Saturday Premier League Round-UP

CHELSEA 2-2 SWANSEA

Chelsea the defending Premier League champions clearly struggled in their first game as it didn’t go according to the plan. Swansea City played a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge . The most exciting part being goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sent off and hosts were 10-man for almost 40 mins.

Courtois was sent off in the 53rd minute for a illegal tackle on Gomis in the box , Before the tackle Gomis was about to roll the ball in open net. He then scored from a penalty to equalize in 55th min.

Chelsea had twice taken the lead through Oscar’s free-kick in the 23rd min and then 6mins later Federico Fernandez’s own goal in the first half which was Willan’s cross and got deflected in air and wasn’t in Fabianski’s reach.

Swansea’s new signing Andre Ayew did equalize for his side initially, 90 seconds before the Blues edged back in front.

FACT- 1.Garry Monk’s Swansea are the first away team to score twice at Stamford Bridge in the PL since they did so last September. 

2. It was only the ninth time in 24 opening day matches that Chelsea had failed to register a win, as the hosts continued their wretched pre-season form.

NORWICH 1-3 CRYSTAL PALACE

Norwich suffered a defeat on opening day as  Pardew’s Crystal Palace crushed the Canaries 3-1 at Carrow Road .

Norwich didn’t feature any new signings in their starting XI whereas the Eagles had new signings Alex McCarthy and Yohan Cabaye . Lewis Grabban going closest for Norwich with his effort hitting the post .

Jason Puncheon lofted a weighted cross in the box and Zaha was on end to give the finishing touch.

In Second half Pardew’s men doubled their lead. Damein Delany finished off which was a fairly easy chance as Puncheon’ corner found Soure, but his misplaced effort created a chance for Delany.

As Norwich broke forward to try and grab a late equalizer the match had a final turn and Eagles scored a 3rd to end the contest. Yohan Cabaye bagged onto  McArthur’s  through ball to slip it past to  Ruddy who was charging forward to score on his debut to begin the campaign with 3 points.

LEICESTER 4-2 SUNDERLAND

Claudio Ranieri’s return to Premier League was Leicester, they picked up where they left off last season with a scintillating 4-2 win over Sunderland.

The Foxes had a 3-0 half time lead after two goals from Riyad Mahrez and one from Jamie Vardy. In the First half, Leicester looked more stable in the game and were 1-0 up on 13 minutes after Vardy converted an Albrighton free-kick. Mahrez then headed one and scored from the penalty spot

Adam Johnson played a ball through Jermain Defoe and he then converted in one-on-one situation for 3-1.

But Sunderland’s hope was forlorn as just five minutes later Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross found Marc Albrighton who made it 4-1. Sunderland refused to lie down As Steven Fletcher converted  Lens cross for 4-2 in 71st minute.

EVERTON 2-2 WATFORD

Watford had an impressive return to the Premier League as they put on a solid show in a 2-2 draw at Goddison Park.

Miguel Layun scored in the 14th minute of their top flight return. Watford secured the lead as a result of some sloppy Everton defense as the ball in the box wasn’t cleared.

Ross Barkley scored a screamer from 22-yards, Everton equalized  but substitute Odion Ighalo dodged 2 Everton players just minutes later with a superb finish to pass Howard.

But it wasn’t enough for the new side to claim a win as a precise finish from  Kone dragged Everton Level on 2-2 again

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MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 SPURS

A first half own-goal from Tottenham full back Kyle Walker gifted  United a winning to start to new campaign, though Van Gaal wasn’t impressed by his side’s display

Four players Depay, Romero , Schneiderlin and Darmain made their debuts from the start for the Red Devils. Darmain had an impressive start to his campaign as compared to others.

Spurs started the match in an impressive fashion with good possession, high pressure game and making it difficult for United to get stability on the pitch. The Spurs front 4 pressed high causing trouble for United’s defenders.