1- Wolves More Than Just Hype:
The sight of record Premier League champions Manchester United on the back foot against newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers is a testament to two factors. a) Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils have lost the fear factor. b) Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves are one of the best-coached sides. Finishing in the top ten is not beyond their reach.
2- Lucas Torreira/Petr Cech are Arsenal starters:
Unai Emery’s Gunners escaped with all three points against Marco Silva’s Everton this past weekend thanks to the brilliant custodianship of Petr Cech and midfield bite of Lucas Torreira. Can’t recall a better performance from the former Chelsea number one. Torreira, meanwhile, proved Mateo Guendouzi should be a sub; not the reverse.
3- Chelsea Short Of Striker And Flying Winger:
As favourites Manchester City and Liverpool were each plundering a hatful against Southampton and Cardiff City respectively, Chelsea were forced to a barren stalemate by a compact West Ham. The West Londoners’ passing carousel couldn’t puncture the Hammers proverbial double deck bus because they lacked width and weren’t clinical. In future, Victor Moses could help solve this problem for Maurizio Sarri.
4- Africans Hogging Ligue One Limelight:
Burkinabe winger-cum striker Bertrand Traore struck twice as Olympique Lyon thumped Olympique Marseille 4-2 to confirm their return to form. In Rennes, Cameroonian Eric Chuopo-Moting was one of the scorers as league leaders Paris Saint Germain brushed aside their hosts 3-1.
5- Europa League Title Challenge Sapper:
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri ought to get his priorities right. His Blues were flat in drawing 0-0 at West Ham thanks to his refusal to rotate for the Europa League trip to PAOK Salonika. Arsenal were equally subdued against Everton and were lucky to escape with all three points.
