5 things we learned from the Premier League this weekend
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There were plenty of talking points
The second weekend of the 2017-18 Premier League season may not have had quite the same amount of drama as the opening few days, but there was plenty of drama and intrigue.
Manchester United fans are becoming increasingly confident of their title chances, while Tottenham and Arsenal supporters may wish the season was over already.
And then there are the five sides who are still pointless after two games, with each left wondering what they can do to make improvements as the transfer window’s end draws near.
Here’s the Coral News team’s top-five points to take away from the weekend…
Manchester United are ruthless once again
One 4-0 win is something, but two in a week shows that Manchester United aren’t going to hang around this season.
Both West Ham and Swansea conceded multiple goals late-on against the Red Devils, who now boast a blistering array of talent going forward.
But it’s the mentality to keep on plundering the net, rather than the talent at Jose Mourinho’s disposal, that is the single biggest change about Man United this season – it’s Fergie-esque.
Tottenham still can’t crack Chelsea
Tottenham must be sick at the sight of Chelsea by now, after the Blues ruined their Wembley debut.
Antonio Conte’s savvy tactics limited Spurs’ options in the final third, and then Mauricio Pochettino’s men were the architects of their own downfall.
Having worked so hard to get back on level terms, Tottenham gave away possession cheaply, switched off, and allowed Marcos Alonso to bag his second – and the game’s winner.
It wasn’t just one point dropped for Spurs, it was that they handed Chelsea two extra points. Who knows what impact that will have come May.
Joy for Jese as Stoke stifle Arsenal
It’s the same old story for Arsenal, as Stoke once again proved to be their bogey team.
The concern for Arsene Wenger will be that his side conceded shortly after the interval for the second week in a row.
And though Alexandre Lacazette’s goal arguably should have stood, they didn’t do enough to get past Mark Hughes men, and weren’t sharp enough to stop Jese enjoying a dream debut for the Potters by netting the only goal of the game.
Brighton must be brighter
If you’re going to survive in the Premier League, then you can’t allow Riyad Mahrez to stroll into the penalty box in the opening seconds of a match.
But that’s what Brighton did when they went to Leicester on Saturday, and Shinji Okazaki tucked away Mahrez’s spilled effort, throwing Chris Hughton’s game-plan right out of the window.
An away trip to Watford on Sunday completes a tricky opening trio of fixtures for the Seagulls, but they must learn quickly to sharpen up, right from the off. Fail to do so again this weekend and the Hornets will punish them.
Silva’s Hornets boast potent sting
Speaking of Watford, things won’t be dull this season in Hertfordshire. After bullying Liverpool into a 3-3 draw on the opening weekend, the Hornets picked up a 2-0 win away at Bournemouth.
In Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chalobah and new-boy Richarlison, the Hornets have plenty of attacking pace and skill to sting defences. Then there’s Troy Deeney and Stefano Okaka, who provide Watford and boss Marco Silva with strength and power in spades.
There’s still work to do at the back, but there are plenty of goals in this Watford team.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
