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Premier League round-up: Arsenal get revenge at Villa, City stroll and Slot’s Anfield debut

By mac14 on August 26, 2024

We’ve just enjoyed another exciting weekend of Premier League football on matchweek two of the 2024/25 season. Let’s take a look at some of the key talking points.

Arsenal get revenge at Aston Villa

Arsenal made an early statement in the title race after an impressive 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday evening. The Gunners lost both games against Villa last season, with the loss at the Emirates Stadium in April a key factor in missing out on the title by just two points to Manchester City. The pressure was on Mikel Arteta’s men to avenge those defeats and prove they have learned from last seasons mistakes, and they passed the test with flying colours.

Both sides had chances to score in the first half with Ollie Watkins missing the best of them as he scuffed his effort wide while unmarked in the box. The Villa striker then saw a goal-bound header from point blank range saved in spectacular fashion by David Raya early in the second half and it proved to be the turning point in the game.

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock midway through the second period. Leandro Trossard had just replaced Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing and he scored with his first touch – slotting into the bottom corner from a Bukayo Saka cut back.

The Gunners wrapped-up the three points 10 minutes later when Thomas Partey fired home from the edge of the box to make it 2-0 – although Villa keeper Emi Martinez should have done better to keep it out. The victory means Arsenal have won both their opening games and it will be a huge psychological boost to have beaten one of their key rivals so early in the season.

Arsenal will now take on Brighton at the Emirates on Saturday and it’s another tough game for the Gunners as Brighton have also won their opening two fixtures. With huge away games against Tottenham and Manchester City up next, it’s vital Arsenal beat Brighton heading into the international break.

Haaland downs Ipswich

Manchester City survived an early scare to thrash newly-promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Sam Szmodics gave the Tractor Boys a dream start when he scored in the 7th minute to give the visitors a shock early lead.

However, that simply poked the bear as City came storming back to all-but seal the win before half-time. Erling Haaland equalised in controversial fashion in the 12th minute from the penalty spot after Savinho was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. The referee didn’t give it but the VAR suggested it should have been a penalty despite replays showing Savinho made the most of the slightest tough.

Kevin de Bruyne then put Man City ahead two minutes later before Haaland made it 3-1 in the 16th minute as the hosts blew Ipswich away with three quick-fire goals. Haaland completed his hat-trick late on to make it 4-1 and continue his sensational goal-scoring form since joining Pep Guardiola’s side.

Manchester City already sit top of the table – on goal difference from Brighton, Arsenal and Liverpool – and they’ll be looking to maintain that position with another win away to West Ham on Saturday evening.

Arne Slot enjoys perfect Anfield debut

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot was given a warm welcome by the Anfield faithful in his first home game in charge of the club as the Reds eased to a 2-0 win over Brentford on Sunday.

Slot had huge shoes to fill after replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summer but fans with Liverpool tickets have taken to the Dutchman well and, despite not making any new signings, he’s already put his own stamp on the squad he inherited.

The former Feyenoord manager is already producing excellent football and Liverpool played some wonderful stuff against Brentford at the weekend. Slot’s possession-based approached kept the Reds in total control but it was a ruthless counter-attack that Klopp would have been proud of than broke the deadlock.

Following a Brentford corner, Liverpool broke in devastating fashion through Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz with the Colombian international firing into the top corner to give the hosts a 13th minute lead.

Liverpool dominated the game but Brentford held their own without really threatening. The Reds finally sealed the win in the 70th minute thanks to a Mo Salah goal to ensure Slot got all three points in his first game in charge at Anfield.

Chelsea batter Wolves

After losing his first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca got his first points on the board with a hugely impressive win at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.

Nicolas Jackson silenced some of his critics by giving Chelsea the lead in the 2nd minute before Matheus Cunha equalised for the hosts in the 27th minute. Cole Palmer then gave Chelsea the lead before Jorgen Strand Larsen made it 2-2 on the stroke of half-time to ensure the two sides were level at the break.

However, Chelsea blew Wolves away in the second half with Noni Madueke doing the damage with a stunning 14-minute hat-trick. The winger made it 3-2 to Chelsea in the 49th minute before adding two more to make it 5-2. Substitute Joao Felix then came off the bench to make it 6-2 just days after completing his move from Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea still have a bloated squad and their defence looks vulnerable, but there is no denying they have some talented attackers and they will cause lots of teams plenty of problems this season. If Maresca can figure out his best team and get them to gel, they could be a surprise package this campaign.

Elsewhere

Man Utd’s troubles continue as they lost 2-1 away to Brighton on Saturday. Joao Pedro scored deep into stoppage time to inflict defeat on United and pile some early pressure on Erik ten Hag’s shoulders.

West Ham got their first win of the season after beating Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park while Emile Smith Rowe scored a superb goal to help Fulham beat Leicester City 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Nottingham Forest beat Southampton 1-0 at St Mary’s while Tottenham thrashed Everton 4-0 thanks largely to a double from Hueng-min Son. Bournemouth were denied all three points against Newcastle when a 94th minute goal was harshly ruled out by VAR for an alleged handball. They had to settle for a point after the game finished 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium.