Arsene got one over Big Sam, Chelsea in a “didn’t score six” shocker, penalty duties come to Rooney’s rescue and help break his scoring duck, and Andy Carroll continues to show he’ll be a real menace in the Premier League this season. Here’s some notes on yesterday’s games….
Despite a physical away game at Ewood Park, Arsene Wenger dropped the aerial threat of Marouanne Chamakh to the bench, as the Moroccan made way for fit-again Robin Van Persie up front. Wenger kept with last season’s preferred 4-2-1-3 formation, suggesting Chamakh’s starts may be limited, taking his place in the queue behind Van Persie for the lone frontman role. With Theo Walcott continuing to show impressive form, the Arsenal line-up at Blackburn seems pretty much their first-choice XI. Van Persie’s 33rd minute ankle injury, however, could allow Chamakh further chance to establish himself in the starting XI, depending on scan results this upcoming week.
With the continually-impressive 18 year old Phil Jones now pretty much a first-team fixture , Sam Allardyce gave another youngster, Mame Diouf, his first Premier League start, and the on-loan Man Utd man continued his recent goalscoring form with his goal against the Gunners being the fourth this week, following a Carling Cup hat-trick. Diouf’s pace showed he can be utilised in wide areas, as well as through the middle.
Jelle Van Damme was passed fit for Wolves’ home game with Newcastle and once again (out of position alert) was fielded as a left winger by Mick McCarthy. Although he grabbed an assist, Van Damme was still withdrawn before the 60 minute mark, suggesting he’s not quite convinced McCarthy to persevere with his talents.
Andy Carroll continued his excellent early season form, grabbing the equaliser in Newcastle’s away draw at Wolves. A constant thorn in the Molineux side’s defence, Carroll continues to look like he’ll be a real Premier League presence this season. He’s now picked up three Bonus Points for the second game in a row.
Tony Pulis decison to play a 3-5-2 at Stamford Bridge was a brave one, given Chelsea’s recent form. Stoke, however, reduced the league leaders to just the two goals, though in part this was down to a Frank Lampard missed penalty amongst other spurned chances. Interestingly, with Lampard substituted, Didier Drogba stepped up to net the Blues second penalty, and perhaps raises questions over who will take their next spot kick when the occasion arises. With Florent Malouda once again finding the net, and with news of Lampard’s hernia op, Frank’s stock may take another drop as the two goalscorers continue to look better value for money so far.
Spurs suffered the ultimate in proverbial European hangovers at home to Premier league whipping boys Wigan. Harry Redknapp fielded close to a full-strength starting XI, but somehow Roberto Martinez’s side managed to repel their hosts and sneaked away with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Hugo Rodallega goal. Rodallega also grabbed the three Bonus Points, a sign he may be coming back into the form that made him a decent bargain forward in last season’s FPL. In goal, Ali Al Habsi, selected ahead of Chris Kirkland, kept Spurs at bay with a performance that earned him 2 FPL Bonus Points.
Blackpool’s battling home performance against Fulham backed up Ian Holloway’s claim that his side will attack as much as possible this season. The Seasider’s first ever home game saw them manage a 2-2 draw with Mark Hughes’ side, with on-loan signing Luke Varney’s impressive debut performance culminating in a goal. Charlie Adam pulled the strings for the hosts and was rewarded with 3 Bonus Points for an inspirational performance.
As highlighted in Mark’s recent “The Numbers Game” article, Fulham have an attacking edge to their game that, until Saturday, failed to bear fruit. New boy Moussa Dembele looked the part, setting up both the Cottager’s goals, with strike partner Bobby Zamora grabbing one and getting off the mark this season. Mark Hughes felt Zamora’s withdrawal with injury caused Fulham to lose impetus, citing the forward’s loss as a reason Fulham “lost focus”.
Man United sprung a surprise for the West Ham game, dropping Antonio Valencia and playing Nani wide right instead, with Ryan Giggs out on the left. It was business as usual for United, but the ease of their 3-0 win plus Nani’s goal and assist suggests Valencia may not be as integral as previously thought, with rotation perhaps an increased likelihood for the Ecuadorian. Although a penalty helped Wayne Rooney to break his scoring drought, it was Dimitar Berbatov who was the most impressive United striker on show, the Bulgarian grabbing another goal to keep his impressive early season form ticking over.