One loss won’t keep United from top two
THE first week of the Premier League season has already produced excitement, shown some high quality and some bizarre results.
Opening fixtures can be like that; a team will think they’re ready and then just not turn up on the day. Everton, for example, were determined to have a good start and deserved their win, but Manchester United will still finish in the top two.
There are some concerns surrounding Chelsea, despite their two victories, but these for me are limited. They’ve got themselves a real diamond in Eden Hazard. They’re not a free-flowing team yet, and I’m not yet sure about Oscar, but they’ve a lot more self belief to them this season.
Liverpool’s loss to West Brom was a poor result, particularly with their fans hoping for a wave of optimism. Daniel Agger’s red card made it difficult, but with their new players it’ll be a while before they’re all comfortable with a different system.
Tottenham lost at Newcastle but it’s never easy to win there and I actually thought they played well. Andre Villas-Boas has said he doesn’t want to buy another striker but he must be bluffing; he still needs to strengthen.
Arsenal have been rocked by Robin van Persie’s exit but I still think they should be winning their home games. Though I believe Olivier Giroud will score, I have doubts for them over Lukas Podolski as I’m not sure about his pace – I just don’t see where his goals are going to come from.
Trevor Steven is a former England footballer who played at two World Cups and two European Championships. He now works as a talent scout and media commentator.