The Premier League is the most exciting league in the world and Matchday 4 reminded everyone of this fact. It had everything from record-equalling results to goals galore at the Etihad, but what were the biggest talking points?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Rampent Reds inspired by Roberto
Liverpool finally recorded their first win of the season and they did so in emphatic style.
Jürgen Klopp’s men had laboured to draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace before a 2-1 defeat away at Old Trafford resulted in some questioning whether this was more than just a blip. A home match against Bournemouth was the perfect opportunity to right some wrongs, but the same was said against Fulham and Palace. Nothing can be taken for granted in the English top flight.
Yet with just six minutes on the clock, the Reds had a 2-0 lead. Going in at half-time, it was 5-0. In the end, it was a Premier League era, record-equalling 9-0 win for Liverpool. Luis Díaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho, Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino all got on the scoresheet, but it was the latter who stole the show with two goals and three assists.
The Brazilian had a game to forget against Manchester United but had everyone on strings on Saturday afternoon as he rolled back the years.
Haaland’s Hat-trick
Manchester City are making a habit out of needing to come from behind to get anything from a match.
They trailed 3-1 away to Newcastle last week before claiming a point and on the final day of the season, they were 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa before a dramatic turnaround saw them lift the title. This time around, they found themselves 2-0 down to Palace at half-time. In truth, it could’ve been 3-0 but Jordan Ayew’s goal was ruled out after officials deemed Ederson had been impeded when trying to roll the ball out.
City needed a reaction in the second half having mustered shots worth just 0.55 expected goals in the first 45 minutes. Whatever he said, Pep Guardiola sure got a reaction.
Bernardo Silva halved the deficit before it turned into the Erling Haaland show. The brutish forward hit a hat-trick – his first in the Premier League – to round off what could be described as a quintessential No9 performance. He had as many shots (7) as he did passes during his time on the pitch. He’s barely involved but when he is – he makes it count.
No fox in the box
Leicester City suffered yet another defeat, this time around it came away to Chelsea. The Blues were down to 10 men after just 28 minutes after Conor Gallagher picked up a second yellow card. It was the ideal opportunity for Brendan Rodgers’ side to claim their first victory of the season.
But it wasn’t to be.
They had more shots (17 to 7), more big chances (4 to 2) and a higher expected goals total (2.52 to 1.75) but they just didn’t have that killer instinct in the penalty area to capitalise on these chances and moments.
Jamie Vardy left his shooting boots at home whereas Raheem Sterling found his, netting his first two Premier League goals for his new side and helping Chelsea get back to winning ways.
New-look Newcastle
Eddie Howe really has transformed the way Newcastle United play.
The Magpies may have been behind to Wolves for the majority of the match following Ruben Neves’ goal after 38 minutes but by no means were they nullified. Wolves relied on a lot of luck to head into stoppage time with the lead.
Newcastle had taken more shots and had a higher expected goals total in each half. In fact, Howe’s side had an xG total of 1.77 and had twice as many efforts as the hosts. On another day, they claim a comfortable three points. This time around they had to settle for a point, but it was a deserved one at that with Allan Saint-Maximin scoring in stoppage time to take something back to the North East while extending the Magpies’ unbeaten start.
Villians at Villa Park
Aston Villa dominated the ball against West Ham, finishing the game with 58% possession. They completed more of their passes and had more shots (9 to 7), but for the second successive match, they suffered defeat.
Steven Gerrard’s men lost 1-0 and created nothing of real note in the game.
The new 4-3-1-2 system relies heavily on Philippe Coutinho. He was given the keys to make it his team and even though he has been given the freedom of playing behind two strikers at Villa Park, it just isn’t working.
(Images from IMAGO)
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