HomeTeams - PLArsenalBecca's EPL Round Up: Impressive Signings: Ozil & Eriksen & Poor Decisions

Becca’s EPL Round Up: Impressive Signings: Ozil & Eriksen & Poor Decisions

The Premier League is back in full swing and following the closure of this Summer’s transfer window, we were able to witness the talent of some of the new faces. Samuel Eto’o, Mezut Ozil (of course), and Christian Eriksen being some of the big names that featured this weekend.

Becca Weekly PL Round Up Ozil Eriksen Eto

Eto’o played a part in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat away to Everton at Goodison Park. From the first look at his new English venture, it has to be said that it may take a few games to get used to the rough and tumble of the Premier League, after being dispossessed 5 times throughout the game. Although some may see him as a different player now, after being out of the limelight somewhat since being at Anzhi, it’s evident to see that his movement is still there, managing to have 6 shots at goal, albeit only 50% of which were on target. It was the deadline day signing of Gareth Barry that prevented this, making a crucial block in front of Tim Howard’s open goal. With Lukaku being unable to take part against his old club, and McCarthy only making a late cameo appearance, it was Barry who made a classy first impression on his new fans. He won possession back 4 times in his own defensive third, contributing to Everton’s clean sheet, and making that all important clearance on the line. A late first half header from Stephen Naismith was enough to give Everton their first league victory under Roberto Martinez.

If one of Ozil’s first touches in the Premier League is anything to go by, then we are certainly in for a treat. He made the first of Arsenal’s goals in only the 11th minute, bringing the ball from Kieran Gibbs down as if it’s football’s easiest skill, before coolly slotting it across to Giroud to put The Gunners one-nil up against Sunderland. Statistically, the German new boy excelled in terms of passing, successfully completing 90% of his attempted 79. Aside from Ozil’s perfomance, the spotlight was on Martin Atkison as a refereeing shocker prevented Sunderland from coming back to 2-2 in the second half. Not giving the advantage, and bringing play back after they went on to score, meant that the decision and the final result ended in Arsenal’s favour.

Tottenham entertained Norwich at White Hart Lane as new boy Christian Eriksen grabbed himself an assist on his debut. What can be described as a passing masterclass, Eriksen had an impressive 90% accuracy, with 86% of total passes coming in the attacking half. With an added assist along with 3 goal chances created, he certainly pleased the crowd at White Hart Lane- an exciting prospect at just 21 years of age. Two goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson resulted in Tottenham getting their third win of the season, and moved them up towards the top end of the table.

The accolade for Mr Controversy this week goes to Ashley Young; forcing the pundits to debate over whether his yellow card caution for diving against Crystal Palace should in fact have been a red. As quoted on MOTD, the Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish said that creating a goal scoring opportunity through cheating should see the player sent off. In his defence, it can be the same as illegally preventing a goal defensively, which would also see red. However, my view is that you would have to compare the other offences of diving in previous years to discuss this further. For example, since the 2006/07 season, Ashley Young has only been the third highest player to receive cautions for diving, with a total of three, but Spurs former players David Bentley and Gareth Bale have received more, with Bale having received a shocking 7. In terms of United’s progress, goals from Van Persie and newly bandaged Wayne Rooney were enough to seal the victory. Although, Palace fans can feel hard done by, as Ian Holloway himself reiterated, stating that his opinion now “doesn’t count” when it comes to refereeing decisions.

Swansea hosted Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night, where it was an eventful 90 minutes for former Liverpool man Jonjo Shelvey. After scoring the first, he made a catastrophic error leading to Liverpool’s equaliser, later admitting how he was disappointed with his performance. The final score was 2-2, and Liverpool’s 100% record was over, but remain unbeaten and sit at the top of the Premier League table. Daniel Sturridge bagged his 12th goal in 10 appearances for Liverpool, and still with Luis Suarez to come back, Brendan Rodgers won’t see this as such a bad result. One pressing matter, however, is how Liverpool seem to fall behind in terms of possession in the second half of games. Being dispossessed a total of 16 times throughout the Swansea game will be ringing alarm bells for the Liverpool manager, who’s philosophy has always been to pass their way into creating chances.

In other fixtures, Manchester City and Stoke both failed to convert their chances in a 0-0 draw at The Britannia stadium. Although Manuel Pellegrini described it as “a good draw” for the 2012 champions, it won’t be what they’re looking for, with the small task of Manchester United just around the corner. Will the noisy neighbours triumph over the new ‘chosen one’?

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