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The Premier League enters Match Day 3 this week, with many things at stake already at the early point of this season.
1. Man City and Arsenal’s perfect start: There are only two teams who have won their first two fixtures in the Premier League – Manchester City and Arsenal. And both teams will be facing difficult away matches this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking for maximum points at Newcastle United, while the Gunners face a tricky encounter at Bournemouth. Ideally, both teams who continue their fine start to the season.
2. All eyes on Lampard: Everton welcomes new boys Nottingham Forest to Goodison Park on Saturday. Frank Lampard needs to start getting results, or he could easily become the first manager to be sacked this season. The Toffees have lost their first two games to Chelsea and Aston Villa and will be expected to record their first win in front of their supporters.
3. Another managerial battle of legends: Last weekend, Lampard came up against former international teammate and rival at club level, Steven Gerrard. Gerrard won that battle as Villa defeated Everton. This Saturday, Gerrard takes his men to Crystal Palace, where he will come face-to-face with former Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira, at Selhurst Park.
4. Chelsea to bounce back: Thomas Tuchel’s men have started the new season in an unconvincing way, despite beating Everton and being held by Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. The Blues travel to Leeds United on Sunday and need to pull off an emphatic result at Elland Road, to kick off their domestic campaign.
5. Improved refereeing? This week, a precedent was set. Mike Dean came to admit that he should have recommended referee Anthony Taylor to review Cristian Romero’s hair pull on Marc Cucurella for a possible red card in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Dean has been dropped from this round of games. And there will be a bit more scrutiny on officials this weekend.
