Today I was planning on reviewing yesterday’s action in the Premier League, but in truth two out of the four games were terrible watches for the neutral. Chelsea and Manchester City drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge.
That was after Swansea and Liverpool had drawn by the same score at the Liberty Stadium in the early kick-off.
Both bore draws were televised on Sky Sports and I don’t think I have ever seen two less entertaining games on a Super Sunday.
Southampton secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St Mary’s. Tottenham also claimed a 3-1 victory over West Ham at White Hart Lane.
Awful
Yesterday’s Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City was simply awful to watch for most neutrals. I don’t think fans of either side would have enjoyed the encounter either.
There was so much football talent out on the pitch, but in the end they produced a match that was simply a waste of an hour and a half. The fact that the biggest talking point about the game was the protest against Rafa Benitez says it all.
Chelsea fans are already getting on the Spaniard’s back, despite the former-Liverpool boss only being given the poison chalice on Thursday, sorry I mean job. Banners and chants in the crowd suggest that he isn’t wanted at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea fans even clapped on 16 minutes in homage to former-boss Roberto Di Matteo. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich looked slightly embarrassed and annoyed at the gesture. Rafa Benitez must be wondering what he has got himself into.
There was one encouraging stat from the game for Chelsea though, the Blues managed to keep their first clean sheet in 11 matches.
Progress
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that the 0-0 draw at Swansea marks progress for the club. I really didn’t take that from the game. What I took from the game was that Liverpool really needs to get another striker in to support Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan seems to be trying too hard sometimes because those around him are not capable enough. Young winger Raheem Sterling hit a superb shot off the upright in yesterday’s game, but the Reds seem to lack a cutting edge in attack.
Both teams tried to pass the ball, too much sometimes in fact. The two teams cancelled each other out because they were playing a very similar style of football. Swansea are still playing a similar style of football under Michael Laudrup, as they did under Rodgers.
Liverpool under Rodgers are becoming better at passing the ball, but in these early stages they are collecting more draws than wins. I suppose a run of eight games unbeaten is a step in the right direction for the Reds.
Swansea may be disappointed that their team didn’t pick-up three points against one of their nearest rivals in the Premier League table, but the Swans are still comfortably in midtable and capable of pushing up in the next few weeks.
Crucial
Elsewhere, Southampton picked up a vital 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St Mary’s. Goals from Adam Lallana and Gaston Ramirez were enough to earn the Saints maximum points in this one.
Last weekend’s 3-1 win at QPR really lifted spirits in the Saints camp and they have now gained back-to-back victories for the first time this season. I have to say I am so glad that Southampton have started a resurgence.
The reason being that Saints boss Nigel Adkins won’t be under such severe pressure. According to reports Adkins job has been on the line the last couple of weeks. I think it’s ridiculous to even consider sacking Adkins.
He has helped the Saints to two promotions and has the team playing some great football. However, the fans never lost faith in their boss and that faith is being repaid by some good results.
The victory put Southampton just three points behind Newcastle in the Premier League table. The Magpies will need to halt that terrible run or they could be in a surprise relegation dog fight.
Recovery
Tottenham recorded a rather easy 3-1 win over West Ham at White Hart Lane. A brace from Jermain Defoe and a Gareth Bale strike were enough to clinch all three points for Spurs. Tottenham needed a victory after that 5-2 mauling at arch-rivals Arsenal last weekend.
The victory moved Spurs above West Ham, who have enjoyed a good start to the season. Spurs are still five points off fourth place and the Champions League places though.
West Ham’s season won’t be derailed by this result and can take a positive from the fact that Andy Carroll opened his account for the club. The Irons now face a difficult trip to Manchester United on Wednesday night.
Did anybody enjoy the Chelsea vs. Manchester City game?
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