Game week 8 of the English Premier League produced many exciting games including Arsenala s defeat of United and City thrashing Newcastle. But it was all overshadowed with the sacking of Brendan Rodgers from Liverpool and Dick Advocaata s resignation from the Sunderland job.
Ita s all over for Brendan Rodgers and Dick Advocaat
Brendan Rodgersa tenure at Liverpool Football Club has been nothing but dramatic. From tiki-taka football in his first season to a ruthless high pressing, counter-attacking game in the second season, Rodgers enthralled Liverpool fans and nearly won the Premier League. Ever since the departure of Suarez, Liverpool have never been the same under him, and after a series of disappointing home draws, FSG decided they needed a new man at the helm. Rodgersa last game, the Merseyside Derby draw at Goodison, summed up the last few months as Liverpool huffed and puffed after taking the lead. The Reds should be thankful to Mignoleta s saves and if it was not for the Belgian, the result would have been completely different.
Just like Brendan Rodgers, the writing was on the wall for Dick Advocaat. The Dutchman, who saved Sunderland by the skin of their teeth last season, simply could not get this Sunderland team to gel together, and despite a defiant draw against West Ham, Advocaat decided to quit. It is indeed worrying for the black cats with another relegation battle in prospect, but they can take heart from the fact that only 1/4th of the season has passed by, and a new manager has time to steady the ship.
Arsenal batter United
Arsenal gave the perfect response to the Champions League disappointment in midweek by beating United 3-0 at the Emirates.
It was the first time they beat their bitter rivals with a 2+ goal margin since 2002. The Arsenal front line of Ozil, Sanchez and Walcott were devastating with their blistering pace and basically won the game in the first 20 minutes. The aging United central midfield had no answer to Arsenala s onslaught and it seemed for some time in the first half that this was an inverse of the 8-2 thrashing that United inflicted on Arsenal four years ago. United did rally around and Van Gaala s men produced a much better performance in the second period but it was not enough to get them even a consolation goal.
Chelsea taught a footballing lesson by the Saints
If there is any lack of motivation from the a championsa , they can watch and learn from Southampton. The Saints, who keep losing their best players to big clubs every season, still do very well and punch above their weight. Koemana s men produced the perfect away display by mugging Chelsea with a 3-1 victory in which they pressed very well and their finishing was clinical. Graziano Pelle bullied the Chelsea centre-halves throughout the game, and the likes of Mane, Tadic and Davies benefitted. Both team had contentious penalty appeals, and it was clearly another case of hypocrisy by the Chelsea boss, when he claimed the a referees are afraid to give decisions for Chelseaa . Southampton and Koeman have finally got into the groove, and you wouldna t put it against them to replicate last seasona s performances after an impressive win at The Bridge.
High Five for Kun AgA?ero
Sergio AgA?ero provided a master class on clinical finishing as he smashed five goals in a 6-1 win for City against a beleaguered Newcastle United side.
City supporters would have been ecstatic to see their top striker get back on the score sheets and it was also a day of jubilation for Fantasy Premier League managers who had the Argentine in their team. Pellegrinia s men turned on the afterburners in the second half after Newcastle took a shock lead in the first period. The Citizens once again reiterated that they are the team to beat in this league with AgA?ero, Silva and record signing de Bruyne looking very impressive with their movement and awareness. City fans would be disappointed to see the international break after two important victories, but as far as Newcastle are concerned, the break couldna t have come at a better time.
The Tynesiders just have to let this moment pass and acknowledge Citya s quality. The only positives that they can take from the game is the first half performance, and the fact that they are bottom of the league means they have only one way to go, i.e. the upward direction in the league table. The pressure is mounting on McClaren, and if Newcastle fail to beat Norwich in their next game at home, then there will be calls for a new replacement at Newcastle.
Palace, Leicester and Stoke grab wins, Eriksen shines for Spurs
Crystal Palace continued their impressive start under Pardew as they put in another terrific home performance to outclass West Bromwich Albion with a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park. A Mahrez-less Leicester edged Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road and Stoke won away at Villa courtesy an Arnautovic strike. Christian Eriksen was the star of the day for Tottenham with his well taken free kicks. The Dane has now scored eight Premier League goals from outside the box since the start of last season, more than any other player. Meanwhile, newcomers Bournemouth and Watford played out a 1-1 draw at the Vitality stadium with Watford keeper Gomes having a brilliant game in front of goal.