Manchester Duo Stay Top While Reds Hold Clarets

Due to a busy schedule this last week, just results from the weekend's Premier League action, the review for gameweek six.

Champions League Matchday One Review

As Autumn begins so does the group stage of the Champions League with matchday one last Tuesday/Wednesday.

A
CSKA Moscow secured an opening with with a 2-1 victory at Benfica. The hosts struck first with a goal from Seferovic five minutes after half time before the Russians staged a seven minute comeback to seal the points. A Vitinho penalty made it 1-1 on 63 minutes before Zhamaletdinov struck the winner on 70 minutes.

Manchester United eased to a 3-0 opening win against FC Basel. United led 1-0 at half time after a 35th minute opener from Marouane Fellaini before Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead eight minutes after the interval. The win was all wrapped up six minutes from the end after Marcus Rashford's strike.

B
A nightmare start for Celtic as they were hammered 5-0 by Paris Saint Germain. The visitors led 3-0 at the interval after strikes from summer signings Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe and a penalty from Edinson Cavani. Celtic contributed to their own misery with an 83rd minute own goal from Lustig ahead of Cavani's second strike.

Bayern Munich also made a perfect start with a 3-0 win at home to Anderlecht. The Bundesliga side struck early with a 12th minute penalty from Robert Lewandowski after the Belgians had Sven Kums sent off. Thiago Alcantara doubled the lead before Kimmich rounded off the win in added time.


C 
Chelsea strolled to a 6-0 thrashing of group stage debutants Qarabag. The Blues opened the scoring inside five minutes through Pedro with summer signing Davide Zappacosta doubling the lead in the 30th minute. Cesar Azpilicueta made it 3-0 on 55 minutes before two goals in five minutes from Tiemoue Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi sealed the win. A miserable evening for Qarabag got worse with an own goal from Medvedev in the 82nd minute.  

Roma and Atletico Madrid both remain unbeaten after the opening game as they shared the points in a 0-0 draw. 

D
Barcelona started superbly with a 3-0 win over Juventus. Lionel Messi put the hosts ahead just before half-time with Ivan Rakitic doubling the lead 11 minutes after the restart. The points were wrapped up on 69 minutes by a second strike from Messi.

A five goal thriller saw Sporting Lisbon edge a 3-2 win over Olympiakos.
A rapid start from Lisbon saw Doumbia strike inside two minutes before Martins doubled the lead on 13 minutes. The visitors were in control at 3-0 into half-time after a Fernandes strike on 43 minutes. The Greeks staged a late comeback as Pardo struck a two minute brace in the 89th and 90th minutes but the hosts were unable to avoid defeat.


E
Liverpool and Sevilla opened the group stage with a point each in a 2-2 draw. Sevilla raced out of the blocks with a Ben Yedder strike inside five minutes before Roberto Firmino levelled at 1-1 in the 21st minute. Mohamed Salah put the Reds ahead eight minutes before half-time but a strike on 72 minutes from Correa sealed a draw for the visitors. Liverpool were to end the evening with a blow though as Joe Gomez was sent off in added time.

Maribor and Spartak Moscow also shared the points as they drew 1-1 in a game that saw the visiting fans narrowly miss hitting the official with a thrown firework. Samedov gave the Russians the lead on 59 minutes before Bohar salvaged a draw with five minutes to go.

F
Manchester City eased to a 4-0 win over Feyernoord that saw the Blues open the scoring inside two minutes via John Stones. Further strikes from Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus gave the visitors a 3-0 advantage at the interval. Stones struck for a second time three minutes after the hour to complete the rout. 

Shakthar Donetsk staged a surprise with a 2-1 win over Napoli. A good start from the Ukrainians saw them lead after 15 minutes with a goal from Taison and the 1-0 advantage lasted until the 58th minute as Ferreyra doubled the lead for the hosts. Napoli narrowed the deficit on 71 minutes with a penalty from Milik but the hosts were able to hold on for the win. 


G
Besiktas claimed an opening win with a 3-1 success over FC Porto. Talisca opened the scoring for the visitors on 13 minutes before an own goal from Tosic saw Porto level. Cenk Tosun restored the lead for the Turks with a spectacular strike on 28 minutes. The win was wrapped up with four minutes left of the 90 as Ryan Babel struck for 3-1.

Red Bull Leipzig earned a point in their first ever group game as they drew 1-1 with AS Monaco. The Germans opened the scoring on 32 minutes as Emil Forsberg scored their first ever European goal. However the sides were on level terms within two minutes as Tielemans levelled.

H
Real Madrid began the defence of the trophy with a 3-0 win over Apoel Nicosia. Cristiano Ronaldo gave the hosts the lead inside 12 minutes before doubling the advantage with a 51st minute penalty. The points were wrapped up just after the hour mark by Sergio Ramos' effort.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their Wembley hoodoo in Europe with a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. A stunning start from Spurs saw Son Heung-Min open the scoring inside five minutes but Dortmund drew level within six minutes through Yarmolenko. Spurs regained the lead just four minutes later as Harry Kane fired in for 2-1 before making it 3-1 on the hour mark. Tottenham did have a negative late on though with the dismissal of Jan Vertonghen in added time.

Manchester Duo Top After City Rout Reds

Game-week four in the Premier League ended with three sides still unbeaten this season while one team has yet to score a point.

The weekend opened with a huge shock as Manchester City ended Liverpool's unbeaten start with a 5-0 rout. City struck a 24th minute opener from Sergio Aguero and the Reds suffered another blow eight minutes before half-time as Sadio Mané was sent off after a challenge on the City 'keeper. 

Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead in added time and made it 3-0 just after the hour. The rout was completed by a brace from Leroy Sane in the 77th and 90th minutes.

Bournemouth's wait for a first win went on after they suffered a 3-0 loss at Arsenal. 
The Gunners made a rapid start with Danny Welbeck striking in the sixth minute before Alexandre Lacazette doubled the lead on 27 minutes. The points were sealed on 50 minutes as Welbeck struck his second. 
 

Brighton and Hove Albion claimed their first win with a 3-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion. A brace either side of half-time from Pascal Gross gave the hosts a 2-0 advantage before Tomer Hemed looked to have sealed the win on 63 minutes.The Baggies cut the gap on 77 minutes through James Morrison but were unable to avoid defeat.

Everton suffered consecutive losses with a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Kane opened the scoring on 28 minutes for Spurs who went into half-time with a 2-0 advantage after a strike from Christian Eriksen on 42 minutes. The points were wrapped up just after half-time as Kane struck his second goal for 3-0.

Chelsea moved into third spot with a 2-1 win at Leicester City.

Alvaro Morata continued his superb scoring streak with the opener on 40 minutes. N'Golo Kante doubled the lead against his former club on 50 minutes with Jamie Vardy cutting the deficit with a penalty on 62 minutes.

Watford moved into fourth with a 2-0 win away to Southampton.

The Hornets went ahead seven minutes before half-time with a strike from Abdoulaye Doucouré and Darryl Janmaat sealed the win six minutes after the hour mark.

Stoke City became the first side to take points off Manchester United as the sides drew 2-2.

Summer signing Eric Choupo-Moting opened his account for the Potters three minutes before half-time but United went into the interval on level terms as Marcus Rashford equalised. United went ahead just before the hour mark as Romelu Lukaku struck but their 100% record ended as Choupo-Moting struck his second to claim a point.

Burnley sit in the top half after a narrow 1-0 win over bottom side Crystal Palace.
A stunning start from the Clarets saw Chris Wood strike the only goal of the game after just three minutes. 

 

Newcastle United claimed back-to-back wins with a 1-0 win at Swansea City.

The Magpies secured the points with a strike on 76 minutes from Jamaal Lascelles.

West Ham United earned their first points of the season with a 2-0 win over previously unbeaten Huddersfield Town.

The opening goal came on 71 minutes as Pedro Obiang's shot deflected in and the win was secure just six minutes later as André Ayew struck.

United Clear On Top While Reds Hammer Gunners

 

Ahead of the International break, the Premier League continued with game-week three. Manchester City maintained their good start with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth.
A superb strike from Charlie Daniels put the Cherries ahead on 13 minutes before Gabriel Jesus levelled eight minutes later for 1-1. City secured the win in a strange final few minutes for Raheem Sterling as he struck the winning goal before being sent off in added time.

Swansea claimed their first win with a 2-0 success at Crystal Palace who remain without a point.The Swans went ahead just before half-time as loan signing Tammy Abraham made it 1-0 before Jordan Ayew doubled the lead two minutes after the interval.

Huddersfield Town continued their unbeaten start with a 0-0 draw at home to Southampton.

The sides both went into the game unbeaten with Town holding a 100% record which ended with the share of the points in the stalemate. 

Newcastle United claimed their first win of the season with a 3-0 success that left West Ham United bottom of the league.

The Magpies opened the scoring ten minutes before half-time as Joselu struck for 1-0 with Ciaran Clark doubling the lead on 71 minutes. The points were wrapped up four minutes from the end as Aleksandar Mitrovic struck for 3-0.


Watford extended their unbeaten start with a 0-0 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Hornets did well to secure a draw given that they played with ten men for two thirds of the game after the 24th minute sending off of Miguel Britos.

Manchester United became the only side with a 100% record as they claimed a 2-0 win over Leicester City.

United opened the scoring on 70 minutes through Marcus Rashford with the win confirmed eight minutes from the end by Marouane Fellaini's strike.



 

Chelsea moved up to sixth with a 2-0 win over Everton in the first of Sunday's games. 

Cesc Fabregas put the Blues ahead on 27 minutes and the win was coonfirmed in added time at the end of the second half as Alvaro Morata continued his scoring streak since signing in the summer. 

West Bromwich Albion remain unbeaten after claiming a point in a 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

The Baggies went ahead just after the hour mark through Jay Rodriguez but they were denied the win and their 100% record as Peter Crouch levelled for the Potters on 77 minutes.

 

Liverpool moved into second spot with a comfortable 4-0 win over Arsenal. 

The Reds went ahead on 17 minutes as Roberto Firmino struck before Sadio Mane doubled the lead five minutes before half-time. A stunning dash saw Mohamed Salah go clear and extend the lead to 3-0 on 57 minutes and the win became a rout on 77 minutes as Daniel Sturridge made it 4-0.

The final game of the weekend saw Tottenham Hotspur's Wembley hoodoo continue as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley.

Spurs had yet to win at their adopted stadium but opened up a lead on 49 minutes with a goal from Dele Alli. They looked to finally be on the way to ending their Wembley woes but were stunned in the final seconds as summer signing Chris Wood levelled for the Clarets and claimed a point.

Three Go Clear While Reds Defeat Eagles

After the long awaited opening weekend of the Premier League season saw some surprises, gameweek two continued the trend to an extent.

Manchester United extended their stay at the top with a second consecutive 4-0 win as they eased past Swansea City.

Eric Bailly gave the visitors the lead just before half-time before a laterally saw three goals in four minutes as Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial  struck.

Watford maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 win away at Bournemouth. 

The sides remained locked at 0-0 past the hour mark before summer signing Richarlison put the Hornets ahead on 73 minutes with Etienne Capoué confirming the win with five minutes remaining. 



West Bromwich Albion made it two wins in a row with a narrow 1-0 victory at Burnley.

The Baggies went ahead on 71 minutes courtesy of Hal Robson-Kanu's strike before the Welsh attacker was sent off seven minute from the end. The Clarets were unable to utilise the man advantage and draw level.

Newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion slipped to consecutive losses with a 2-0 defeat at Leicester City.

The Foxes raced into the lead as Shinji Okazaki scored inside the opening minute and they were 2-0 to the good nine minutes after half-time after a strike from summer signing Harry Maguire.



Liverpool continued their unbeaten start with a narrow 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace, ending a recent hoodoo against the Eagles. The crucial strike came on 73 minutes as Sadio Mané struck in consecutive games.

A five goal thriller saw Southampton claim a 3-2 win over bottom side West Ham United.

The Saints struck an 11th minute opener via Manolo Gabbidini before doubling the lead with a Dusan Tadic penalty five minutes after the dismissal of Marko Arnautovic for the Hammers. Summer signing Javier Hernandez made it 2-1 just before half-time before levelling at 2-2 with 17 minutes remaining. The hosts secured the win in added time as Charlie Austin slotted in a penalty.  



The evening game saw Arsenal suffer a 1-0 loss at Stoke City.

The Potters secured their first points of the season with a strike two minutes after half-time from summer signing Jese Rodriguez. 

Sunday's opening game saw newly promoted Huddersfield Town extend their 100% start to the season with a 1-0 win over fellow promoted side Newcastle United.

The winning goal came five minutes after half-time as Aaron Mooy struck to secure back-to-back wins for the Terriers.

Chelsea bounced back from their opening defeat to claim a 2-1 win over fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. 

The Blues went ahead on 24 minutes courtesy Marcos Alonso's strike before looking to have gifted Spurs a point with a Michy Batshuayi own goal with eight minutes left.However, Alonso struck his second goal of the afternoon with two minutes left of the 90 to secure the win.

Monday night saw Manchester City and Everton share the points in a 1-1 draw.  

Wayne Rooney put the Toffees ahead on 35 minutes and City suffered a second blow just before half-time as Kyle Walker was sent off. Raheem Sterling secured a draw with an 82nd minute strike ahead of a late blow for the visitors which saw Morgan Schneiderlin sent off.

Clarets Stun Champions While Hornets Hold Reds

The new Premier League season is underway after opening on Friday evening with thrilling game that led the way to an exciting opening weekend overall.

Arsenal claimed the first points of the season as they came from behind to secure a 4-3 at home to Leicester City. The Gunners made a perfect start as summer signing Alexandre Lacazette fired them ahead inside two minutes but the Foxes scored a rapid leveller three minutes later through Shinji Okazaki.  

Jamie Vardy put the visitors ahead on 29 minutes but the sides were locked at 2-2 into half-time after Danny Welbeck's equaliser. Vardy restored the lead on 56 minutes but the hosts staged a superb late comeback as Aaron Ramsey (83) and Olivier Giroud (85) struck to complete the turnaround.

Saturday's action began with a six-goal thriller as Watford struck late on to secure a 3-3 draw against Liverpool. The Hornets struck first with Stefano Okaka slotting in on eight minutes. Sadio Mané levelled but the hosts took just three minutes to regain the lead as Abdoulaye Doucoure struck for 2-1. The Reds turned the game around in the space of two minutes as Roberto Firmino slotted in a penalty ahead of a strike from Mohamed Salah for 3-2. The Hornets still had a sting in their tail though as Miguel Britos levelled in the final seconds of added time.

Chelsea began the defence of the title with a surprise 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley. The Blues suffered an early blow with the sending off of captain Gary Cahill with just 14 minutes played. 

The Clarets took quick advantage as Sam Vokes put them ahead on 24 minutes, Stephen Ward doubled the lead on 40 minutes with Vokes' second strike making it 3-0 into half-time. Alvaro Morata cut the gap for the hosts before they went down to nine men with Cesc Fabregas dismissed with nine minutes left. David Luiz made it 3-2 with two minutes left but the Clarets managed to hold on for the win.

Newly promoted Huddersfield Town made a stunning start in the top flight with a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace. The Terriers were gifted their opener as Joel Ward hit into his own net on 23 minutes before summer signing Steve Mounié doubled the lead three minutes later. Palace's miserable afternoon was completed on 78 minutes as Mounié struck his second goal for 3-0.

Everton opened the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Stoke City. The Blues secured the three points just before half-time as Wayne Rooney celebrated his summer return to the Toffees with a 45th minute strike. 

Southampton and Swansea City both began the season with a point each as they shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw.

West Bromwich Albion secured an opening win with a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Bournemouth. The crucial strike came on 31 minutes as summer signing Ahmed Hegazi secured the three points for the Baggies.

Saturday evening saw newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion suffer a 2-0 loss at home to Manchester City. 

A close game saw the South Coast side hold City past the hour mark but a five minute period saw Sergio Aguero put City ahead before a Lewis Dunk own goal wrapped up the win for the visitors.

Sunday's action began with newly promoted Newcastle United losing 2-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The sides played out a goalless first half before the Magpies were dealt a blow three minutes into the second half with the sending off of Jonjo Shelvey. 

Spurs utilised their man advantage with two goals after the hour mark with Dele Alli putting them ahead before Ben Davies confirmed the win nine minutes later.

Manchester United top the table after the opening weekend after easing to a 4-0 win over West Ham United. The hosts went ahead on 33 minutes as summer signing Romelu Lukaku opened his United account for a 1-0 lead into half-time.

Lukaku doubled the lead seven minutes into the second half before a late double from Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba wrapped up the points.

EL/FA/UCL Finals Review

The final post of the current season sees the trio of the Europa League, FA Cup and Champions League finals reviewed.

First up is the Europa League Final which was played at the Friends Arena, Stockholm as Ajax Amsterdam took on Manchester United.

United sealed a place in the 2017/18 Champions League with a 2-0 win that saw Paul Pogba put them in front with 18 minutes on the clock before Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubled the lead and confirmed the win three minutes after half-time.

Next up was the FA Cup final from Wembley as Arsenal looked to prevent newly crowned Premier League champions Chelsea from securing a double.

The Gunners made the perfect start as Alexis Sanchez struck inside four minutes for 1-0. The Blues were dealt a blow with the dismissal of Victor Moses but soon drew level through Diego Costa. However, Arsenal sealed the win and a record 13th title as Aaron Ramsey's strike three minutes later for 2-1.

The trilogy concluded at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff as Real Madrid looked to complete their defence of the Champions League trophy in the final against Juventus. 

Real went ahead through Cristiano Ronaldo with 20 minutes gone before a superb leveller from Mario Mandzukic made it 1-1 seven minutes later.

Casemiro restored Real's lead just after the hour with Ronaldo striking for a second time for 3-1 within three minutes. Juve's hopes of a comeback were scuppered by a double blow late on as Juan Cuadrado was dismissed before Marcos Asensio put the gloss on the win for Real in added time for 4-1.