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Rounding up an EPL Saturday
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Gerrard and Liverpool have six points in two games.
Nothing beats an EPL Saturday, even if you have to wake up at 9 a.m. following that sweet party on Friday night.
Match of the Day
Our featured match is the Arsenal-Fulham clash, which earned its designation since it was my match of choice thanks to its T.V. availability.
We won’t delve too far into the particulars, but basically Arsenal’s lack on control in the midfield – helped by the absence of Cesc Fabregas – pushed them toward a 1-0 loss to a Fulham squad that should be well below their class. That was only the second time Fulham has ever downed the Gunners in the Premier League….ouch.
Robin Van Persie struggled to put both his free kicks and his open left-footed chances even close to the net for the entire afternoon. Emmanuel Adebayor was the most dangerous player for the Gunners with a header off the post and a late shot that went just wide, but his opportunities came against the overall run of play. Fulham was also lucky to not be punished more harshly for some terrible challenges from behind with Arsenal advancing toward the box.
While Fabregas’ troublesome hamstring deserves some of the blame, it would not be at all surprising if Arsene Wenger goes after a midfield signing (why hello there Mr. Barry). If he was already thinking about it, this loss will make that little voice in his head just a little bit louder.
On an off-beat note, give me one of those suits Wenger was sporting. Pretty fresh.
Other Games of Note
-- For those who support the little man, Hull City picked up a point with a draw against Blackburn. I’m lovin’ it.
-- Liverpool has instituted a very interesting policy to begin this season. No goals may be scored before the 80-minute mark -- just to keep the fans on edge -- but after the clock reaches that point, it’s game-on. The Reds somehow squeaked out a win at Anfield against Middlesbrough despite going down 1-0 in the 70th minute and not scoring until the 86th minute on an own goal deflection.
And a Liverpool game is never complete without a Steven Gerrard strike in extra time, this time for the incredible game-winner. The man has a flair for the dramatic – you must give him that.
But looking past the chaos, the Reds are living dangerously thus far. They have their six points, but a more clinical victory would no doubt be just fine for manager Rafa Benitez.
-- Michael Owen provided the 1-0 winning margin off the bench for Newcastle against Bolton. But will he take the record-breaking contract that currently sits at his feet? Psshh, it’s just 21 million pounds. I’ll just mull it over for a little longer.
--And our ending note….it was 23 years between Premier League wins for Stoke City, but they don’t come much more exciting than 3-2 with a game-winner in extra time. Congrats to the club, and what a fun moment for the fans who waited so long for them to make it back to the top league.
So, any thoughts from this exciting day of football? Is Liverpool getting lucky or are they a title contender this season? Should Owen take the Newcastle deal?
Post as you will, and tune back in later today for other posts.
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