Although we are only five weeks into the Premier League, important matches have already created gaps in the table. Arguably the most important match of this past weekend was Liverpool vs. Tottenham.
Liverpool was my pick to win the league this year because of their incredible performance last year with breakout seasons from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. They also brought in Allison Becker from Roma, Naby Keita from RB Leipzig, Fabinho from Monaco and Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City. With all of these players, their squad has enough talent to win the EPL and possibly the Champions League.
They scored 11 goals and conceded two in their first five games. When they played Tottenham, I knew that it would be an important game because both teams are fighting for Champions League spots. Liverpool dominated the entire game, leading in shots, but at times they left themselves open for counter attacks. Georginio Wijnaldum scored a header that barely crossed the line and then Roberto Firmino tapped in the second goal, giving them a 2-0 lead. Then, Erik Lamela scored a beautiful volley to put the Spurs within one, but they couldn’t score again. The Reds took all three points and are in second on the table behind Chelsea on goal differential.
Everton versus West Ham United was one of the most exciting games this weekend. West Ham has a disappointing start to the season because they lost their first four games, but the Everton squad was filled with injuries which eventually lead to their defeat. West Ham, on the other hand, finally had a game where they looked like the team that spent over £100 million. Andriy Yarmolenko celebrated his first Premier League game by scoring two goals. His first goal was a tap in after a beautiful Marko Arnautović pass, and his second goal was a left footed curler that was just out of the reach of Jordan Pickford. Gylfi Sigurðsson brought Everton within one before halftime with a header but Arnautović sealed the game by getting a goal of his own. This may be the game that sparks West Ham’s season, in hopes that they may be the Europa League.
Wolves played Burnley which had a result that everyone expected. Wolves’ offense dominated the entire game. They released a barrage of shots that made the Burnley keeper, Joe Hart, responsible for saving three to four shots within twenty second periods. Wolves had beautiful passing which allowed them to cut through the Burnley defense, but Joe Hart bailed out the Clarets which allowed them to stay in the game. Eventually, Raul Jimenez scored in the second half which gave Wolves the win that they rightfully deserved.
Another one of the most important games this weekend was Watford vs. Manchester United. Before this game, Watford was undefeated which had the entire football community shocked. They have beaten Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace and after surprising Tottenham, they were looking to shock the world and beat Manchester United. Watford looked dominant early on but David De Gea kept the Manchester squad in the game. The momentum switched when Romelu Lukaku scored in the 35th minute and three minutes later Chris Smalling scored an excellent volley that put them up 2-0.
David De Gea continued to play a perfect game until Andre Gray scored in the 65th minute. Watford could not get past De Gea again which lead to the Red Devils taking all three points.
Next weekend, the Wolves look to continue their winning streak while they take on Manchester United. Chelsea will try to keep their spot at the top of the tale when they take on West Ham.
Finally, Everton will attempt to get back on their feet when they play Arsenal.
