Analysis EPL 14/15: Week 4

The EPL entered its fourth stage and The Writer offers his brief analysis on all those 10 matches played. Aston Villa had a shock win to upset the odds for this week 4 predictions... 

Arsenal vs Manchester City

Arsenal gave a very brave performance in the game against City which was rarely seen in the seasons before this. It looks like Arsenal really benefited from the top class additions into their squad during this transfer window. Danny Welbeck nearly scored through a chip but well, Danny is still very much the Danny of United, still unreliable to score goals. Jack Wilshere was the best player for Arsenal as he showed that he still has the guts and technique to attack. Wilshere’s right footed goal was exquisite and he proved a lot of pundits wrong by that performance. But Arsenal needs to start winning. ManCity was nearly losing the match but recovered to get a draw. They really penetrated both left and right sides of the field which was being left exposed by the over attack minded Arsenal fullbacks.

Chelsea vs Swansea City

Chelsea continued their excellent form of the season with a big win against Swansea. An own goal from John Terry early in the game was not in the script and they must feel confused, but Chelsea showed their title credential to win by 4-2. Diego Costa opened his hatrick account in EPL and Cesc Fabregas was once again his feeder. All is good currently for Chelsea except for their defending. They leaked too much goals recently. Swansea still showed their class in this match by having a go at Chelsea’s defence. The pass from Wilfried Bony to assist Jonjo Shelvey’s goal was top class.

Crystal Palace vs Burnley

The Writer really fears for Burnley. It’s already the fourth week and Burnley still didn’t show a performance worth a place to stay in the EPL. Their attack was blunt as ever and they have no particular players who can be a match winner in their own right. They really need a top class addition into their squad. This is the third consecutive time in which they didn’t manage to score a single goal. This match against Crystal Palace actually should give them the first win to kickstart their season, instead they drew blank yet again. Wilfried Zaha started for the first time in an EPL match as he never got the chance at ManUtd. However Zaha failed to score another goal like last weekend as Palace drew against Burnley. Palace was really fortunate that Burnley’s late penalty didn’t go in. But Neil Warnock will have a good season with Palace as he already setup a nice English core there.

Southampton vs Newcastle United

The Writer has said before this that Newcastle must win this game to please their owner and the fans. But they failed yet again. And they failed miserably. Southampton trashed Newcastle to prove they are still a power to be reckoned with. Graziano Pelle has started to show his predatory instinct. Dusan Tadic as usual was at his creative best. A perfect and even better replacement for the departed Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana partnership. Ronald Koeman and his brother Erwin Koeman have done a good job so far.

Stoke City vs Leicester City

Finally, Leicester got the win that they really deserved. Three games before this, they were the dominant team but yet still ended up losing. In this game, Stoke was more dominant but a single goal from Leonardo Ulloa was enough to give Leicester their first three points. Having said that, it is still better for them to be dominant after this and ended up as winner again. Stoke was unlucky and they must have thought that their luck was left behind at the Etihad stadium where they won there last week.

Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur

A game of tactical battle between major power from American Latin and the 2-2 draw proved that they were equal on that day. Emmanuel Adebayor gave an excellent performance in attack but his reluctance to join Spurs goal celebrations was one of the mysteries of this game. In all Spurs still in a recovering process from the loss to Liverpool which affect their game flow before this. And Sunderland’s defence looked shaky at times by mistakes from John Oshea and Wes Brown.

West Brom vs Everton

Everton had Romelu Lukaku back in the scoresheet and all was well for them. John Stones fit nicely in the centre back role although he often got left for dead by Saido Berahino in the match against West Brom. Berahino got two shots onto the Everton’s goal but this was meant to be a bad day at the office for West Brom. As long as almost everyone is fit and healthy like currently, Everton can win games. But West Brom needs more than health issue; they need new players to shine fast and a more proven manager to take in charge. 

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa had a very brilliant match at Anfield as they were holding onto their 1-0 lead until the final whistle. Their defending was top class and Philip Senderos is a revitalised player. He won almost all aerial battles in defence and won many headers towards the Liverpool’s goal. Nathan Baker, his centre back partner was also immense in the match. Liverpool had no enough idea to break Villa’s defensive line and the win propelled Villa into the second place in the table. Not everyone was expecting that. Liverpool meanwhile showed a convincing link-up play from their attacking players. But they really need goal-getter Daniel Sturridge to convert chances into goals.

Manchester United vs QPR

The game of Week 4. United gave a brilliant and improved performance which awarded them with the first 3 points of the season. Angel Di Maria was the star of the show with his creativity and the free-kick he scored. He blossomed in the new 4-4-2 formation alongside Juan Mata and Daley Blind who was as cool as cucumber at the stopper position. Even Falcao had a decent debut and received a hero’s welcome by the fans. QPR was at the wrong at the wrong time. If they faced another team at this week 4, they might continue their winning way like in the Week 3. Rio Ferdiand must be wondering his luck.

Hull City vs West Ham

The latest game to be played and it was filled with two goals from newcomers. Abel Hernandez of Hull scored first, early in the game. Only to be denied of its front page popularity by a stunning rocket goal by Enner Valencia of West Ham. Honestly Valencia’s goal was a very difficult goal to execute and luck might have played its part in that build up to that goal. In all, both teams deserved the draw.