The first proper ‘Super Sunday’ double header certainly did not disappoint us as we had not one but two games that were literally mouth-watering from start to finish. Manchester United showed exactly how much they need a midfielder and Arsenal compounded the misery for Spurs fans who minutes after the game realised Gareth Bale had officially been sold.
Thankfully, the Manchester United clash with Liverpool was much more interesting than the bore draw with Chelsea the week before, with a goal coming in the game at least. Daniel Sturridge showed yet again why Chelsea may have jumped the gun in selling him and netted on his 24th birthday to make it three in three for this season. It also became three clean sheets in three games for Brendan Rodgers’ men, and three victories in as many games, meaning the Reds currently sit at the top of the Premier League table with nine points. How ironic would it be that if the one year Liverpool fans did not harp on and on about it being their year, it actually turned out to be so.
David Moyes and Manchester United however have much more serious problems and looked quite frankly a mid tabled side at best during the 90 minutes at Anfield. No one in their right mind would actually wager that the club would finish outside the top four – and most would still bet on the club being title challengers at that, but even diehard supporters have to admit, the middle of the park looks abysmal. If David Moyes could have a pound coin for each time a fan, pundit or even player noted that a midfielder needs to be brought into the club, he could probably afford to buy not only one world class player but four such is the amount that phrase is parroted out. Without Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie being on form (and how can he be with the utter lack of service provided to him) the club look bereft of ideas and spark.
Arsenal meanwhile went into the North London derby without spending a penny this summer – and seeing bitter rivals Spurs spend big time, smashing their record transfer fee over and over again. Despite the continued omission of Bale, most expected the white side of North London to come away with the three points. However, as no penalty was awarded for Roberto Soldado to score, that did not end up being the case and a rather excellent goal from Olivier Giroud ended up being the one that clinched the three points.
The Gunners may have missed out on Luis Suarez – to name but one – but credit has to be given to their current striker Giroud who has been brilliant in the opening few games of the season and deserves a bit more praise than is usually levelled at him.
Spurs will not be too disheartened with the result – going to the Emirates is still a hoodoo for the club, and whilst the injury to Etienne Capoue looked deeply troubling for Andre Villas Boas, the club have enough strength and depth, not to mention sheer quality to bounce back and show what they are made of.
Arsenal meanwhile could well surprise some people before the transfer window closes – well according to Arsene Wenger that is, and despite mere hours remaining before the window closes, could well be the big winners from Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid, with Mesut Ozil thought to be in talks with the Gunners. Should Wenger pull the move for Ozil off, that would be a massive coup, and well worth the wait.
It would be fair to say that two victories were expected by the majority of people going into the games this weekend, yet the sides that came out on top may not have been the ones expected. Liverpool and Arsenal may have won the battle, but to win the war will be a different matter entirely.
What are your thoughts on the big games this weekend? Comment below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.
11 years ago
Agree with your comments, Utd were awful in midfield, Giggs should play odd 20 mins at best, Cleverly and Wellbeck just not good enough….. another title ? no chance with this squad.
Enjoyed North London derby and agree with your points especially on Giroud .