2021/22 Premier League Review: Matchday 2
Pintsized Background
Another week, another astonishingly poor Arsenal performance. Like clockwork, the Gunners’ decline since the twilight of Arsene Wenger has been a sad sight to behold. Premier League Matchday 2 as a whole was an entertaining goal-fest, however. Danny Ings secured a sublime overhead screamer, Harry Kane returned from exile and missed a sitter, and United failed to build upon their opening day success. Perhaps the most predictable match of the weekend was a City drubbing of Norwich. Even with five goals tucked away at home, Pep will no doubt remain itching to secure an elite striker.
Catch up on the preview and predictions of Matchday 2 if you haven’t already, and have a good old laugh at our expense.
The Good
Match of the Week
Leeds 2 – 2 Everton. A VAR penalty converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin set in motion a back-and-forth battle at Elland Road. A classic Leeds counter was put away by Mateusz Klich. Demarai Gray’s weaving solo strike regained the Toffee’s lead, but Raphina pierced a hole into Pickford’s net with a rifle on the edge of the box. With honours even, Calvert-Lewin will rue a couple of golden opportunities in which he could only find Illan Meslier.
Player of the Week
Michail Antonio (7 Shots, 2 Goals, 1 Assist, 1.25xG, 2 key passes). Record-breaker, Michail Antonio, is this week’s obvious choice. Having last weekend equalled Paolo Di Canio’s record 47 Premier League goals for West Ham, Antonio smashed the record with a brace against a ragged 10-man Leicester. Disrespected throughout his career, Antonio is a shining example of just how far resilience and a strong mental can take a player. Recovering from a slew of major injuries, played out of position for entire seasons at a time, Antonio has finally cemented himself as the Hammer’s go-to striker. Time will only tell if Southgate bothers to pick up his phone.
Honourable Mention
Danny Ings. Aston Villa’s new man has started the season off with a bang, scoring two in two. While the style and pomp with which Ings scored his overhead kick will gain the plaudits, more interesting will be tracking Ing’s form. If the twenty-nine year old can keep himself out of the medical bay for a full season, Ings can carry Villa high up the table. With Douglas Luiz and John McGinn behind him, there will be enough service to keep Ings ticking.
The Bad
Match To Forget
Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Brentford. Sharing five shots on target, the action at Selhurst park never kicked out of the first gear. Aside from a couple of shots rattling the crossbar/post, Palace vs Brentford was as cagey an affair as expected between a team in transition and a newly promoted side. Still, Zaha appears to be the creative spark that Palace desperately needs, despite his teammate’s inability to convert.
Performance to Forget
Ayoze Perez. Ignoring Brendan Rodgers and Kasper Schmeichel’s feeble attempts to excuse Perez, the Spaniard’s horror challenge on Pablo Fornals earns this week’s Performance to Forget. Unbalanced or not, after riding a challenge, Perez ploughed his studs high above Fornals’ ankle but thankfully caused no major damage. Rest up on the sidelines, Chief.
Dishonourable Mention
Norwich. Liverpool and Man City to kick off your season is a terrifying prospect for any team, let alone a newly promoted club. The manner in which Norwich have accepted their drubbings, however, has been worrisome. Conceding eight goals in their first two matches, the fullbacks, in particular, raise red flags. An emergency loan signing of Brandon Williams from Man Utd may paper over the cracks in the short term, but his attack-first style is unlikely to suit a team that will find itself on the back-foot for most of the season.
The Ugly
Top Prediction
Steviano. Leeds 2 – 2 Everton. In a 50/50 match-up with a result or score line that could fall either way, Steviano stepped up to the mark with a perfect 2-2 prediction.
Predictor of the Week
Steviano. Despite sharing equal success with Pintsized in predicting results, Steviano eeks ahead this week on the basis of an extra successful score prediction.
Dunce of the Week
Ryan. 50% isn’t a shocker by any means, but Ryan ends up with the dunce hat after a successful week across the board.
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