There was history making stuff on Saturday as the bulk of Round 6 played out across England. And those tables … they are looking a bit wacky today, with Southampton ahead of Manchester City and well ahead of mighty Manchester United!
Here’s the full recap of Saturday’s PL matches, with video highlights of each:
Wasn’t it just one month ago with the pitchfork-and-lantern crowd were at Arsene Wenger’s North London door? It has all turned so Gunners golden, as Arsenal’s 15 points matches the club’s best start since 2007-08. (They earned 16 points from their first six contests that year.) The Gunners are top of the PL table now after goals by Serge Gnabry and Aaron Ramsey at the Liberty Stadium.
Hull City 1-0 West Ham United – Recap
The big talkers of the day were those two glamour sides from Manchester falling. But we should save a few excited words for little Hull City, too! How about those Tigers, a newly promoted side now sitting (almost regally) in seventh after Saturday’s win over West Ham. Yes, these newly promoted sides have a way of starting fast and then slipping slowly through the year. But never mind that for now, because three wins in six matches is worthy achievement, indeed.
Fulham 1-2 Cardiff City — Recap
How about Cardiff, with its first win away from home in England’s top flight since 1961! Meanwhile, the shot of beleaguered Martin Jol on Fulham’s bench tells the story of this one, a big three points at Craven Cottage for the team from Wales. What will come of Jol this week?
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has not always had the kindest words for midfielder Juan Mata this year. But the Spanish midfielder has responded just as a good pro should, raising his game recently. And Mata was certainly the difference in Saturday’s London derby. Mourinho got his second half tactics right as the Blues split the points with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Manchester United 1-2 West Bromich Albion – Recap
It was elation for West Brom (first win at historic Old Trafford since 1978, back before most of the players were even born) and more grim news for Manchester United and first-year manager David Moyes. This is the worst start for a league campaign around Old Trafford since the 1989-90 season. Coming off last week’s 4-1 hammering by the local rivals, the heat on Moyes must be absolutely intense.
Southampton 2-0 Crystal Palace – Recap
It may not have been the prettiest of matches, but Dani Osvaldo and Rickie Lambert hit for Southampton, and look who is suddenly in fourth place! If the Champions League places were chosen today … well, never mind. It’s a bit early for all that. Still, another big day for Southampton’s excellent defense (just two goals conceded) and more woe for Crystal Palace, just one spot off the bottom.
Aston Villa 3-2 Manchester City – Recap
It must have been difficult for City to come back to Earth after last week’s ginormous 4-1 win over rival Manchester United. But credit to Villa for a big second half performance, especially from Dutch midfielder Leandro Bacuna (who scored on a free kick) and to Andreas Weimann, who raced past the visitor’s clunky defense to poke in the game-winner. Said Weimann: “Scoring the winner against Man City, you don’t do that every day. It is incredible!”