Premier League talking points: Burnley bouncing as Man United struggle
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Looking back at the weekend’s Prem action
Things went from bad to worse for Manchester United, as they followed up their Carabao Cup exit with defeat to an on-song West Ham United.
There are positive signs for fans of Burnley, whilst fellow early-season strugglers Huddersfield Town were left ruing their wasteful ways once again.
Following another thrilling weekend of Premier League action, the Coral News Team examine the big issues.
Improving Hammers expose Red Devils’ flaws
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United turned in their latest lacklustre display at London Stadium on Saturday. And an on-song West Ham United side duly took advantage, winning 3-1.
The Hammers dominated from the first whistle, with a neat passing move finished off by Felipe Anderson within five minutes. Organised at the back, the Irons also threatened to punish their visitors every time they came forward.
A huge deflection delivered their second goal, but Mark Noble’s wonderful link-up play with Marko Arnautovic for the third underlined the hosts’ vision and flair. Following seven points from their last three games, the Irons are now 13/8 for a top-half finish this season.
Same old problems for toothless Terriers
It was Groundhog Day for Huddersfield fans as their side again created a flurry of chances, and duly wasted them, losing 2-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Terriers have now produced a combined 33 attempts in their last three games, but netted just once. Despite the midfield quality of Aaron Mooy and Alex Pritchard, they’re now the league’s lowest scorers, with just three from seven Prem games.
They can take a crumb of comfort from breaking through a decent Spurs defence on a number of occasions, but poor finishing and bad ball retention up front continues to hurt them. As it stands, the Terriers are just 3/10 to suffer relegation.
Clarets beginning to click up top
After last season’s whirlwind success secured a top-seven finish and European football, Burnley suffered a rude awakening this term. Sean Dyche’s men managed a single point from their first five league games. But they’re now returning to their best.
Back-to-back league wins were confirmed yesterday, with a 2-1 win at Cardiff City following that 4-0 thumping of AFC Bournemouth.
It was a cagey clash in South Wales, but the Clarets took their chances clinically. Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s smart far-post header was followed by another neat headed goal, netted by Sam Vokes. Dyche’s men appear to be on the up. Another top half-finish is a 7/1 shot.
Solid Wolves adapting well to life in the Prem
Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo has moulded last season’s free-flowing Wolves side into a slightly more pragmatic Premier League outfit. And it’s paying rich rewards.
The Black Country side have a tried and tested line-up, with their starting XI unchanged for seven games in a row following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat of Southampton.
The side with the best defensive record outside the top three rarely looked like conceding against Saints. And Wolves’ slick passing football saw them create the openings for their two late goals – the former created by a stunning solo run from Adama Traore.
Santo’s men head to Crystal Palace next, with 7/4 for another Wolves win.
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