Premier League Talking Points: Arsenal and Spurs facing questions
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We round-up the top-flight action
The Premier League may now be on hiatus for two weeks, but there was no shortage of talking points from the latest round of fixtures.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford kept up their respective 100% records. Meanwhile, West Ham United saw their relegation odds slashed once again. The Coral News Team has rounded it all up below.
Mourinho silences the doubters…for now
It’s been a difficult seven days for Jose Mourinho, so yesterday’s victory over Burnley should have come as blessed relief for the Manchester United manager.
The Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners at Turf Moor thanks to a brace from Romelu Lukaku. But that didn’t stop Mourinho taking another swipe at the media in his post-match press conference – claiming that some of the press pack “must be disappointed” at the result.
He’ll be happier with his side’s title odds at least. United are in from 50/1 to 40/1 to lift the Premier League trophy.
More jeepers keepers for Liverpool
Liverpool extended their 100% start to the season against Leicester City, although it was goalkeeper Alisson who dominated the headlines. The £65m stopper was at fault for the Foxes’ goal after attempting to dribble around Kelechi Iheanacho inside the box, only to be dispossessed.
His blunder didn’t end up costing the Reds in the grand scheme of things. But the Brazilian ace did concede that he may think twice about trying to be clever on the ball in the future.
Torreira shines as Cech flounders for Gunners
Unai Emery was left with more questions than answers from Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Cardiff City. Namely, how long can Petr Cech hold onto his spot in the team after another below-par display? How underwhelming must £22m man Bernd Leno be if he can’t dislodge the veteran between the sticks? And most pertinently – how long before Lucas Torreira becomes a mainstay in the side?
The pint-sized Uruguayan changed the game following his introduction in the Welsh capital. He completed 26/26 passes, won 6/6 duels, 3/3 tackles and provided the game-winning assist. It’s surely only a matter of time before he nails down a place in Emery’s new-look midfield.
Hammers’ house of horrors continues
The last time West Ham started a season with four defeats from four they were relegated from the top-flight. So the omens are there for beleaguered Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Saturday’s loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers summed up their season so far – with defensive errors and a lack of clinical finishing up-front ultimately costing the East Londoners. The Chilean coach needs to put things right during the international break or the Irons could end up getting cut adrift.
With fixtures against Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City upcoming, we make the London Stadium side 5/2 for relegation.
Tottenham’s lack of depth highlighted once again
Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham were brought back down to earth with a bump at Vicarage Road yesterday. The North Londoners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Watford despite taking a second-half lead through an Abdoulaye Doucoure own-goal.
Such an after the Lord Mayor’s show performance will frustrate Pochettino. But more worrying should be Spurs’ lack of depth up-front. Harry Kane still looks fatigued from the World Cup and Lucas Moura can’t be relied upon every week. Fernando Llorente isn’t a good enough option from the bench.
Will their lack of summer business end up coming back to bite them as the season goes on? They’re now 14/1 for a maiden Premier League title.
For more Premier League odds click here.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
