpies’ first point of their campaign.
Crystal Palace vs West Ham United
With West Ham scoring twice in the middle of the first half, they kept their lead and never looked back. Playing at home, Palace looks like a team with no real leadership with their permanent manager Tony Pulis having left the team previously and Keith Millen temporarily taking over the reins while the team searches for a new manager. Palace managed just four shots on frame in a 3-1 loss at home.
Southampton vs West Bromwich
Playing at St Mary’s, the home side had the better of play in the first half but couldn’t keep up the momentum in a 0-0 draw as West Brom recovered to earn an away point in an evenly played match.
Swansea vs. Burnley—While Burnley had a solid showing at Goodison Park last week against Everton, their play was subpar in this match. The Welshmen were coming off a win at Old Trafford last week, and they continued to impress this week, outplaying their opponent and earning a 1-0 win at home. Swansea supporters have to be pleased as their side has earned six points in the first two games of the season.
Hull City vs Stoke
With Hull playing down a man from the 14th minute (courtesy of defender James Chester’s clumsy challenge), they were able to hang on for a 1-1 draw at home. Stoke managed to tie the game in the 83rd minute courtesy of Ryan Shawcross, but manager Mark Hughes lamented that his side should have done better. Yes, Mark, with 19 shots taken and a man advantage for most of the game, we would agree with that assessment.
Spain La Liga
Barcelona vs Elche
No Neymar, no Mascherano (red carded in the 44th minute), ten vs eleven? No problem for Barcelona, who opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory. Elche should’ve known their luck would run out when a black cat ran out onto the field and crossed their path, although one would think that the result would’ve been the same either way.
Levante vs Villareal
This game is recognizable more for its start time than its result. Kickoff was at 11 p.m. local time, which is by design in order to take advantage of slightly cooler temperatures in Valencia. But with an announced attendance of 19,000 (and far less from my own observation), you have to wonder whether their fans are being appropriately served. Villareal bested Levante 2-0.
Dishonorable mention
(Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s manager)
He is facing a seven-game match suspension for slapping the back of the head of the fourth official not once, but twice in their match against Real Madrid last Friday. While he was a player and now a manager, Simeone is known for being passionate about the game. But putting your hand on an official during a match? Really?
