BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: City Make Bold Statement for Title Ambitions

KICK-OFF: Monday 19 August at 8:00pm. (BST)

(GAMEWEEK 1) at Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

By Nisar Khan

MANCHESTER – Manuel Pelligrini’s Manchester City made a huge statement to their title rivals after dismantling Newcastle in a dominant 4 – 0 win.

Man City showcased their dominance on Newcastle, thrashing them 4-0. (via PremierLeague)

STARTING LINE-UPS:

(via BBCSport)

MATCH COVERAGE:

Prior to kick-off, there was a tribute to the late Bert Trauttman, with everyone in the Etihad Stadium paying their respects to the Manchester City legend.

Manchester City started off quickly, with pressure on Newcastle United and Pablo Zabaleta’s shot being driven straight at Tim Krul. The Magpies’ keeper would be brought into action just over a minute later with an attempt from Dzeko after promising link-up play between himself and Jesus Navas.

Manchester City solidified their flying start within six minutes, with David Silva capitalizing on Krul’s parry of a cross, heading it in to start their season off emphatically. 

David Silva celebrates his goal (via PremierLeague.com)

The Citizens continued to press after the goal, not leaving Newcastle much space although Hatim Ben Arfa had a shot on goal, only to be offside from the mistimed run – but something to take forward for Newcastle in the game.

Yaya Toure went down in the box in the 12th minute but the referee waved it off. In my opinion it should have been a penalty, Yaya Toure was take down and denied. A chance was denied to double City’s lead.

Newcastle United really did not get much done in the first twenty minutes or so. Manchester City continued to make it uncomfortable, with their best chance being the free-kick of which Ben Arfa made a mess of. Any attacking attempts just seemed to disperse and end up on the other end of the pitch, most notable in the 22nd minute when it in fact conceded a goal.

The attack was broken up allowing City’s defense to clear away safely, with Kompany surging forward, then a pass to Dzeko who helped Aguero on with a delightful backheel. Aguero found himself against Steven Taylor, in the direction swaying off goal, but Aguero took the shot and it clipped the inside post and went in. Superb finish to double City’s lead.

Manchester City’s defense kept things really secure, with any crosses being sent back with a powerful header or clearance, allowing City to have another run at goal.

The first booking came in two, with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa pushed Edin Dzeko after the ball went out of play, and Edin Dzeko got in his face. But there was not really a fight, if you are looking for that, see what happened at SummerSlam last night. Moussa Sissoko was booked just over a minute after after a foul out of frustration.

While Newcastle did have their fair share of possession in the first half, they were not doing near enough in comparison to Manchester City’s effectiveness on the ball. There was just not enough good service up to the players up front, meaning Newcastle’s chances came slim and slow. Tiote had a chance that did not pose a threat to keeper Joe Hart, but props to him for taking the shot and having a go. 

Just before the 3 minutes of stoppage time, Dzeko could have easily made it 3 – 0 to Manchester City, as a well-timed run from Aguero allowed him to put in a near-perfect cross, only for Edin Dzeko to head wide.

Steven Taylor’s penultimate action in the match was a potential handball penalty shout. His final one would increase Newcastle’s woes when he received a straight red card for a foul on Sergio Aguero, right before half time too – it looked like Newcastle were beaten.

Taylor distraught after receiving a red card (via PremierLeague.com)

Manchester City had a dominant first half, pressing on Newcastle United and keeping a real tight defense that meant Newcastle had minimal legitimate chances. The problem for Newcastle is the balls going up to the forwards are not good enough, they were being picked off by City’s defence time and time again, and the center halves would send it forward allowing City to take control. The red card to Steven Taylor just before half time may have crushed Newcastle. They were at City’s mercy now.

Newcastle were really up against it when the whistle blew to begin the second half. And just 5 minutes in, things would get even worse for The Magpies, as Yaya Toure scored a sensational free-kick that was awarded when Debuchy fouled Aguero. Excellent free-kick by Yaya Toure. 

Yaya Toure takes the free-kick (via PremierLeague.com)

City continued to press for chances, the game quietened down but Newcastle seemed on the backfoot for a majority of the game. Manchester City just dominated, and they did not even sit back that much, as they continued to chase down the ball when they lost possession.

City’s captain Vincent Kompany picked up a minor injury but was substitued for Javi Garcia on a matter of precaution, as the Belgian seemed to overstretch when he was defending.

Substitute Samir Nasri made it 4 when he slotted it past Tim Krul, to further solidify City’s win, and it made Newcastle’s night even worse.

More chances came, but City did not score on them. They simply cruised to a dominant win.

THE BREAKDOWN:

CITY TOP THE TABLE, NEWCASTLE AT THE BOTTOM

Manchester City now lead the Premier League table with the 3 points and a goal difference of 4. Could this performance mark their intent to remain there at the end of the season? The game ends with City at the top, and Newcastle right at the bottom.

CRUSHED BY THE RED CARD

Steven Taylor’s sending off was devastating to Newcastle. Their key centre-half was sent off at a pivotal time before the half-time whistle and Newcastle went in with less hope. The defence were struggling to cope already, this made it worse.

UNSETTLED BY CABAYE SAGA

The speculation about Cabaye’s possible move to Arsenal just felt like it left the team unsettled, damaging morale and being negative for The Magpies.

LACK OF EFFECTIVE SUBSTITUTES

There were not enough game-changers on the bench for Newcastle. Things are needed to be done as soon as possible in the transfer market.

NOT ENOUGH GOOD BALLS TO THE FORWARDS

 The main problem for Newcastle in the first half was the fact that the forwards’ supply was simply not good enough, thus allowing Man City to take control.

PELLIGRINI’S 4-4-2 A TRADITIONAL WINNING SOLUTION

Manuel Pelligrin’s 4-4-2 is a traditional, yet effective formation for City’s win. It worked really well throughout the game.

DEFENSE ON LOCKS

Outstanding defence from City keeps the clean sheet, Newcastle had minimal chances during the game with Kompany and co. keeping things secure.

EDIN DZEKO WITH STELLAR PERFORMANCE, BUT MISSES OUT ON GOAL

A fine performance by Edin Dzeko throughout the game. Unlucky that he did not convert on his chances, but he played great throughout the game.

STATS:

(via BBCSport)

Yaya Toure – Man of the Match.

THE FINAL SAY:

Manchester City run riot with an excellent performance over Newcastle. Manuel Pelligrini wins on his Premier League debut, but it’s disastrous for his Newcastle counterpart. An excellent Yaya Toure free-kick takes the highlight reels. The absence of Anton Cabaye proved costly for Newcastle, who were lackluster throughout especially with Steven Taylor’s sending off.

Manchester City with a dominant victory that sees Newcastle suffer their heaviest away defeat. Manchester City are going for the title, and what a way to start.

 By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: The Special One’s Return Marked With Dominant Win

KICK-OFF: Sunday 18 August at 4:00pm.

(GAMEWEEK 1) at Stamford Bridge, Fulham, London. 

By Nisar Khan

Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge was marked with an emphatic 2 – 0 victory over Hull City that included an incredible free-kick by Frank Lampard.
 



Chelsea celebrate their second goal (via PremierLeague.com)

Jose Mourinho received a standing ovation when he entered the ground at Stamford Bridge. The Special One spoke to Sky Sports before the match and said he had been waiting for this game since the start of the pre-season.

After a few minutes of introductory play, sort of the feeling-out process, things drastically picked up. Fernando Torres was fouled by goalkeeper Allan McGregor on his Hull City debut. However, he would quickly redeem himself as he saved Lampard’s penalty in the bottom left corner. It was not the best of penalties and the save from McGregor kept Hull City in it… for the time being.

More chances followed but Hull managed to keep them out, but it would only last till the 13th minute until Brazillian youngster Oscar got Chelsea off the mark. 

A well-timed run by Oscar off a pass from Kevin De Bruyne allowed him to slot it past the keeper. In all honesty, it was imminent that Chelsea would score as they were all over Hull City’s defence. Chelsea were looking on another level. 

GIF: OSCAR’S GOAL:

(GIF via 101GreatGoals)

Another Frank Lampard goal attempt was thwarted by the keeper, after Hazard set him up for a shot at goal, he was emphatically denied. Jose Mourinho was guilty of the premature celebration.

Kevin De Bruyne was off to an excellent start too, as Mourinho’s young man and his veterans in the defense were on top form. 

Hull City were continuously being diffused and their defence were all over the place – if Sky Sports’ cameras were awful, then you wouldn’t think that you’re seeing a football team, but the particles of a gas!

And, the domination continued, until Frank Lampard found himself taking a free-kick from a promising range. Lampard stepped up and scored an INCREDIBLE free-kick! 

Lampard takes the free kick (via PremierLeague.com)

Maybe the keeper should have saved it, but there is no denying that Lampard is a World-class free-kick taker. Amazing goal that gave Chelsea a 2 – 0 lead, and they looked like they were in for much more.

Hull City were able to get some breathing time with the pace slowing down and the pressure being lifted off by Chelsea, although the chances still continued.

The game generally abided to a flow for the remainder of the first half, with Chelsea pressing for chances slower than in earlier, but they continued to persist.

Another great save was pulled out by McGregor, saving it right on the line from the corner and goalline technology also proved it did not cross the line.

Dominant performance by Chelsea throughout the first half. They got their chances flowing fast and Lampard’s goal was superb. Hull City did not get much going and needed drastic changes for any success in the second half.

McGregor denies the header. (via PremierLeague.com)

The second half was much less eventful than the first, lack of action in the first 20 minutes, Chelsea’s chances continued but the clock continued to count down, as Chelsea further enforced their dominance. 

Fernando Torres was more involved in the second half with linking up the play, although he did not pose much of a threat in front of goal. Torres was substituted after 75 minutes for Lukaku.

Petr Cech denied Ahmed Elmohamady in the Tigers’ best chance, into the final 10 minutes it was even, Hull were trying harder but Chelsea continued to defend.

Chelsea ultimately cruised to the win, although Livermore and Huddlestone improved the midfielding, but Chelsea sustained a clean sheet, and Mourinho is back at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea pick up 3 points.


THE BREAKDOWN:

FACTORS DON’T UNDERMINE THE STRIKE

Luck and controversy may seem to be clouding the quality of Lampard’s free kick. Having watched the foul on Torres that ultimately lead to the free-kick, some doubts have risen as to whether the free kick should have been awarded or not. Plus, many have been saying that McGregor should have saved it. But those factors take NOTHING away from the quality of the strike. Frank Lampard is just on another level in that respect.

BELGIAN OPTIMISM

Kevin De Bruyne had a great game, the future seems bright for him, and it does for the drastically emerging Belgian players. This could be the new nation for footballing future.

BETTER FOR TORRES

While Torres may have not looked like a huge threat with regards to goalscoring, he played decent and Mourinho could be content with his performance. He did however go down for the penalty and free-kick, so he had some indirect goal involvement in essence.

GAME OF TWO HALVES

The first half was totally dominated by Chelsea, scoring both their goals and not giving Hull City any legitimate chances for a goal. However in the second half it was much more even although Chelsea had the more chances.

CLOSEST CHANCE… TOO LATE

Ahmed Elmohamady’s header was the closest that Hull City got to a goal, but it was far too late just after 70 minutes with Chelsea looking strong.

STATS:

                                  via BBCSport

THE FINAL SAY:

Chelsea run rampant in the first half to secure a firm lead, allowing Hull City hardly any thing to work ahead for a goal. A much more even second half however sees Hull City get more chances, but Chelsea keep the clean sheet. Hull City were not good enough to contend with Mourinho’s side and there is a lot of optimism for the Blues with their young players. Hull City had a hard first game, but we will see how they do in their future fixtures.

Mourinho celebrates the goal (via PremierLeague.com)

Mourinho’s return to the Premier League is marked with a dominant win over the Hull City Tigers. The Special One has returned to Stamford Bridge, and he is back on winning ways. The Mourinho Era is back for the Blues.

 By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Soldado Penalty Puts Spurs on Steady Start

KICK-OFF: Sunday 18 August at 1:30pm.
(GAMEWEEK 1) at Selhurst Park, South London.

By Nisar Khan

Roberto Soldado’s 49th minute penalty proved the difference between Tottenham and Crystal Palace as they began their Premier League campaigns.

Spurs hit the ground running, with a solid effort on both sides of the field. (via BarclaysPremierLeague)

Selhurst Park was provided with an electric atmosphere throughout the game, as the thousands of passionate Crystal Palace fans showed their support for the newly-promoted team and made themselves heard. 

Spurs gave away the ball early, when the ball was cleared away under no pressure at all, but nothing came from the possession. Crystal Palace had a very sturdy defense and this was on full display when Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen were stringing together some play but they were bombarded with defenders.

A strategy was quickly established from those at home, Crystal Palace were inviting Tottenham on, blocking them off then trying to attack on the break. However as the game progressed, that strategy seemed to wear off as Palace got in the game and it flowed. There were a few promising spots around the 20 minute mark, and to further show the progress, Tottenham looked like they were struggling under the pressure. 

Tottenham were patiently waiting for the opening but Palace were not giving in. While both teams had their chances. The final 15 minutes of the first half was a good spell for Aaron Lennon who was causing some trouble for Crystal Palace – luckily the defenders crammed in to deny him. 

Julian Speroni played an influential part in keeping Crystal Palace even with Tottenham, making a great save when it could have been creeping into the goal just under the bar. As the first half drew to a close, Crystal Palace had a brief counter attack although nothing materialized. The final chance of the half came when Tottenham’s Nacer Chadli headed towards goal but it went over the frame of the goal followed by the half time whistle being blown.

The teams finished the first 45 minutes on even ground, Tottenham with more chances but Crystal Palace went in optimistic with the possibility of some counter attacks coming into fruition. The expectancy of Roberto Soldado had not yet been fulfilled, with just two mediocre chances that really had slim chances of being converted. Teammates Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker have looked deadly on the flanks and also Danny Rose had a lot of contribution. Palace can be grateful that the final ball that would ultimately assist the goal had been poor. Keeping Palace in it in the first half was their defense, the numbers game gave them an edge to keep out Tottenham, but they were unable to go from defense to attack because the defense was prioritizedT too much. All even as the second half began.

Crystal Palace have been defending too much to attack. That’s their first half story. #BPL #CRYTOT
— TheSportMatrix (@TheSportMatrix) August 18, 2013

Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspurs started off the second half unchanged. Palace started off with a promising piece of play that was cut out promptly. A penalty was awarded to Tottenham in the 48th minute as they one claim for a penalty was denied, but when Aaron Lennon crossed the ball in, Moxey got in the way and it was declared a handball. Unlucky for Moxey considering his performance before the handball, but the risk of throwing himself at the ball had a consequence.

Roberto Soldado stepped up, and scored. The Spaniard scored his first Premier League goal, that could be one of many to come. Well taken penalty placed nicely into the left bottom corner.



Roberto Soldado takes the penalty. (via FutbolBible)

Crystal Palace kept on working and they did not crumble as the fans in attendance were cheering on their revival attempt. Manager Ian Holloway further added to this with a triple substitution, introducing Williams, Phillips and Chamakh. This trio added a flare to Palace’s game, with Phillips the fan favorite and the team looking revitalized. 

The Spurs’ defenders were nowhere to be seen when Palace broke from the corner, it was a heart-in-the-mouth situation as Danny Rose and Dwight Gayle sprinted ferociously for the ball, with Rose prevailing after the referee called a foul – much to the disarray of Palace fans. 

Palace looked tired after that, and this allowed Soldado and Chadli to have a crack at goal, but they failed to double the lead. Shortly after, Hugo Lloris found himself making a terrific save to deny Crystal Palace yet again. 

Goalscorer Roberto Soldado was substituted in the 82nd minute in replacement for Jermain Defoe. After the fans were roaring during a Palace corner, Defoe had the ball and was racing away, but he was bombarded by defenders and it went out for a Spurs’ throw-in. Maybe not the super-sub at that time, but then another substitute was introduced, as Younis Kaboul returned and gave Tottenham some height in defense to fight off Palace who were making a push. Defoe had another chance that skimmed wide a few minutes later.

Crystal Palace came close in the 89th minute, but a double-save by Lloris maintained the lead, as part of a great performance in front of goal. They continued to push and push, but if they did manage to make it through the defense, Lloris would be the strong last barrier.

THE BREAKDOWN:

LOSS IN THE FIRST HALF

There is no doubt in Crystal Palace’s performance was promising and optimistic, but it may have been there first half performance that cost them, because they focused far too much on defense and not enough on attack. 

HOME SPIRIT SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The fans at Selhurst Park were incredible during the game, providing an amazing atmosphere. This will definitely encourage them for the future, and I look forward to more games at Selhurst Park. 
 TOTTENHAM FINALLY AHEAD OF ARSENAL, BUT IS MOMENTARILY?

Tottenham are ahead of Arsenal… for now. But how will they fare in the future. They’ve picked up a big win to start the season. 

ENCOURAGING WIN WITHOUT BALE

Tottenham’s win without Gareth Bale could mark encouragement for Spurs’ and the fans. The Bale saga may have dominated their pre-season, but winning in his absence due to injury is encouraging if Bale leaves, and if he doesn’t, even better!

FAN FAVORITE: Kevin Phillips

Kevin Phillips received the best ovation from the fans, and he received a lot of encouragement. It is great to see him playing and hopefully he will be a cornerstone to their success.

SAVED BY THE PENALTY: Roberto Soldado

Soldado’s performance before the Penalty was rather lackluster, but the penalty saved it for him. Who knows, had he missed, he would have been subject to much criticism.  

TRIO OF CHANGE: A little too late?

Hollway’s introduction of Chamakh, Phillips and Williams revitalized Palace, but it seemed a little too late.

STATS:

                                          via BBCSport

Paulinho – Man of the Match.

THE FINAL SAY:

Tottenham are made to work very hard for the win, but this performance by Crystal Palace is a lot to take towards the future. Soldado on the scoresheet on his debut which is more of things to come. A tough place to go is Selhurst Park, and they provided a great atmosphere. Unlucky for Palace to lose like that, but in the future, things are looking up.

New signing Soldado gave Tottenham the lift. (via BBC Sport)

Soldado’s penalty is the difference today, but more wins could becoming Palace’s way.

By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Champions Manchester United begin Title Defense with Masterclass Performance against The Swans

KICK-OFF: Saturday 17 August at 05:30pm.
(GAMEWEEK 1) at Liberty Stadium, Swansea

By Nisar Khan

Manchester United began their title defense emphatically with a masterful performance against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium as Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both struck the net twice.

Danny Welbeck celebrates his goal with Cleverley and van Persie. (via PremierLeague.com)

 The rain pouring down on the Liberty Stadium in Swansea definitely got all players off to a slow start, with general scuffling about around the rain and not too much significance, however as the game further progressed, the rain continued to pour but the game got much more lively.

Frequency of Manchester United chances increased with Giggs being involved in a few. On one occassion he made a mess of the pass (not a regular occurrence from someone like Giggs) but the chances were still coming. 

Michu really had a legitimate chance of giving Swansea the lead, when Evra and Ferdinand seemed to stop contributing defense, the shot was hit straight at David De Gea. Things then went quiet again before a poor passback from from Chico Flores almost let Welbeck in, but Vorm was quick to clear. 

On the 34th minute, Robin van Persie would get off the mark with a superb goal. It was a good ball played into the box, and the Dutchman chested it and it bounced up allowing him to strike it showcasing great acrobatics whilst doing so. Fantastic.

Robin van Persie strikes home the first goal. (via PremierLeague.com)

Manchester United extended their lead to two goals in quick succession, leaving Swansea struggling severely. Robin Van Persie orchestrated the goal which ended in Valencia playing it accross goal leaving Welbeck to simply tap it in and give Manchester United an affirmative lead. 

The Champions looked on another level from then on in, silencing the home crowd in Swansea and passing the ball around comfortably.

Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley picked up bookings, Carrick in the 40th minute for a foul that looked much worse than it was due to him slipping in the rain, and Cleverley was booked when he took down Rangel. Nothing came from the free-kick, though. 
Swansea were desperate for a goal that would drastically change their mentality going into the second half, but nothing really materialized and the half time whistle blew with Manchester United firmly in the lead. 

Robin van Persie was the main guy throughout the first half, scoring the 1st, and orchestrating the second. The slippy conditions caused by the rain are a problem for players, especially during tackles – hence the four bookings in the first half. Manchester United. Although Manchester United are under a new manager, they are still playing like before, playing just enough to be in the lead. 


Manchester United went unchanged going into the second half, meanwhile Swansea introduced Wilfried Bony and Pablo Hernandez substituted for Wayne Routledge and Tony Leon Briton. 

Michu improved from his lackluster first half performance and gave the Manchester United defenders a hard time dealing with the situation. Swansea’s play increased the optimism of fans in attendance, with Bony setting up Michu, but a great and courageous block by De Gea kept Manchester United’s 2 – 0 lead. 

Speculation about Rooney’s future within the club may have been simmered slightly as David Moyes put on Wayne Rooney in replacement for Ryan Giggs. 

Ryan Giggs still showed great skill during the match. (via ACTION IMAGES)

While Swansea may have been attempting to eliminate the 2-goal deficit, they seemed that they were still in it, giving Rio Ferdinand a hard time too with Bony and Michu both getting involved time and time again. 

A sensational goal from Robin van Persie pretty much secured the 3 points. Amazing finish by van Persie with a huge shot fizzing into the roof of the net. 

It may have had Swansea beaten, but it did not stop Bony from a debut goal for Swansea where he picked up the ball from the edge of the box and drilled it to the back of the net. The deficit was back down to two goals. Swansea fans thought they were back in it and made themselves heard.

Danny Welbeck further secured the 3 points with a brilliant lob when he came one-on-one with Vorm, a superb finish that gets him his second goal. 

And the final whistle blew. Manchester United cruise to an affirmative victory beginning their title defense with 3 points.

THE BREAKDOWN:


OPTIMISTIC DEBUT: 

Wilfried Bony – The Ivorian striker showed great signs of play during the match, and a goal on his debut makes it better. A great performance like this in his debut may gain him a lot of fans. Excited to see his next game. 

DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR STRIKERS:

Danny Welbeck, Robin van Persie – Both Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie got off the mark with two goals each in the game. They look set for much more in the season. 

MAN OF THE MATCH: 

Robin van Persie – Robin van Persie had a major contribution to Danny Webeck’s first goal and two sensational goals for himself that we are likely to see again in a few highlight reels. I am expecting another great season for the star Dutchman.

 STATS:

Provided by BBC Sport

Robin van Persie – Man of the Match.

THE FINAL SAY:


Swansea can take a lot of lessons away from this game, but Manchester United were on a different level today. Superb performance and the Rooney situation has been dealt with for now with him playing. Credit to Swansea for a decent effort but this was a hard start to the season. United have started their season in emphatic fashion. 

Off to a great start is new manager David Moyes (via GETTY IMAGES)

David Moyes’ side gets off to a great start in their title defense, completely outplaying Swansea. The Champions and their strikers really turned up. Robin van Persie once again takes the headlines, as Manchester United are on winning ways… as per usual, it seems for now.

By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com

 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool Kick Season off in Style after Enthralling Encounter with Stoke City

KICK-OFF: Saturday 17 August at 12:45pm.
(GAMEWEEK 1) at Anfield Football Stadium, Liverpool.

By Nisar Khan  

The Premier League season kicked off in dramatic fashion with a gripping encounter between Liverpool and Stoke City which saw Liverpool come out on top, winning the first league game of the season in 5 years.

Daniel Sturridge celebrates with teammates after scoring in the 35th minute. (© BT Sport)

Anfield was rocking for the start of the of the Premier League season, providing a vibrant atmosphere as the players made their way on to the pitch.

It was a superb start to the game with the first big chance coming in the 8th minute, when Robert Huth hit the crossbar, much to the delight of Mignolet who was well beaten.

Liverpool’s celebrations after a goal from Sturridge were quickly drawn to a halt when it was called offside after a great ball into Sturridge for the header, but Sturridge ran too early.

Then in the 12th minute, Robert Huth’s Liverpool counterpart Kolo Toure hit the crossbar with a header and Sturridge hit it way over in the rebound. Daniel Sturridge would get another chance around two minutes later when he took it around the goalkeeper, but Stoke newbie Erik Pieters cleared for some safety. 

Cracking start at Lpool v Stoke. Both crossbars hit. One disallowed..,
— Des Kelly (@DesKellyBTS) August 17, 2013

Former Liverpool forward Peter Crouch went down seemingly pretty easy in the box in appeal for a penalty, but nothing came from it and a corner was given. Liverpool seemed to switch to another gear thereafter with numerous chances. 

Spaniard Jose Enrique came very close just before the half hour mark, it looked like he would score but Begovic put out a brilliant save to deny him. Gerrard went for a screamer of a goal from distance but it cleared the bar. 

Sturridge’s shot following the rebound of Toure’s header goes over the bar. (Courtesy: talkSPORTlive)

Liverpool continued to pressurize, chance after chance. Stoke seemed to be staying put, but it looked like a goal was becoming imminent. Begovic was brought again to do some work when he hacked clear from Aspas’ extra touch in front of goal. 


Then came the 35th minute, and the deadlock was broken by Daniel Sturridge. Begovic and his defence were finally beaten when his shot from outside the box went through Robert Huth’s legs and went past Begovic. The celebrations when his goal was offside were cut short, but the Kop end was alight when Sturridge finally got the goal.

Sturridge celebrates after opening the scoring in Anfield. (via PremierLeague.com)

With less than five minutes until half-time, new Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet ensured Liverpool would finish the half in the lead when he denied Walters emphatically. Lucas further sealed Liverpool’s lead into half-time clearing Shawcross’ flick to goal after a corner – that should not have been given as the ball came off Huth. 

45 minutes into the Premier League and it was off to a great and fast start. The first half filled with action, drama and only the one yellow card to Steven Nzonzi. Meanwhile, the number #4 on each team, Toure and Huth, hit the crossbar, 4 minutes in between each other. Sturridge hits the back of the net twice, but only one is allowed following the previous offside decision. Very enjoyable first half and Liverpool really did continue to press and press with the chances coming thick and fast, Stoke’s chances did show that they are not pushovers though. It had me on edge, and near to my keyboard ready to call the action. Frantic stuff!



Stoke City were still well in the game in the second half, trailing Liverpool by a goal at Anfield. But it could have been all over just one minute in with Coutinho’s chance of really should have been converted but it was wide. Props to Sturridge for the lovely back heel to set it up, though.

Play settled down early in the second half although the few chances came. Once again, Stoke City’s goalkeeper further proved his reliability to the team keeping out Jordan Henderson’s well-hit shot on his left foot.

Daniel Sturridge came very close to his second goal once again, but it was Begovic who responded well to deny Liverpool taking a two goal lead. Maybe Begovic was beaten when Henderson struck the ball in the 62nd minute, but fortunately for the Stoke keeper, the post wasn’t.

Jermaine Pennant’s free kick could have ended the record of Stoke City never scoring at Anfield, but his close attempt was smartly saved by Mignolet. Gerrard also went down hurt in the box, but he was back up and no injuries were apparent.

Gerrard once again evoked a gasp from the fans at The Kop as Asmir Begovic managed to get fingertips on the powerful shot tipping it over.  2 minutes later, his former midfielding partner Charlie Adam almost equalized with an insane chip from afar, but Mignolet produced a quality save to maintain Liverpool’s lead.

It could have been a huge heartbreak for Liverpool when a handball from Daniel Agger resulted in a penalty for Stoke. However, Mignolet would save the penalty and the rebound from Kenwyne Jones. Incredible. Liverpool fans have found a new hero.

When the final whistle blew it marked the triumphant start to the season for Liverpool, a cracking game of football. What a start to the season. 

THE BREAKDOWN

HONORABLE MENTION: 

Asmir Begovic – A superb performance between the sticks for this keeper, he really went beyond the call keeping Stoke’s chances alive.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Simon Mignolet – Successful day for Mignolet who kept a clean sheet. He should be grateful for the crossbar though, when Robert Huth hit it in when Mignolet had no chance of saving.

CROSSBARS AND 4s:

Kolo Toure and Robert Huth, #4s for their respective teams, both hit the crossbar 4 minutes between each other. And the goal was to further be rattled during the game.

OPTIMISM HIGH FOR LIVERPOOL:
 
The situation of Luis Suarez may have loomed over the club, but they dealt with it well and the win is important. The promising trio of Coutinho, Aspas and Sturridge worked wonders for the club.

REGRETFUL PLAYERS: 

Robert Huth, Johnathon Walters – Robert Huth missed the goal and hit the crossbar in what could have opened the scoring, and Sturridge’s goal went straight through his legs, something he won’t want to watch again. Johnathon Walters’ missed penalty will haunt Stoke City without a doubt.

STATS:

 
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Daniel Sturridge – Man of the Match.

 THE FINAL SAY:

An excellent game to kick off the Premier League. A dramatic, enthralling game from the start, and Liverpool take 3 important points. For the first time in 5 years, Liverpool win the first game of their Premier League campaign. The chances came and came for Liverpool until the goal broke through, Stoke still tried to keep in it, but fell short. The penalty is the key moment that will haunt them leaving the match, but Walters can’t be subject to so much blame, but more Mignolet for the credit.  

What a start to the season. Liverpool pick up three points in a cracking game. If the rest of the season is anything to come by, we are in for one special season of football.


 By Nisar Khan

TheSportMatrix.com 
 – Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.

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