Premier League Week 2 Overview
The 2024-25 Premier League season is off to an exciting start. After two weeks of intense matches, only eight teams remain undefeated. Among these, four teams have claimed a perfect six points: Manchester City, Brighton, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
On the other hand, five teams are yet to register a point: Ipswich Town, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Southampton. Notably, both Southampton and Everton are still seeking their first goal of the season.
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Let’s recap all of the ten games that took place this weekend.
Brighton 2-1 Manchester United
In a thrilling encounter, Brighton managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. Joao Pedro’s 95th minute winner coming after Amad Diallo had cancelled out Danny Welbeck’s first half strike for the Seagulls.
Defensive lapses cost Manchester United dearly, leaving manager Erik ten Hag frustrated with his team’s poor positioning and tendency to switch off during crucial moments. The inclusion of Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw in the starting lineup is expected soon, as pressure builds on Ten Hag ahead of their next game against Liverpool.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton
Tottenham Hotspur showcased their clinical finishing skills with a 4-0 victory over Everton. Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min with two, scored the goals.
After dominating Leicester but failing to capitalise on that in their opener, Spurs controlled possession (71%) and took full advantage of a poor Everton display, littered with individual errors. This was a strong showing by Spurs, but emphasised the struggles that Everton are facing at this time.
Wolves vs. Chelsea
Chelsea’s offensive prowess was on full display as they destroyed Wolves 6-2 at Molineux. Manager Enzo Maresca‘s side effectively exploited Wolves’ poor backline. Noni Madueke scored a hat-trick for the Londoners, with Cole Palmer also scoring his first goal this season. Nicolas Jackson and Joao Felix also found the net.
However, concerns remain about Chelsea’s defensive stability, which could be a critical factor in their upcoming matches. They shipped two goals to a poor Wolves side through Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen in a goal-packed first half.
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
Arsenal demonstrated resilience and capitalised on missed chances by Ollie Watkins to secure a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. After a tight first-half, Arsenal went in front through a clinical finish from Leandro Trossard and then Emi Martinez let Thomas Partey’s shot from just outside the box creep past him into the bottom corner.
Winning under pressure at Villa Park, against a team they lost to twice last season, was a significant step forward for Arsenal. The Gunners look ready to maintain a challenge for the title once again this season.
Liverpool vs. Brentford
Liverpool displayed near-total control over their opposition at Anfield, securing a 2-0 victory against Brentford. Luis Diaz scored a lovely opener from a swift counter attack from a Brentford corner and in the second half Mo Salah netted his second goal in two games with a lovely chipped finish.
The Reds kept back-to-back clean sheets, a rarity last season when they conceded first in many games. Brentford showed glimpses going forward but struggled to create clear-cut chances against the Reds backline.
Man City vs. Ipswich Town
Despite conceding an early goal to Ipswich’s new signing Sammie Szmodics, Manchester City dominated their match against Ipswich Town, winning 4-1. Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland led the charge, with Haaland netting a hat-trick to make it four goals in two games this season with the mercurial Belgian midfielder scoring the other.
The win moved Manchester City to the top of the table on goal difference and left Ipswich pointless near the foot of the fledgling Premier League table.
Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United
In a closely contested match, Bournemouth and Newcastle United battled out a 1-1 draw. Newcastle started brightly but faded as Bournemouth gained control in the first half. That led to Marcus Tavernier’s lovely 37th minute opener for the Cherries.
Substitutions improved Newcastle’s performance in the second half, but the home side always looked dangerous on the break. However, Anthony Gordon ghosted in at the far post to prod Newcastle level after 77 minutes and earn the Toon Army a point.
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Southampton vs. Nottingham Forest
Southampton dominated possession but looked blunt in attack against Nottingham Forest, who secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White scoring on 70 minutes.
With just five shots in the game, despite 65% possession, and only one of those attempts on target, the match highlighted Southampton’s urgent need to find someone who can convert their possession into chances and goals.
Crystal Palace vs. West Ham United
Crystal Palace struggled despite even xG stats and majority possession, failing to score again in their 2-0 defeat to West Ham United. West Ham showed steel in the first half with added defensive stability led by new signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Kilman.
That provided the base for a second-half double salvo from Tomas Soucek on 67 minutes and Jarrod Bowen on 72 minutes to hand the Hammers the win.
Fulham vs. Leicester City
Fulham bounced back from a late loss to Manchester United with another impressive display against Leicester, securing a 2-1 victory. Emile Smith Rowe scored his first goal for Fulham after 18 minutes, while Alex Iwobi grabbed what proved to be the winner on 70 minutes.
Leicester’s conservative approach after Wout Faes equaliser ultimately cost them a point as Fulham capitalised on home advantage. The Cottagers could compete strongly in the EPL this season.
Premier League Injury News
Notable players injured in this past weekend games included Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash who was withdrawn due to a thigh injury. Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia was injured prior to the game with Wolves and missed out and others unable to play last weekend due to minor niggles included Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Man City), Mateo Kovacic (Man City), Curtis Jones (Liverpool) and Mason Mount (Manchester United)
Premier League Suspensions and Red Cards
No players were handed a red card this past weekend in the Premier League which means that Fabian Schar (Newcastle) and Ashley Young (Everton) remain the only players to receive their marching orders in the season so far.
In terms of the Fair-Play table, Tottenham sit at the top of the table with just one booking in their two games so far this season. Newcastle United are bottom of the table with four bookings and a sending off, while Southampton have the most yellows this season with seven across their two games.
Premier League Stats
- 100% Winning Record – Man City, Brighton, Arsenal, Liverpool
- 100% Losing Record – Southampton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Wolves, Everton
- Most Draws – Bournemouth – Two
- Most Goals Scored – Man City, Chelsea – Six
- Fewest Goals Scored – Southampton, Everton – Zero
- Fewest Goals Conceded – Arsenal, Liverpool – Zero
- Most Goals Conceded – Wolves – Eight
- Leading Goalscorer – Erling Haaland (Man City) – Four
Premier League Facts
The Premier League never fails to surprise its fans with interesting facts and statistics. For instance, Liverpool has kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since last season, showcasing their defensive prowess. Additionally, Manchester City’s dominance continues with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland leading the charge.
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Premier League Player Birthdays This Week
- 27th August – Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)
- 30th August – Yves Bissouma (Tottenham), Fabio Carvalho (Brentford)
- 31st August – Ramon Sosa (Nottingham Forest)
- 1st September – Ilya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth), Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace), Mario Lemina (Wolves)
- 2nd September – Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
Happy Birthday!
Latest Premier League News
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away at age 76 after a battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in from various clubs and former players. Tributes poured in for the Swede from various clubs and former players like David Beckham, Joe Hart, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch and Aaron Lennon who praised him as his favorite manager. Eriksson’s impact on English football and his legacy as a manager are being remembered fondly by the football community.
Premier League Transfer News and Gossip
Raheem Sterling is searching for a new club after being deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Despite being mentioned as a possible destination, Aston Villa has reportedly ruled out a potential move for Sterling. His representatives have released a statement seeking “clarity” about his role at the club. Sterling needs to find a new club before Friday’s transfer deadline or risk not playing any competitive football until the January transfer window.
Manchester United has been linked with a move for Sterling, and Chelsea might consider using him in a deal to sign Jadon Sancho. Crystal Palace has also been mentioned as another possible option for strengthening their wide options before the transfer deadline. Juventus has also been linked with Sterling but they are also interested in signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
Liverpool is exploring a move for Juventus forward Federico Chiesa and is close to announcing the acquisition of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for around £30 million.
Brighton has signed Matt O’Riley from Celtic on a five-year contract for a reported £25 million.
Manchester United have agreed a deal worth £42m to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris St Germain.
However Red Devils midfielder Scott McTominay could be on his way after United agreed a deal worth around £30m with Napoli for the Scottish midfielder.
Joao Cancelo’s expected departure from Manchester City has been confirmed, however rather than Spain, the Portuguese full-back will move to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a deal worth just over £21m.
Chelsea’s want-away keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Bournemouth on loan.
Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah according to reports in London.
Ipswich Town have snapped up two Championship stars to help in their Premier League survival battle in the shape of Dara O’Shea (from Burnley) and Jack Clarke (from Sunderland).
Wolves are in talks for a potential deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma could be set for a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Orouba in the Pro League have made a move for the French centre back.
Tottenham midfielder Manor Soloman has agreed to join Leeds United on loan.
Chelsea could be set to offload striker Romelu Lukaku in a £30m deal with Serie A side Napoli. The Londoners are one of several clubs interested in want-away Neapolitan striker Victor Osimhen.
Paul Gascoigne’s Premier League Prediction
Paul Gascoigne, an England cult hero and Sir Alex Ferguson fan, expressed his desire to see Manchester United perform well this season.
Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford, thanks to summer signing Joshua Zirkzee.
They faced a setback with a late 2-1 defeat against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. This loss left Manchester United in 11th place in the Premier League table after their first two matches.
Gascoigne predicted that Manchester United would finish fourth this season, behind Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. He would love to see them win because he is a Sir Alex Ferguson fan but realistically sees them finishing fourth.
Manchester United will face Liverpool next at Old Trafford before the September international break. Erik ten Hag aims for at least a top-four finish this season after last season’s eighth-place finish under his management.
