The Prem: Round-Up of Game Week 2

After witnessing another fantastic weekend of Premier League soccer I can't hold in the excitement much longer. It all just began and already I’m losing my mind. My rituals at the moment include checking transfer rumours hourly and studying potential formations and line-ups for the week ahead. I can’t get enough information.  The matches so far have provided real quality and have left me on the edge of my seat.

The Tyne-Weir derby was a great way to start the action Saturday morning. Already a heated encounter, this game was full of fouls and cards. Sunderland had most of the chances in the first half but Tim Krul kept the game scoreless. Stephane Sessegnon being the stand out performer early on. To my amazement Newcastle United took the lead thanks to Ryan Taylor. His free kick curled past Simon Mignolet from a difficult angle. Bad positioning being the main culprit. It went box to box from there on until a vicious tackle by Phil Bardsley on Fabricio Coloccini. The Argentine was lucky to escape without injury after the high studs up challenge. The Geordies left the Stadium of Light with maximum points and early bragging rights.

From the North East to North London and Emirates Stadium. Liverpool came into the game with confidence despite a disappointing opening day home draw. Having gone eleven years without an away win against Arsenal, Kenny Dalglish was expecting nothing short of victory. The Gunners limped into this fixture with a slew of injury problems, mainly at the back due to inexperience. With Andy Carroll as the target, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam looked to exploit Arsenal's obvious weakness.  As the game progressed Carroll had only one real opportunity but his strong header was blocked by Wojciech Szczesny. Thomas Vermaelen was my player of the match for Arsenal, the way he commanded the back line and his aerial presence was outstanding. His role even more crucial after Laurent Koscielny had to be helped off with back spasms.

Arsenal could have taken the shock lead if it wasn’t for Pepe Reina. The Spaniards reaction timing was impressive to say the least, Emmanuel Frimpong was stunned. This was followed by a great run by Samir Nasri from his own end but his shot was off the mark. I was surprised to see him get the start after all the controversy surrounding his potential move to Manchester City. But Arsene Wenger was short on options. The match went south for the Gunners after Frimpong received his second yellow for a reckless challenge on Lucas. The addition of Luis Suarez immediately followed. The Uruguayan made an immediate impact and Liverpool took the lead due to an own goal by Aaron Ramsey. Suarez and Raul Meireles set up the play leading to the opener, the two linked up again for the final goal to seal the win for Liverpool.

Next stop Wales and my vote for snoozer of the week. The game was slow and failed to gain any momentum as time progressed. Swansea City failed to create anything offensively worth mentioning, but Wigan Athletic was unfortunate not to score. First it was Jordi Gomez hitting the post, ending with Victor Moses hitting the cross bar after a good run.  Michel Vorm did well to earn his side their first point, denying Ben Watson from the penalty spot.

Goodison Park played host to Queens Park Rangers as Everton finally got their season underway following last week's cancellation. The Toffees are notorious slow starters but this provided them with the perfect opportunity to earn three points. Neil Warnock's side was a little shell shocked coming off a huge loss. QPR supporters had something to smile about prior to kick-off with the news Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes bought out Bernie Ecclestone to become majority shareholder. On the field it was the visitors miraculously opening the scoring. Tommy Smith was surprised to see how much space was offered to shoot and curled the low shot perfectly past Tim Howard. Everton had plenty of chances but were lacking the final touch and quality to give Paddy Kenny any trouble. A proven goal scorer is visibly missing, Jermaine Beckford and Louis Saha have failed to show the consistency needed to pose a constant threat. David Moyes will be hard pressed to strengthen but with funds not available positive results may be difficult to come by.

Everyone was waiting to see the reception Alex McLeish would receive at Villa Park for the home opener. The boo birds were scattered in the crowd of course, but it was surprisingly pleasant to the managers delight. Aston Villa started strong, Gabriel Agbonlahor producing an exquisite show of skill to shake off his defender and finish off with a beautiful right curl from a tough angle. An early contender for goal of the season. Emile Heskey got his first of the season to double the score. The big man has virtually no pace but still proving his ability to find the back of the net. Blackburn pulled one back when Canadian David Holiett showed off his pinpoint accuracy picking out Morten Gamst Pedersen's head in heavy traffic. Unfortunately for Steve Kean and Rovers Darren Bent sealed it with a clinical finish to earn maximum points.

With the news of Petr Cech suffering a knee injury in training that will keep him out for at least a month, Andre Villas-Boas Stamford Bridge debut got off to a horrible start. It took Shane Long just four minutes to open the scoring against Chelsea, somehow outmuscling Alex after the Brazilian got caught in possession. A brilliant start for West Bromwich Albion, although they were under constant pressure from then on. Fernando Torres was given the start again but failed to score or provide anything offensively. Ben Foster had to be sharp making a string of saves to keep his side ahead going into the break. Nicolas Anelka equalized in the second half with a good shot from an acute angle. The Frenchman almost scored again if it wasn't for a kick save by Foster from in close. You could feel Chelsea would eventually get the winner; Jose Bosingwa made a nice run and split two defenders setting up Florent Malouda for the go ahead goal. A great ending after a rocky start for the Blues.

On Sunday, Norwich City hosted Stoke City at Carrow Road. The Canaries took the lead courtesy of Ritchie De Laet, losing his marker and flicking a header in for the goal. Both John Ruddy and Asmir Begovic stole the show for the most part, each provided their side a chance to win with stunning saves. Stoke were awarded a penalty after Johnnie Walters was taken down from behind by Leon Barnett who was swiftly given the straight red card.  But Walters couldn't capitalize on the spot kick, with Ruddy making the save look easy. Deep into injury time the Potters tied the game, Kenwyne Jones finding space to nod in Dave Whelan's lob pass.

Wolverhampton continued their impressive start with a convincing win against Fulham at Molineux. Kevin Doyle had the best chance early beating Brede Hangeland to the ball at the by line, going around Mark Schwarzer but sending his shot over the bar. He made amends shortly after from a tight angle to open the scoring. Pajtim Kasami and Damien Duff couldn't clear the danger zone and Fulham paid the price. Matt Jarvis clinched the victory before half time, pouncing on a rebound after Steven Fletcher hit the post with a header.

The final game of the weekend saw Bolton host Manchester City at the Reebok Stadium. Carlos Tevez made his first appearance of the season from the bench while Sergio Aguero got his first start. El Kun had a great open look early on but skied his one timer over the bar. The deadlock was broken by David Silva half way through the first, finding the space needed to beat Jussi Jaaskelainen off the bounce. A weak goal to allow for a keeper of his stature. Aguero then missed another sitter, sending his header off target despite being wide open. The second came through a wonder strike by Gareth Barry to give City the two goal lead. Jaaskeleinen was partially screened but the force of the shot made it impossible to stop. Almost immediately Bolton cut the lead in half, Ivan Klasnic going five hole on Joe Hart off a nice cross by Martin Petrov. No chance for Hart after Joleon Lescott was slow to react and couldn't close down Klasnic.

A great finish to the half was met with a terrible start to the second by Bolton. Edin Dzeko calmly restored the two goal lead with a fine finish almost right after the restart. With just under thirty minutes to play, Kevin Davies made it a contest flicking a header past Joe Hart from a set piece. Joleon Lescott being at fault again defensively. Mistiming his jump for the clearance. Even with the shaky defensive errors City held on for the victory and ended the week at the top of the table.

Game of the Week: Arsenal vs. Liverpool 

Goal of the Week: Gabriel Agbonlahor vs. Blackburn

Goalkeeper of the Week: Pepe Reina vs. Arsenal
Lowlight of the Week: Sebastian Larsson hand ball + Phil Bardsley red card vs. Newcastle United

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the best of the week.