Who would have thought there would be crisis talk so early in the season at one of the best managed clubs in the Premier League? Tottenham have now lost three matches in succession for the first time during the Mauricio Pochettino era. Losing to Liverpool is no disgrace but the manner of defeats against Watford in the Premier League and Inter Milan in the Champions League suggests all is not well. Tottenham have a large contingent of players who reached at least the semi-finals at the World Cup so motivation could be an issue.
Brighton should win enough matches at home to stay in the Premier League and the battling point at Southampton on Monday suggests they are prepared to fight for points on the road. Albion finished 15th last season with 40 points but had the eighth best home record with seven wins and 29 points. A win and draw in two home fixtures this season to date suggests points won at the Amex Stadium will be crucial. Brighton can pick up at least one point when Tottenham visit on Saturday.
Fulham have been outside the Premier League for four seasons but their wealthy owner has invested in some players to prevent an immediate return to the second tier. The club’s benefactor is the same businessman who is trying to buy Wembley Stadium so you would have thought he has deep pockets. However, three defeats in the Premier League has left the club lurking just above the relegation places.
Watford won their first four matches but had a reality check when losing at home to Manchester United last weekend. For the last three seasons Watford have stayed in the Premier League without doing anything special. There were no notable signings in the summer so they may find their true level this season and losing away from home against Fulham is probably more representative than beating Tottenham at home.
The clever clogs deal to play at the Olympic Stadium counted for nothing as West Ham lost their first four matches in the Premier League. Where the impressive win at Everton came from last Saturday is anybody’s guess. Everton were poor and lacked the basic skill of passing the ball to a team mate. However, West Ham produced a competent away performance and can take confidence into the home fixture with Chelsea who have won all five league matches so far.
Eden Hazard also played seven matches in the World Cup but there appears to be no hangover. He said the three week break was enough and he looks sharp. The new Chelsea manager appreciates his qualities in attacking areas and can forgive him not tracking back because he is so effective in the final third. Hazard can provide the quality to help Chelsea win this London derby against West Ham. Another defeat puts the Hammers back in the relegation mire.
There was always going to be a period of adjustment at Arsenal after the departure of Arsene Wenger. The signs were not looking good after two defeats but Arsenal have now won maximum points from three matches in the Premier League. Everton visit the Emirates on Sunday on the back of that abysmal defeat at home against West Ham. Current form suggests this is the home banker on the schedule. Everton won three matches away from home in the Premier League last season.
They are now going through managers like confetti and the optimism surrounding Marco Silva has diminished after a moderate start. Losing at home to the bottom club in West Ham does not augur well. Arsenal lost two Premier League matches at home last season but can avoid defeat against Everton and secure another three points. If results go their way another win takes them into a Champions League qualifying position and the new man goes a long way to winning over the fans.
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