Premier League Matchweek 2 saw all 20 teams feature, and this round of fixture ended with a combined goals tally of 44 – the highest ever in Premier League history. The second round of fixtures also saw four red cards in the 10 games, a few controversial refereeing decisions, as well as some surprising wins.
Let’s take a look at the 3 biggest winners and 3 losers from Matchweek 2 of the 2020-21 Premier League season:
Winner: Liverpool
The big match heading into the second round of the Premier League fixtures was between Liverpool and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Premier League champions were given a scare in Matchweek 1 by Leeds United, but had an easier ride against Chelsea, thanks mainly to the red card to Andreas Christensen. The Reds eased to a win, dominating the game against, who many thought, would be one of their chief rivals this season.
Loser: Manchester United
Manchester United began their season on a terrible note, losing to Crystal Palace at home. This was the second time in two years that Palace have defeated the Red Devils at Old Trafford, in what was a disjointed and dispirited performance by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
With the likes of Arsenal and Everton showing good form, United need to get their act together if they want to finish in the top 4.
Winner: Son Heung-min
Tottenham looked bereft of ideas against Everton in Matchweek 1 and to an extent in the first half against Southampton. But the pieces fell together nicely in the second-half as Son and Harry Kane combined to wreak havoc on the Saints.
Jose Mourinho’s men romped to a 5-2 win, with Spurs’ Son Heung-min scoring four of the five goals. The South Korean was in stellar form, ably assisted by Englishman, Harry Kane.
Loser: Andreas Christensen
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard may have jewels in the attacking line, but the defence is still sub-par. The Blues looked comfortable in the initial stages, despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession, but a costly error by Andreas Christensen led to his sending off late in the first half. His dismissal all but surely ensured the Blues’ defeat.
Lampard will aim for a defensive overhaul in the coming windows and with Thiago Silva as an option and Rudiger and Tomori waiting in the wings, Christensen might find opportunities hard to come by henceforth in this season.
Winner: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton continued where they left off against Tottenham, winning 5-2 against West Bromwich Albion, with Englishman Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagging a hat-trick.
The 23-year-old has become Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice striker, thanks to his strong presence in the box and his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Calvert-Lewin, who leads the goalscoring charts with 4 goals, could push Harry Kane for a place in the England starting XI if he continues his good form.
Loser: Sheffield United
Sheffield United had a dream campaign last time around, finishing 9th in the Premier League in their first season back in England’s top-flight. But, the Blades have got off to a terrible start in this season, losing both their Premier League games, as well as second-round League Cup tie to Burnley. This past weekend, they lost to Aston Villa and played the majority of the game with 10 men after John Egan was dismissed in the 12th minute.
The Blades have tough fixtures on the horizon as they play Leeds United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea in their next 6 games.