EPL 2015/16 gameweek 1 review- an overview on team performances

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspurs

Not yet there but good enough

Kyle Walker's own goal sank Spurs after a good display of quality football by Poechittino's men. Spur's labored in the game to get an equalizer coming close to scoring but Eriksen skied it in an attempted lob.
Manchester United made all their five debutants in the opening match with Matteo Darmian impressing for the Red Devils while Bastain Schweinsteiger picked up a late yellow card at the end of the game. Morgan Schneiderlin was instrumental in securing United the three points after a managing a good patnership with Michael Carrick.
Finally, a huge cloud hangs over the United regarding the David de Gea move amid speculation of a transfer. Louis Van Gaal entrusted Sergio Romero at the post and he was called into action and made two brilliant saves.

Cech-mate: West Ham claim shock win over Arsenal

Former Chelsea stopper leaks in two goals

    

Petr Cech suffered a nightmare Premier League debut for Arsenal as the goalkeeper's costly blunder condemned the Gunners to a shock 2-0 defeat against West Ham on Sunday.

All the optimism surrounding Arsenal in the aftermath of last season's FA Cup final rout of Aston Villa and last weekend's Community Shield victory over Chelsea was washed away in a catastrophic start to Arsene Wenger's 20th season in charge.

The Gunners boss must have been horrified with the way his team, tipped to finally end the club's 12-year wait to win the title, were bullied by West Ham, who ended a run of 10 successive defeats against Arsenal with their first win over their London rivals since April 2007.

It was a dream start for new West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, who replaced Sam Allardyce in the close-season, and the perfect response to criticism of his decision to field a weakened team in their Europa League defeat against Astra Giurgiu on Thursday.

Liverpool vs Stoke City- Coutinho's wonder strike

 Stoke City fans were left disappointed after their first game of the new Premier League season ended in defeat, with Philippe Coutinho's late goal giving Liverpool victory at the Britannia Stadium.


The Reds were looking for revenge after the final day of last season, when the Potters delivered a 6-1 thrashing to the Merseyside team, however it couldn't be repeated this time around.
Neither side played brilliantly, but Stoke will feel that they could have won the game if one or two things went their way, whilst Liverpool may feel a tad lucky to have taken three points following an underwhelming performance.

Chelsea vs Swansea- Courtois a heavy penalty 

Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew scored as Swansea City twice came back from a goal down in earning a draw against 10-man Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
Oscar scored for Chelsea, which also got a Federico Fernandez own goal off a Willian cross. The real story for Chelsea is the impending suspension of Thibaut Courtois, who took down Bafetimbi Gomis in the second half to receive a red card.

The Blues play Manchester City next week in a critical encounter.
Jonjo Shelvey looked especially electric early for Swansea, playing some pinpoint crosses and exhibiting some well-chosen dribbles in the first quarter hour.
Shelvey played in Bafetimbi Gomis for a 15th minute chance that should’ve been a goal, but Gomis took an extra touch that allowed Thibaut Courtois to get a piece of his offering.
Diego Costa had himself a penalty claim denied after being chopped down in the box moments later. Perhaps it was reputation, but a kick was not awarded. Replays seemed to show Fernandez got a piece of the ball with his sliding tackle.

Man City vs West Brom

City sends out strong message of reclaiming back the title 

Yaya Toure scored twice in the first half as Manchester City began its Premier League campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.Captain Vincent Kompany headed in the third in the 59th in a fluid team performance that signalled that Manuel Pellegrini’s side will again be serious contenders for the league title after relinquishing the crown to Chelsea last season.
New signing Raheem Sterling also looked lively for City but fluffed his best chance to score with a weak effort when through on goal in the 41st minute.

Newcastle vs Southampton

Tag- of- war till the final minute

It was truly a match of strength and resolve for the two teams as players left it all out on the pitch and at the end split the points.
Newcastle were at home and were keen to ensure that they didn't lose any points at the beginning at the season as in the previous campaign which saw them struggle to keep off relegation zone. Pappi Cisse came through for Newcastle yet again and this is only proof that the striker is no one- time wonder and has more to come. Newcastle showed composure and determination which often lacked in the last season and this will be critical going against other teams especially o away games.
For Southampton, Pelle was back in form and to his goalscoring tendencies after a sublime header that put the Saints at the top. With Southampton usually playing a lone striker forward he will be vital to ensuring that they have a successful campaign. Shane Long also produced a great performance as he ensured that the Saints salvaged a point from the St James Park.

Everton vs Watford

Everton defense questioned....answer?

 First of, Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone, and Ross Barkley deservedly drew most of the headlines after Everton's 2-2 draw against Watford on Saturday. Everything that went right for the Toffees in the final half hour came through those three players, but everything that went wrong up until that point is far more tactically interesting and concerns players who play deeper on the pitch.
However, huge questions arise in terms of Everton's defense. Everton relies on its holding midfielders, Gareth Barry and James McCarthy, to protect the back four. Their most important duties are to stop attacks before they can become dangerous and to fill in the gaps around the defenders when attacks make their way into the box. On Watford's first goal, they failed to do both.