These two clubs have been safe as houses in the Premier League over the last two seasons, a scenario few would have envisaged when they first won promotion in 2015. Indeed, Bournemouth finished as high as ninth last term, scoring 55 goals, more than Manchester United. Their attacking play in last week’s opener away to… Read more →
Two of the three remaining teams with a 100% Championship record this season, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City meet to give us an early indication as to who might last the distance. Wolves’ success underlines the modernization of the division. They have recruited their coaching team and lots of players from overseas, largely through the… Read more →
The path these clubs have trodden over the last half a decade are almost symmetrical. Since meeting on the opening day of the 13/14 Championship season, both clubs then suffered relegation from this division in 15/16 but returned at the first attempt. They look stronger for the experience. Blackpool performed well at big boys Bradford… Read more →
Goals from Nelson Oliveira and Harrison Reed helped Norwich to their first league win under Daniel Farke’s regime, a 2-0 triumph over QPR. How did players on both teams fare? Here’s our ratings. Norwich City Angus Gunn – made a crucial double save in the second half to deny Lua Lua and Mackie, having stopped… Read more →
Steve Bruce is not a bad manager – his record at Championship level proves that. For his management to work however, there is a certain mould of player required. His 2012/13 and 2015/16 Hull sides were all about power in central areas, much like his promotion-winning teams at Birmingham before that. The physical build of… Read more →
A Romelu Lukaku brace in his first Premier League game for Manchester United helped his side to a 4-0 win over West Ham after a dominant second half display. How did players on both teams fare? Here’s our ratings. Manchester United David De Gea – late in the first half he saved Fernandes’ shot, which… Read more →
Opening day goals from Dele Alli and Ben Davies saw Tottenham ease to a 2-0 win at 10-man Newcastle – but how did players on both teams fare? Here’s our ratings. Newcastle United Rob Elliott – made a superb close-range stop early in the second half to deny Harry Kane. Might have done better for… Read more →
Birmingham City picked up their first three points of the season thanks to a slightly fortuitous 2-1 win over Bristol City. Here’s our player ratings. Birmingham City David Stockdale – made some key saves to keep Blues in the game. 7 Emilio Nsue – struggled to handle Paterson’s movement in the first half, but made… Read more →
Birmingham City picked up their first three points of the season thanks to a slightly fortuitous 2-1 win over Bristol City. Here’s our five talking points from the game. Robins’ smooth football Bristol City’s passing and movement in the first half was outstanding. Marlon Pack ran the show with his unmatched feel for when to… Read more →
In what will go down as one of the most iconic games in English football history, Arsenal defeated Leicester 4-3 on the opening night of the Premier League season. How did players on both teams fare? Here’s our ratings. Arsenal Petr Cech – his decline in performance levels has carried on from last season. 35… Read more →