Premier League Sods 27 August 2007
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by Tyduffy
Arsenal 1 - Man City 0
Perhaps it is encouraging for Arsenal supporters that the Gunners aren't playing particularly well and still pulling out results. They have 7 pts from three matches and would likely have the full nine, if Lehmann hadn't already embarked on his swift descent from international goalkeeper to senile buffoon.
The match mirrored, in many ways, last weekend's Manchester Derby. Sven's men held out despite the opponent dominating much of the play, but this time they were unable to convert their chances. Arsenal appeared vulnerable to the counterattack, though this may have been due to an unfit Gilberto being thrust in out of position after Senderos was injured in before the match (why exactly did the boss send Djourou out on loan?). Fabregas' finish was nice, look out if that is a sign of things to come and he becomes a complete player. Arsenal's more direct than usual tactics exposed a chink in Man City's armor and look for teams to try to go after Richards and Schmeichel the younger.
Manchester Utd 1 - Tottenham 0
Man U are really starting to resemble Arsenal from last season, at this juncture in their campaign. They have most of the possession, create chances, but don't seem to have enough up front to convert those chances into goals, despite Ferg's summer shopping spree. They will improve, but will need Saha and Ole to produce immediately when fit. It has become fairly clear that Tevez is too small and plays too far back to hold the line up front. They would be best served with a true striker up front, allowing Tevez and a fit Rooney to play in behind.
The Martin Jol saga looks more and more untenable by the day. The Tottenham board stupidly emasculated and undermined Jol's position in public, even though it is becoming apparent that they are more culpable for Tottenham's underwhelming performance than he. Berbatov looked frustrated and unhappy, and will probably be exiting by next summer at the latest. Youngster Bale looked surprisingly composed, particularly playing a more advanced position on the wing. He is in urgent need of a man-child handle, and one hopes the Fiver will get around to that.
Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 2
Coming off the international week with an early start and away from Anfield, this was the type of match Liverpool would have dropped last season. Even if he won't live up to the 27m GBP expectations, Torres' pacey presence up front seems to force the Pool into a more attacking mindset. One keeps waiting for the Reds to take the normal dive, but they appear a consistent title contender at this stage in the game.
Sunderland should be worried as the Wigan defeat severely shook their confidence. For the first time, the Keane sheen has worn off and he will have to display his true character as a manager in order to right the ship.
Rafa the Gaffer's goatee has also become the most controversial item in football since Zidane's headbutt. It can simultaneously be viewed as awesome (it gives him a chin and a more edgy persona that has manifested itself in his management) or just completely ridiculous looking.
Originally published here.
