The Premier League returns after mid-week EFL Cup fixtures, and we are set to witness some mouthwatering clashes over the weekend, which includes Arsenal hosting Manchester City and Liverpool taking on Chelsea.
5 things to look forward to in Matchday 3 of the new Premier League season.
Arsenal’s response to poor form
Arsenal have endured a torrid start to the 2021/22 Premier League season, losing their opening two games to Brentford and Chelsea respectively.
There is immense pressure already on Arteta and things are only going to get tougher this weekend with Manchester City visiting the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal boss got some breathing space in mid-week after his side thrashed West Brom 6-0 at the Hawthorns in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Arteta couldn’t have asked for a better performance in the build-up to Saturday’s game, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hat-trick lifting some Arsenal gloom. However, the Gunners will have to be at their absolute best to get a positive result against Manchester City, who come into Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off fresh from crushing Norwich City 5-0.
Chelsea’s acid test at Anfield
Chelsea have laid down an early marker in the Premier League title race by winning their first two games with certain vigour and confidence. On Saturday, the Pensioners face their first acid test at Liverpool, who have also won their first two games of the season.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool are in good form and are yet to concede a goal in the division so far. Thomas Tuchel’s side look fit, fresh and ready for the kill but going to a packed Anfield and getting a result will be extremely difficult, especially with the way Liverpool are playing at the moment.
If the Blues are to prove they are genuine title challengers this season, they must pass the first acid test at Anfield at the weekend.
Can West Ham score four for the third week running?
David Moyes should be thrilled with the way his team has started the new season. West Ham currently dominate the standings with two wins in as many games and eight goals scored.
The Hammers came from 2-1 down to beat Newcastle 4-2 before thrashing 10-man Leicester City 4-1 on Monday. Next up for Moyes’ side in Matchday 3 is the London derby against Crystal Palace, who have endured a tough start to life under Patrick Vieira and are winless.
After watching the Hammers play some quick, sleek and attacking football in the first two weeks of the campaign, Moyes as well as the fans have every right to be wishful for another week of four goals from their side.
Can Norwich City cope with Leicester City?
Following heavy defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, Norwich are flattened to the ground at the moment. Daniel Farke and co. seem to have not learnt their lessons from the last time they were in the Premier League, proving their naivety by trying to go toe-to-toe with top teams.
The Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether and Farke knows it very well, at least after getting relegated two summers ago and witnessing a horrible start this time around. So, some sense of pragmatism to Norwich’s play is expected when they face Leicester City, who are badly wounded following the 4-1 defeat to West Ham and will come for throats right away at Carrow Road on Saturday.
Manchester United’s unbeaten run at stake
Manchester United were off to a flyer with the opening day mauling of Leeds United but got pulled back to earth by Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium.
Luckily for the Reds, David de Gea produced a great save to deny Adam Armstrong in the second half when the score was 1-1, thus, helping his side equal the top-flight’s longest unbeaten away record(27)—putting it level with Arsenal in 2003-04.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are up against Wolves at Molineux on Sunday and will be the favourites to win the game. Manchester United could pile more misery on new Wolves manager Bruno Lage, who has lost the first two games despite playing well.
Will Solskjaer take the Reds’ unbeaten run to 28 games this Sunday in Matchday 3?