Premier League Round-Up: Talking Points

It was once again a high-scoring Matchday in the Premier League, it had a few nail-biting and close encounters at the Etihad and Selhurst Park. Bet Central brings you the talking points from Matchday 2 of the Premier League.

Julian Alvarez Quality Starting To Shine Through

In a new role where he is playing just behind Erling Haaland as a number 10, Julian Alvarez is thriving at Man City. He is a creative outlet and strings things together really well.

His goal threat was evident as he scored the only goal in a tough encounter against Newcastle United at the Etihad. The Argentine’s presence will become even more important with talisman Kevin de Bruyne only likely to be available in the new year.

Brighton Still On Track

Brighton have lost 2 of the brightest stars during this off-season with Alex Mac Allister moving on to Liverpool and Moises Caicedo recently completing his move to Chelsea. But that has hardly stopped the revolution for Roberto De Zerbi who seems to find ways to not only keep his team competitive but also play a beautiful style of football.

They were in red-hot form as they put 4 goals past Wolves at the Molineux, Kaoru Mitoma is in fine form and he scored a brilliant solo goal while Solly March continued to show his goal-scoring ability with a brace. There is so much to be enthused about with this team.

Spurs Win Big Game To Prove Top 4 Credentials

Spurs have made a good start to life without Harry Kane under Ange Postecoglou after a good draw last week, they saw off Man United by 2 goals to nil and it was an impressive performance, particularly with the impetus on attack.

Senegalese young midfielder Pape Matar Starr added a goal to a dynamic showing. The 2^nd goal came courtesy of a Lisandro Martinez own goal and even that was as a result of the relentless pressure from the Spurs side. The White Hart Lane faithful should be delighted with the start and remain hopeful of a top 4 finish.

Mauricio Pochettino Still Has Work To Do

After an excellent performance last week against Liverpool, it was a downer for Chelsea this week as they lost to a tough and combative West Ham United team at London Stadium. Chelsea were without their leader Reece James but the rest of the team from last week was available.

It was evidence that Mauricio Pochettino still has some way to go before he can get Chelsea to where he wants them to be. A couple of the players don’t look completely comfortable with the formation and that will take time. Chelsea have to be patient as the rebuild progresses.

Declan Rice Showing Promise Early On

In the Monday night fixture of this matchday, Arsenal went to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace and while it was a tough one for Arsenal, they grinded out a 1-0 victory courtesy of a 49th-minute Martin Odegaard penalty. 

Crucial to Arsenal being efficient in that game was Declan Rice who was at the heart of everything. He broke down play in midfield and the fullbacks ran off him brilliantly. Rice is showing early on that he will be an astute signing.