The Premier League 2013/14 season is underway, and last year’s champions Manchester United are off to a flying start. Taking on Swansea, who were fresh off their 4-0 Europa League victory against Malmo, United showed no signs of a lack of match fitness as they picked up the 3 points thanks to two doubles from Welbeck and Van Persie respectively. This also marks the squad’s first win under new manager David Moyes, who will undoubtedly be happy with the result, even as he continues to have pressure piled on top of him regarding Wayne Rooney’s future (or lack thereof) with the club. Rooney found himself starting the season on the bench, but was brought on in the 60th minute as United were 2-0 ahead. He was involved in both of his team’s further two goals, but didn’t celebrate either of them. Despite this, Moyes said he felt the £250,000-a-week striker had shown that he was “incredibly committed” during the game.
Elsewhere, Arsenal fans were left reeling after the Gunners lost 1-3 at home to Aston Villa, spearheaded by the indomitable Benteke. Those in attendance at the Emirates began leaving the stadium early in protest, as fans call for manager Arsene Wenger to dip his hand into the club’s coffers and buy some new players. Wenger has previously stated that he is looking for quality not quantity when it comes to new signings, but as the acquisition of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez now seems to be out of his grasp, will Wenger soon start listening to the comments of the armchair managers telling him how he should be doing his job? Or is he going to stick to his guns and hope his current squad can begin to live up to expectations? Only time will tell.
Hero of the week: Liverpool‘s new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had a dream debut against Stoke City, saving a penalty and ensuring that his new club picked up the 3 points on the opening day of the Premier League. While Mignolet was shaky prior to the penalty, the roar from the crowd at Anfield that followed him saving Jon Walter’s spot-kick was deafening.
Villain of the week: Arsene Wenger once again found himself the target of Gunners fans’ frustrations as they piled out of the Emirates in their droves.
Full Results:
Saturday 17th August
Liverpool 1 – 0 Stoke City
West Ham 2 – 0 Cardiff City
Sunderland 0 – 1 Fulham
Norwich City 2 – 2 Everton
West Brom 0 – 1 Southampton
Arsenal 1 – 3 Aston Villa
Swansea City 1 – 4 Manchester United
Sunday 18th August
Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Tottenham
Chelsea 2 – 0 Hull City Tigers
Photo: Getty Images
