Week Five of the Premier League proved the most unpredictable weekend in the season so far with City failing, Arsenal derailing and all three promoted sides prevailing.
Goal of the Weekend
It usually takes something special to beat Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. Although he was at fault for Spurs’ third goal, there was little he could do to prevent Luka Modric’s rasping drive. If there were any doubts as to whether he still wanted to play for Spurs, they will have been erased for now with that strike.
Honourable Mentions: Nani, Sergio Aguero
Miss of the Weekend
Fernando Torres would have received an honourable mention for the best goal of the weekend. However, what he did next pulled him out of the running completely. I think I can still hear the Manchester United fans laughing.
Honourable Mentions: (Nothing comes close)
Comeback of the weekend
Twelve seconds into the second half at Craven Cottage, Fulham fans feared the worst as Sergio Aguero demonstrated why City had to pay over £35 million for his services. What no one anticipated was the character which Fulham have so far lacked this season. They were superb in the second half and thoroughly deserved their draw.
Honourable Mention: Blackburn Rovers
Newbie Watch
Although Swansea and QPR both delivered complete performances against Black Country rivals West Brom and Wolves, Neil Warnock’s side edge it. Playing away from home in the Premier League is something many a side struggle with when coming up from the Championship. QPR have already registered two away wins which will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.
Cheeky Jibe of the Weekend
Joey Barton giving some back to the Wolves fans by telling them the score was amusing, if you’re not a supporter of the Black Country side. Serial tweeter Barton will now doubt get a taste of his own medicine when QPR next lose. It will be interesting to see his reaction then.
Honourable Mention: The Fulham Fans doing the Poznan after equalising against Man City.
Reality Check
This is shared by Wolves and Liverpool. At the end of August, fans of both teams will have been thinking good seasons lay ahead. However, back-to-back defeats for them means things aren’t looking quite as rosy. They both play each other next weekend at Anfield which should prove an intriguing encounter.
The “We Thought It Was Over But It’s Not” Award
They beat Swansea 1-0 at home and all problems are solved! Not quite as Blackburn Rovers put four past the Gunners at Ewood Park. Their defensive problems are plain to see still. It will take time for these new signings to bed in. Whether Arsenal can afford it is unlikely. No wonder the Arsenal players have, according to the Daily Mirror, requested a defensive coach. The fact they don’t have one might explain their current plight.
Quote of the Weekend
“We are lacking at this moment because we lost two midfielders. I don’t have players. I can only change the full-backs.”
Roberto Mancini claims he lacks depth in his squad. As John McEnroe once said, “You cannot be serious!”
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