It is still early days in the Premier League, but that has not stopped us from being treated to a considerable amount of entertaining action. Hull City have given their supporters something to shout about and are the surprise package in these early weeks, while Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have also all managed two wins from two thus far.
With league matches also having started up in Serie A (Italy) and La Liga (Spain) this week, we take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly from around Europe.
The Good: Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola Looking Strong in Manchester
Two of the best managers in the world landed new jobs over the summer, and it just so happens that they have even ended up in the same town.
Jose Mourinho arriving at Manchester United and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has understandably provided big headlines, and will arguably stand as the biggest challenge each of the legendary coaches have faced. Both have lived up to expectations thus far and have two Premier League victories a piece from as many matches to show for it.
Paul Pogba looked sharp in his Old Trafford debut, as Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 win over Southampton on Friday. Another of Mourinho’s marquee additions stole much of the Frenchman’s limelight though, as forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic found two goals on the night.
Meanwhile, after a difficult opening match against Sunderland, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City looked dominant in a 4-1 away win versus Stoke City. A brace each for Sergio Aguero and Nolito showcased City’s ability to get forward and rack up the goals.
With a hat-trick against Steaua Bucuresti on Tuesday in a UEFA Champions League qualifier, Sergio Aguero is having himself quite a week in finding the back of the net; the Argentine appears more deadly than ever under Guardiola.
The Bad: a Tame Affair Between Leicester City and Arsenal
A major focus of this week’s Premier League weekend was Saturday evening’s clash at the King Power Stadium, as last season’s league champions Leicester City hosted league runners-up Arsenal. With both clubs losing their opening matches, an intense game full of goals was expected in this meeting as three points were a priority.
It didn’t quite go as planned.
A combined five shots on goal helped to produce a disappointing scoreless draw, leaving the Foxes and the Gunners with many questions on how they can improve their stuttering starts. The calls from supporters for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to sign a striker before the transfer window closes this month are only getting louder.
The Ugly: Real Betis’ Antonio Adan and a Cricket Score at the Camp Nou
In their first match of the 2016-17 La Liga season, Real Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan made six saves. That’s an excellent output and manager Gus Poyet will be hoping those statistics continue. Several of those saves were very impressive as well, requiring quick reflexes and great positioning.
Unfortunately, Barcelona found the net the same number of times in front of a raucous home crowd.
A hat-trick from Luis Suarez and a brace from Lionel Messi have ensured the defending league champions are off to a flying start. Real Betis, on the other hand, must find a way for their defence to help out their talented goalkeeper and quiet down the opposing attack. 6-2 the final score.
