Host Carl Lewis and coach and analyst preview Matchweek 3 of the new season for 2022/23.
We cover:
Tottenham v Wolves
The heated post-match exchange between Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel overshadowed what could go down as a fortunate draw for Tottenham, considering that both of their equalisers could have been disallowed or prevented by different refereeing decisions. Nonetheless, Conte considered the 2-2 draw “a step forward” after the result at one of their biggest rivals extended their unbeaten league run to eight games (W5, D3).In February 2022, Conte became the latest Spurs manager to have lost at home to upcoming opponents Wolves (0-2), who have now won three of their last four Premier League (PL) visits to Tottenham. Thus, Spurs’ second home outing of the new season is another opportunity to demonstrate their progress ahead of their impending return to the Champions League.
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
After losing the opening game of the season against Arsenal, Crystal Palace bounced back to take a point from perennial title challengers Liverpool on their own turf. Satisfied with his side’s response, Boss Patrick Vieira highlighted that workrate, determination, and courage are the ‘ingredients’ that his Eagles side must bring if they are to continue getting results against top Premier League (PL) teams.
Leicester v Southampton
A section of pessimistic Leicester City fans are already predicting a relegation battle after the Foxes picked up one point from their first two Premier League (PL) matches (D1, L1). Yet manager Brendan Rodgers says he has no plans to sign any new players, despite other clubs showing interest in Leicester quartet Wesley Fofana, James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy!
Everton v Nottingham Forest
Everton are looking to avoid their worst ever start to a Premier League (PL) season as they host a Nottingham Forest side they last met at this level in 1999 in a 0-1 home defeat. The Toffees have not lost their opening three games in the top flight since 1990/91, but defeats to Chelsea and Aston Villa means this side are treading the tightrope of history.
Fulham v Brentford
The intensity shown by Fulham in their Premier League (PL) opener against Liverpool just wasn’t there last time out against Wolves, but manager Marco Silva and the fans will still have been relatively pleased with the result, despite a late penalty miss. It’s been a good start for Fulham on their return to the top flight and they now have the chance to go the first three games of a top-flight campaign without experiencing defeat for just the second time this century. That was back in 2010/11 when they drew all three games!
Bournemouth v Arsenal
Arsenal’s season couldn’t have got off to a much better start, with the Gunners one of just two sides to boast a 100% winning record after two games. A 4-2 victory over Leicester fuelled belief that this could finally be the season Arsenal make a return to the top-four having not done so since 2015/16, but Arsenal fans will need no reminding of the challenge they face to keep that momentum going.
West Ham v Brighton
Last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at promoted Nottingham Forest saw West Ham both lose and fail to score after their two opening Premier League (PL) matches for the first time since 1993/94! Manager David Moyes – whose side are currently winless in four PL home games (D2, L2) – stated that the Hammers ‘’are still finding their way’’ but will want a fast improvement if they are to match their top-seven finishes from the previous two campaigns.
Leeds v Chelsea
Chelsea also failed to consolidate their opening matchday victory, with tempers flaring on and off the pitch after twice surrendering the lead in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham last time out. Manager Thomas Tuchel not only saw red metaphorically, but also received a red card, meaning his side must try to navigate consecutive away league wins over Leeds for the first time in their history without him, as he serves a sideline suspension.
Newcastle v Man City
Manchester City recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory against newly-promoted Bournemouth last week to go top of the table by the end of matchday two – a day which also saw fierce rivals Man United sink to the bottom, in what was the first time since 1929 that the English top-flight had seen those clubs top and bottom respectively! Guardiola claimed his tactics helped his players “express their talent more often” in that win, and whilst a trip to St James’ Park should be a trickier fixture, the last time Manchester City lost a PL game on the road was incredibly the first gameweek of last season.