The second weekend in the Premier League featured many of the same elements as the first - a strong attacking display from Manchester City, a struggling Chelsea side, a panicking Arsenal squad, and an increasing feeling that this year's relegation battle will be one of the tightest ever. Manchester City looked very strong this afternoon, with three different players scoring and the ones who didn't looked threatening. City's problem last year was goals - this year they will have to keep up their defensive standards from last year to push for the title. Bolton is not the toughest of tests, but they are a good side and caused some problems for City's back four. If City continue to display this type of attacking prowess, they can be a threat all season long.
As for the struggling giants, Chelsea came out of the weekend in the best shape, defeating West Brom 2-1 after conceding early. There was still a lack of creative movement from the Blues, especially early, but the team started to grow into the game in the second half, eventually grabbing the winner. The signing of Juan Mata will undoubtedly help in that department, but Torres was again disappointing, and Drogba's introduction had no impact of the game. There are many things AVB will have to look at, but the victory was one of the few things to take away for Chelsea. There are far more worrying signs at Arsenal. The squad being what it is, the Gunners are not a top four team, and maybe not even top-five. It is very much in the balance as to whether they will take part in the group stages of the Champions League. They will be in far worse trouble if Nasri leaves, and with no foreseeable additions, it is a real crisis for Arsenal. Trips to Udinese and Manchester United in their next two fixtures will do nothing to build the team's confidence. Major changes are needed at Arsenal and they may not have the time to implement them.
The relegation battle this year was poised to be very close because of the similar qualities of the smaller clubs in the Premier League. QPR, Newcastle, and Wolves all posted victories this weekend that could be crucial in April and May. An away victory against Everton does not come easy, and Tommy Smith's well-taken strike gave QPR a huge boost after their opening day defeat. Newcastle took a derby game against the always enigmatic Sunderland, who looked very good last week against Liverpool but porous against a weak Newcastle team. Newcastle still have plenty of issues to deal with, but the victory gives the supporters something to smile about. Wolves sit at the top of the table with City, with two impressive performances against teams of similar quality. The positive for Wolves has been the consistent attacking play, which was absent for large portions of last season's campaign. They will not be able to keep up the victories, but a good start could help the club immensely later in the season. Meanwhile, Blackburn looks hapless in their opening two losses, while Norwich were denied their first win by Stoke at the death. Blackburn desperately needs to change their manager if they are to survive, as Steve Kean has posted an abysmal record in charge of Rovers. There is enough talent at Blackburn to survive, but new leadership will be needed at some point this season.
The weekend concludes with Manchester United and Tottenham tomorrow afternoon. I would like to be optimistic and think Tottenham could get a result, but they almost never put together any kind of decent performance at Old Trafford so I'm expecting a United win. Tomorrow I will share my thoughts on that game as well as the upcoming second legs in the playoffs of the Champions League.
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