Only six matches were played mid the second week into the new season. But they did not disappoint and offered at least as much entertainment and action as the first weekend encounters all together. And again, there were some shockers and screamers in the extraordinary mix. What more does a football fan want?!
Top game: Manchester United's defeat to Burnley was obviously the biggest shocker, Tottenham's thrashing of Hull City the most entertaining display.
Top team: Tottenham are the team on fire! Like Arsenal last weekend, they were unstoppable and made their opposition's defence look non-existant, this time Hull City being the victim.
Top player: Burnley's goalkeper Brian Jensen was here, there and everywhere, right up the opposition's nose. He gave Manchester United no chance to get an attempt close, making even a penalty save look easy. Tottenham's Jermain Defoe was just as omni-present, hungry and tormenting, just like he was last weekend, too. This time he got the hat-trick he deserved. He is on a roll - and a half.
Top goal: Again, there were so many quality goals to choose from, but Robbie Blake's cracking strike with his right foot was the most shocking, unbelievable and unforgettable! In their first top flight home match in 33 years, the winning goal could not have been better, smiles not bigger and the cheers not louder. Glen Johnson's debut goal for Liverpool was a stunner as well, spectacular jump-turn shot.
Top save: David James made a brilliant save just before his stupid blind act conceded a penalty, fully stretching to his right, making up for his sleeping defence. Pepe Reina's sharp move to his left denied Rory Delap and condemned Stoke to a thrash-defeat.
Flop game: Again, no game disappointed, although Birmingham and Portsmouth left most of the action late, squeezed into the last minutes. But those couple of minutes made up for the wait, too.
Flop team: Man who? Man Utd were frustrated and will wake up the next morning thinking it was all just a bad dream. They could not net any of their 17 attempts, more than double their opposition's chances, or get anything all-too threatening created from over 62% of possession. Scary but made a change. Who said football was predictable?
Flop player: David James, what were you thinking? He was not anywhere near the ball when he ran into Sebastian Larsson and why did he go for it in the first place? He should have stayed on his line, and let his defenders do their job on the wide.
My Predictions - Actual Results
Sunderland 0:1 Chelsea - 1:3
Wigan 1:0 Wolves - 0:1
Birmingham 1:0 Portsmouth - 1:0
Burnley 0:2 Man Utd - 1:0
Liverpool 3:0 Stoke - 4:0
Hull City 1:2 Tottenham - 1:5
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