English Premier League Round-2 Results:
| Arsenal – Blackpool | 6 – 0 |
| West Bromwich – Sunderland | 1 – 0 |
| Stoke – Tottenham | 1 – 2 |
| Everton – Wolves | 1 – 1 |
| Birmingham – Blackburn | 2 – 1 |
| West Ham – Bolton | 1 – 3 |
| Wigan Athletic – Chelsea | 0 – 6 |
| Newcastle – Aston Villa | 6 – 0 |
| Fulham – Man Utd. | 2 – 2 |
| Manchester City – Liverpool | 3 – 0 |
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Wimbledon over guys, this is EPL
6-0, 6-0, 6-0 – before you presume it to be another Roger Federer demolishing victory, let me tell you that TheHardTackle deals only with pure football. We can criticize the English Premier League for anything but for a lack of goals. And it has not been only the powerhouses of English football, like Chelsea or Arsenal, mastering the act – even newly promoted teams like Blackpool or Newcastle United are scoring goals galore.
The Toon Tune
Chelsea’s demolition of Wigan or Arsenal’s thumping win over Blackpool pitifully exposed the difference in class prevailing between the teams. But, the way The Toon Army obliterated Villa deserves special mention. It has been a bizarre season so far for both these teams. While Newcastle lost their opening day fixture against the more illustrious United from Manchester, Aston Villa produced an impressive display to outclass the Hammers. Newcastle deservedly tore Villa apart with Adam Carrol scoring a sensational hattrick – but the debate over introduction of technology refuses to die ,with another clear goal disallowed because of human error – this time Ashley Young being robbed off his name on the score-sheet.
Theo can run…. run riots
Arsen Wenger has proved to the world that with dedication and proper grooming, a sprinter can be converted into a footballer – here is the end result of the Frenchman’s research – presenting Theo Walcott – the hattrick hero for Arsenal. Walcott, 21, played the starring role for the North London club as he found the back of the net thrice in their pounding victory over newly promoted Blackpool.
Terry-fic display
For people who thought that Terry-fic would turn into Terry-ble with the departure of certain Ricardo Carvalho to Madrid – it’s time to eat your own words. The captain fantastic for Chelsea put all the doubts to rest with a fabulous display in the first two matches of the season. The veteran defender marshalled his defensive resources expertly to produce two consecutive clean-sheets for his team. He might have lost a yard of pace, but his precision and passion for the game still remains as unadulterated as ever. No wonder Ancelotti holds him in high regard.
Will the real Liverpool please stand up?
After a passionate performance against the Gunners last weekend, The Reds of last season returned to disappoint the fans with yet another uninspiring display at the City of Manchester stadium. The 3-0 mauling could not have come at a worse time than this. Even Europa League seems to be a distant dream for the Anfield faithful, if a string of such pathetic performances refuses to dry up. Though it is too early to press the panic button, but the Reds need to up their game a couple of notches if they intend to make their way back into Europe’s top flight football.
Tale of a prolific striker named “Own Goal”
Sir Alex Ferguson has excavated yet another gem at Old Trafford. Little known Own Goal has been the most prolific goal-scorer for the Red Devils, along with Wayne Rooney, in their previous season. This year, when Rooney is trying hard to get back to his old rhythm, Own Goal is continuing to impress one and all with a goal per match strike ratio. He came to the Devils’ rescue in the match against Fulham with a late strike. It remains a mystery as to why SAF prefers to use him only as a late second half substitute. TheHardTackle demands his inclusion in the first XI for every Manchester United match, hereafter.