EPL, England, Europe, Features, Ian John, Leagues, Regions POSTS

The EPL Weekend Review: Chicarito proves his worth

Published by Ian John on October 25, 2010

After Rooney-gate (and I refuse to be all smug and say ‘I told you so’) and the Liverpool take-over, it was rather nice to get back to a weekend when football would make the headlines and there was certainly plenty to consider after a dramatic weekend of action which saw Man City defeated at home, Man United edge out Stoke, Chelsea put down the Wolves and Liverpool finally record a victory.

It’s been mooted by many that the Premier League is becoming a more level playing field and it would certainly seem so based on this weekends evidence. Only Arsenal scored three goals, and that came against a Man City side who played 86 minutes with 10 men. Only four teams failed to score and only three teams won by two or more clear goals. Parity?

Not really. Chelsea were one of the teams to win by two goals and did so relatively comfortably against Wolves. Birmingham were the other side to register a double salvo on Saturday and keep their goal intact, against Blackpool. Neither victory was particularly inspired but both served to underline that in comparison to their opponents, both Chelsea and Birmingham had far too many weapons to be unduly troubled.

Arsenal’s game against Manchester City was a real talking point. Should Boyata have been sent off (yes), was it a penalty on Fabregas (erm, yes), should City have played things a little tighter (no). In the end the result was what it was always likely to be when a team committed to attack like City plays against a team so good on the counter, like Arsenal, with 10 men for nearly all the game. Arsenal counterpunched their way to success, like a smart Cruiserweight against a heavyweight with one hand tied behind their back. It was a good win for the Gunners but not a fatal defeat for City.

The Tottenham and Everton clash was entertaining, if only for the brilliant Leighton Baines free kick and Tottenham’s comical equaliser. In the end either side could have won it, but a draw was probably the right result. West Brom moved into the Champions League places briefly at the weekend after their 2-1 win over Fulham. Regardless of them dropping out of the places on Sunday, it is still a marvellous start for Roberto Di Matteo’s men.

Liverpool would certainly trade places with them. Their 2-1 victory over Blackburn at a nervy Anfield was their first win in eight games and despite the win, the club, thanks to their goal difference, still remain rooted in the relegation zone. Admittedly, a couple of wins could rocket them up the table, but few Reds fans are confident that the team is capable of stringing together a series of performances good enough to do that. Especially with Chelsea and Tottenham on the horizon in November.

Star of the weekend, well it was either Leighton Baines for that free kick against Spurs, Chicarito for his double strike against Stoke or Cesc Fabregas for an assured and calming performance at the heart of the Arsenal midfield which was the foundation for Arsenal’s victory.

Player of the season so far? It’s a tough call, Carlos Tevez has done brilliantly for Man City, when not moaning that he’s tired and contemplating retirement. Joe Hart too has shone. Berbatov for Man Utd has kept them in games single-handedly at times while Paul Scholes started the season in fine form, though has tapered away of late. But there’s no doubt as to the player of the season so far, is there? Surely, only one man fits the bill. Britain’s most wanted player? Sit down Florent Malouda, as good as you’ve been, you are no Gareth Bale.

Image courtesy of ***Gio00King*** On Picturebox.com

Readers Rating: