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Southampton finally kicked off their campaign in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.
- Although they are unlikely to be in the running for the major trophies this year, the fans and manager Nigel Adkins will be very pleased to have their first three points on the board.
Adkins was aware that the game against Villa was most likely going to be when their season started properly, with their first four games being against both sides of Manchester, Arsenal and Wigan. Saturdays efforts despite this early disappointment were admirable and saw the Saints stick four goals away, even after Darren Bent put Villa ahead in the first half.
On Sunday Anfield saw it’s first game since the Hillsborough report was published, against the old enemy Manchester United. The Hillsborough disaster has previously been the topic of offensive chants from the United fans towards Liverpool, but Red Devil’s boss Alex Ferguson issued a letter to all United fans at Anfield, calling for respect for their ‘great neighbours’.
This respect was observed wonderfully, with both captains letting fly 96 balloons before kick off, Sir Bobby Charlton presenting a bouquet of 96 roses to Ian Rush, and both teams emerging for warm ups in tracksuits bearing the number 96.
As for the game itself, Manchester United won 2-1 after Gerrard put the home side in front, then Shelvey was sent off for a reckless challenge on Evans – such a shame after his two goals midweek against Young Boys in the Europa League.
After that Liverpool lost their head of steam and after Rafael equalised on the 52st minute it was left to Van Persie to slot a penalty to give United the three points. But on another emotional day on Merseyside, nobody will remember the result.
The Gunners reiterated their intent to keep building on their slow start by drawing with Manchester City, despite being behind for nearly half the game. Jolean Lescott scored a trademark headed goal five minutes before half time, and it looked as though they could be on course to another win, until Koscielny scored a late equaliser to ensure the points were shared. Arsenal will be pleased with the draw, but more importantly their goal difference. The Gunners have only conceded twice in the season so far, the only other team with a goal difference of plus 7 is Chelsea, who are current leaders.
The Toffees were keen to continue their hot streak at The Liberty Stadium against Swansea, which they acomplished to supreme effect. In a game that saw Everton win 3-0, there should have been more goals, it could have ended up akin to a rugby score.
Both teams had chances, but Everton had 19 shots on target and should have scored four or five if it wasn’t for some stoical defending.
Everton are currently seated in third place, behind Manchester United and Chelsea, but if the officials had got certain decisions right against Newcastle last week and allowed Everton’s two clear goals, they would be second in the table, behind Chelsea on goal difference.
More to come from Goodison Park?
