RADIO
Own Goal Decides The Match At Saint James'
Newcastle United 0 – 1 Arsenal
Saturday, August 29th @ St. James Park
It was more of the same for the Magpies this weekend. Still in search of their first win of the season, Newcastle once again fell victim to sloppy, foul-ridden play and defensive ineptitude.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga.
The game’s first scoring opportunity came when Hector Bellerin was tackled in the box after just 12 minutes. It looked as though the Magpies sloppy defense would allow another penalty kick. However, a questionable steadfast decision by the referee allowed play to continue. Quickly thereafter, Newcastle forward, Aleksander Mitrovic, was sent off with a straight red after a spikes-up stomp of Francis Coquelin’s right shin. Playing down a man once again, Steve McClaren was forced to park the bus for the rest of the match. The only real opportunity for the remainder of the first half came in the 32nd minute. Theo Walcott missed an easy rebound opportunity after Tim Krul parried an Alexis Sanchez strike. The budding youngster continues to frustrate the Gunner faithful with his lack of consistency, despite being soaked in world-class talent.
Even with 75% possession and the one man advantage, Arsenal frustratingly could not could pull away until the 75th minute, when an Alex Oxlade-Chemerlain strike pinballed around the box, ultimately deflecting off of Fabricio Coloccini, finding its way past the outstretched arms of Tim Krul. Newcastle will have a long journey to its first win if it cannot escape the reoccurring theme of debilitating early game send-offs.
Fantasy Focus: Tim Krul
In standard leagues Tim Krul should be avoided at all costs. The Newcastle defense has proved to be one of the leagues worst, despite the Dutch keeper’s fine form. His backline has found means to repeatedly give matches away, whether it be from sloppy play or red card infractions. More surrendered goals and more losses will, seemingly, be on the Magpie horizon if their first month’s play is any indication. With this in mind, Krul should be avoided in all standard formats. In DraftKings leagues in which saves can outweigh goals conceded, Krul is a decent option, considering his impressive play behind a lackluster back line.
Sinclair Nets Brace, Villa Hang On For The Draw
Aston Villa 2 – 2 Sunderland
Saturday, August 29th @ Villa Park
Yann M’vila got the scoring started early for Sunderland, burying a precisely taken free kick past the outstretched arms of Brad Guzan, tucking it away nicely in the top corner. The strike was the Frenchman’s first goal for his new club, as he spends this season in England on a one-year loan from Rubin Kazan. His strike was the Black Cat’s inaugural first half goal of the season.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Just two-minutes later, Lee Cattermole aggressively took down Scott Sinclair in the box, conceding a penalty kick which the aforementioned midfielder successfully converted. Right before the break Sinclair netted another, this time from a Jordan Amavi cross. The brace was the fourth and fifth goal of the week for the former City man, after registering a hat trick in the League Cup just three days prior.
Seven minutes after the break, Jermaine Lens scored, leveling the match at two goals each. Despite the ferocious wide-open tone of the half, chances were limited in the last half hour, with the game ultimately ending in a draw. After a rugged start to the season, Sunderland’s play is starting to level-out, earning its second come-from-behind draw in consecutive weeks.
Fantasy Focus: Scott Sinclair
Not a bad week for the midfielder. In just four days the Englishman scored five goals, growing into the engine that drives the Villa attack. After losing Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke, the Birmingham boys were in search of an adequate replacement to provide the missing spark. With Sinclair, Villa has a proven threat going forward and a solid counterpart to what has been a solid defense through the campaign’s first month.
A Nightmare That Won’t End, Chelsea Drops Another
Chelsea 1 -2 Crystal Palace
Saturday, August 29th @ Stamford Bridge
Chelsea continues to be a conundrum. The defending champs have been unable to secure points and have looked sloppy even in victory. The Eagles, who have been one of the first month’s pleasant surprises, used their trip to Stamford Bridge to demonstrate that they are in the top quarter of the table for very good reason.
The flurry of activity began just before the half hour mark. Thibault Courtois made a great save in 29th minute. Despite the display of skill, the play continued to reveal the Blues’ lack of concentration in the back. Not to be outdone by his foil, Alex McCarthy made his best brick wall impression minutes later, stoning Cesc Fabregas’ short-distance strike.
The story of the match was Bakary Sako. After sitting out of Palace’s first three games, the Malian broke out last week against Aston Villa. Against Chelsea, Sako picked up right where he left off. After being denied by Courtois right after the hour mark, Sako got his revenge. Just minutes later, Sako cut into the middle of the pitch, sprinted to the goal with breakneck pace, and connected with a Yannick Bolasie cross to beat the Belgian keeper for the game’s opening goal.
A quarter of an hour later Chelsea thought they had saved the valuable home point when Pedro connected with Radamel Falcao for the equalizer. It was the latter’s first goal as a Blue. However, the celebration was short-lived. Bolasie and Sako connected on a cross yet again, this time with an extra touch by Sako found the head of a streaking Joel Ward to pull ahead once again. The Eagles held on for the final ten minutes, securing another improbable three points while Chelsea continues to flounder. For the Blues, it has become apparent that changes to the backline, and possibly leadership, need to be made.
Fantasy Focus: Bakary Sako
With a depleted attack, Bakary Sako has emerged as Palace’s top playmaking option in the midfield. The Malian international was all over the pitch this weekend, finding gaps in the beleaguered Chelsea rearguard. His petulant runs were a 90-minute nightmare for Cesar Azpilicueta, who simply could not handle the winger’s pace and skill. Sako looks to be a force going forward for the surprisingly surging Eagles.
Hammer's Attack Surges As Red's Rearguard Falls Apart After Strong Start To Campaign
Liverpool 0 – 3 West Ham United
Saturday, August 29th @ Anfield
Liverpool opened the season with one of the league’s best defenses, surrendering no goals through the first three matches. Yet, Saturday, with the Hammers in town, the Reds were rudely awakened.
Liverpool’s sloppy play began almost immediately after the opening whistle. In just the third minute, after a slovenly Martin Skrtel clearance, new West ham signee, Manuel Lanzini, sent a ball past Simon Mignolet. It was the Argentine’s first goal for his new club in just his first start.
Liverpool’s tawdry defensive effort continued later in the first half. Lazy out of position play by Dejan Lovren led to Lanzini stealing the ball, which ultimately found the feet of Mark Noble who sent the ball streaking past the helpless Mignolet.
Despite an extra time goal by Diafra Sakho to put a cherry on the Hammers’ victory, the second half was highlighted by two separate sendings-off. The first was for Phillipp Coutinho’s second yellow card and the second was a straight red given to Mark Noble who did little to merit a yellow let alone a straight red on a well-time tackle.
Fantasy Focus: Roberto Firmino
The shutout loss notwithstanding, Roberto Firmino looks like money well spent. The Brazilain midfielder, still easing his way into a regular role with the starting XI, looked dangerous on the ball. Firmino adds a contribution to the Reds’ game similar to that of Phillipp Coutinho. With the latter suspended for the club’s next match, look for Firmino to step into the role of primary playmaker.
Can They Be Stopped? The Sky Blues Dominate In Another Shutout Victory
Manchester City 2 - 0 Watford
Saturday, August 29th @ Etihad Stadium
Saturday was just another day at the office for Manchester City. Despite dominating possession, the Sky Blues couldn’t find the net and went into the halftime break at nil-nil with the Hornets. Quite frankly, the halftime result was an essential victory for Watford, who has employed this same “park the bus” tactic against all of its opponents through the first month of the season.
Just 90 seconds into the second half, City broke through the Watford back line. Raheem Sterling, the beneficiary of a brilliant Bacary Sagna cross, scored his first goal for his new club to pull ahead. Ten minutes later the three-points were sealed when Ferandinho sent a laser past his fellow countryman, Heurilhio Gomes.
The match was City’s fourth consecutive shutout victory and the first time in three weeks in which Watford surrendered a goal. With that said, however, the Hornets have yet to score a goal of their own since week one. If Quique Flores’ squad hopes to remain in the top flight it must begin to show some interest in providing an offensive attack.
Fantasy Focus: Raheem Sterling
It took him about a month, but Sterling looks to finally be developing into the offensive playmaker that made him a record signing. He has developed into a fantastic partner to the more free-flowing David Silva, manning the middle of the pitch with creative distribution and space-eating runs. Sterling is certainly proving to be that final piece of the puzzle. Not only does City currently look equipped to secure English glory, but to challenge for European glory as well.
Two Early Stoke Red Cards Put Potters In A Hole
Stoke City 0 – 1 West Bromwich Albion
Saturday, August 29th @ Britannia Satdium
It was a day to remember for Tony Pulls. On the day the West Brom manager made his first visit to his former club, his new squad put together its best 90-minutes of the young season. It was Stoke, however, that garnered the first scoring chance. Immediately following the 10-minute mark, fullback Glen Johnson scorched down the right flank, dodging and juking West Brom defenders. His cross to striker Mame Biram-Diouf, and although perfectly placed, ultimately landed in the hands of Boaz Myhill.
It was all downhill from there for Stoke. Just 31 minutes into the game, Stoke found themselves in the precocious position of being down two men. First, Ibrahim Afellay was given a straight red for slapping Craig Gardner in the face after the West Brom man had fouled him. Not even 15 minutes later, Charlie Adam was sent off, with yet another straight red card, because of a deliberate stomp on Craig Dawson. After all of the drama, Salomon Rondon’s goal in first half stoppage time ended the scoring drought. With a two-man advantage West Brom was able to hold onto the lead throughout the second half, securing its first victory of the season.
Fantasy Focus: Saido Berahino
At the beginning of the summer transfer window it appeared that the English youngster would be on his way out of West Brom, with White Hart Lane being the most likely destination. Despite four official bids from Tottenham, The Baggies publically stated that the striker would not be leaving The Hawthorns, no matter the price. After the move was overruled, the angered former U-21 star tweeted that he will never play for West Brom again. With the transfer window just hours from closing it is tough to imagine Berahino on a pitch anytime soon.
Late Penalty Spoils Another Upset Attempt From The Cherries
Bournemouth 1 – 1 Leicester
Saturday, August 29th @ Vitality Stadium
After highlighting its first win in Premier League history with a Callum Wilson hat trick, Bournemouth returned home looking to keep its offense surging. You know who, got the game rolling. Wilson, displaying sheer athleticism, bicycle kicked in the game’s opening goal after 24 minutes. Just before halftime, the Cherries found themselves on the wrong side of a questionable call. Marked outside the box, replays showed that midfielder Lee Tomlin had his foot stomped just inside the line, which should have warranted a Bournemouth penalty kick. With just a free kick to their disposal, the Cherries sent the opportunity over the crossbar.
Bournemouth stifled a Leicester attack that has been superb through the opening month. Not until the 85th minute were the Foxes able to find a breakthrough. Jamie Vardy, whose breakneck run don the left flank beckoned a sloppy tackle, converted the subsequent penalty kick to even the game at one goal-a-piece.
The match was an impressive display from two of the league’s smaller clubs. Leicester continues to shock the league by maintaining its top of the table form, picking up yet another point. Bournemouth, despite its minuscule size and uninspiring assembly of talent, plays each match confidently and has provided the league with some of its most entertaining matches thus far this season.
Fantasy Focus: Jamie Vardy
First it was Riyad Mahrez, then Marc Albighton, and then Shinji Okazaki. Now, it is Jamie Vardy’s turn to be the offensive star for Leicester. The Foxes have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive attack. With the tactical genius of Claudio Raineri guiding them, Leicester should continue its fine run and stay in the top half of the BPL table.
Spurs The Better Squad But Settle For Yet Another Draw
Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 0 Everton
Saturday, August 29th @ White Hart Lane
More of the same for the Spurs. Arguably the better team in all of its first four matches, it is embarrassing for Tottenham to be currently sitting near the bottom of the table with a measly three points. The match was primarily highlighted by one play in particular. Harry Kane, still searching for his first goal of the new campaign, found himself all alone on a 30-yard streak to goal midway through the first half. With just Tim Howard to beat, the Spurs striker panicked and was stonewalled by the Everton keeper.
Even with the offensive struggles, the Spurs' defense came to play, swallowing up the high-flying Toffee attack. Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Arouna Kone, early stars of the new campaign, were thoroughly neutralized. Eric Dier, starting his fourth consecutive game at the holding midfield position was a force. The Portuguese-born Englishman repeatedly disrupted the Everton assault, even if his tackles were sometimes a bit too “chippy.”
Lack of creativity has been the achilles heel for Spurs so far this season. With Christian Eriksen and now Mousa Dembele on the shelf, Tottenham is desperate for an offensive injection of talent. Whether it be from the young Dele Alli, new signings Son Heung-min and Clinton N’Jie or a new transfer all-together, the Spurs need a playmaker to compliment Harry Kane and need one fast.
Fantasy Focus: Son Heung-min
Son arrived from Bayer Leverkusen at just the right time. With their transfer requests for Saido Berahino repeatedly denied, Tottenham will rely on the Korean-international for the playmaking responsibilities with Christian Eriksen out injured. Son finished the 2014-2015 Bundesliga season with 12 goals in 43 matches. His ability to play on the wing and as a forward makes Son a likely inclusion in the starting XI even when Dembele and Eriksen return from their respective injuries.
The Saints Are Back - Southampton Makes A Statement With Shutout Victory Versus Norwich
Southampton 3 – 0 Norwich
Sunday, August 30th @ St. Mary’s Stadium
Much aligned with a recurring theme from the weekend, the telling difference in this match was another early sending-off. The Canaries were forced to play with ten men for over an hour when defender Steven Whittaker amassed two yellow cards in just the first thirty minutes of play, each coming from a boneheaded lapse in judgment.
The Saints made use of exploiting ten-man Norwich. Just before the break, Man U transfer target Sadio Mane, connected with Graziano Pelle on a well-timed run to put Southampton 1-0 up before the break. With yet another assist from Mane, the Saints doubled their lead in the 64th minute when the aforementioned winger’s cross reached the feet of Dusan Tadic, who simply had to just pass the ball past John Ruddy. Tadic netted yet another later in the half to seal the victory for the Saints who earned their first shutout victory of the season.
Fantasy Focus: Dusan Tadic
Tadic made his mark Sunday, scoring two goals in Southampton’s first convincing win of the season. Tadic can provide a valuable option for regular minutes in case the rumors prove true and the Saints lose Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane to outgoing transfers.
Swans Continue To Fly High
Swansea City 2 – 1 Manchester United
Sunday, August 30th @ Liberty Stadium
What we have here is two squads moving in very different directions. Swansea is making a very convincing push for at least a top-six finish. The Swans have one of the most high-flying attacks in the Premier League. The jewel in the attack is Bafetimbi Gomis, who has scored a goal in every match this season. The French international nearly helped open the scoring from a Jonjo Shelvey free -kick as he creatively redirected the ball to the feet of Gylfi Sigurdsson, who sent the ball just wide of the net.
After a Juan Mata goal opened the second half, the Swans came roaring back. Just 12 minutes later, an Ashley Williams cross met the crown of Andre Ayew, who sent the ball passed the outstretched arms of Sergio Romero. The score was Ayew’s third goal since his summer transfer from Marsielle. Minutes later, Swansea pulled ahead. Ayew, surging down the right hand side, sent a beautiful lead ball into the box, giving Bafetimbi Gomis the perfect amount of time to gather the ball at his feet and gently pass it underneath the diving Romero.
Swansea would hold on to the lead for the remaining 25 minutes of play, staying unbeaten and handing Manchester United its first defeat of the season. Wayne Rooney’s goalless streak in the league has now extended to 11 games. With the Englishman’s form lacking and the rest of his club failing to pick up the slack, look for new record signing Anthony Martial to get significant minutes as soon as the players return from their international break.
Fantasy Focus: Andre Ayew
With his trademark open-handed chest pound, Ayew passionately sprinted down the pitch’s baseline, celebrating the equalizing goal that silenced the crowd at Old Trafford. The goal was the Ghanaian international’s third of the season, proving to be a valuable addition to an already very talented Swansea attack. Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis’ developing chemistry has proven to be an asset to a club looking to remain in the top-fourth of the table.
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