If I Were Always Right... - Premier League Table After Round 3

Premier League - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Arsenal

With Alexis Sanchez absent from the starting line-up for the season opener against West Ham, Arsenal seemed to struggle to find their feet despite a promising pre-season. Fans would have been filled with hope after their Community Shield victory against Chelsea, but may have been left unsure after the opening game as the Gunners disappointed in a 2-0 opening day loss. Olivier Giroud struggled throughout the game and Wenger could well go back into the transfer market to look for a new striker to lead the attack. Talk of Karim Benzema arriving has simmered down to mere whispers which may upset the Arsenal faithful. Petr Cech’s competitive debut was less than convincing, however I’m sure it was simply a blip in form and he will prove his worth in the upcoming fixtures. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was possibly the Gunners’ only bright spark during the game, however Sanchez’s return following his rest after the Copa America saw him return to the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.

Aston Villa - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Rudy Gestede looks to be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa, his strength in the air highlighted as he grabbed Villa’s winning goal in their season opener against Premier League new boys Bournemouth. The Cherries’ attacking mentality has been expected to test defences this season and the Villa defence, now lead by ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards, managed to withstand all that was thrown at them. The 1-0 away victory will please manager Tim Sherwood, who is looking for an improvement this season despite the losses of former captain Fabian Delph to Manchester City and star striker Christian Benteke to Liverpool. With over half of their starting line-up making their Villa debuts it was important for the team to gel quickly and they appear to have done just that, securing an important 3 points.

2015/2016 Preview - Aston Villa

With Tim Sherwood at the helm, the Villains will be more optimistic this season than last, and despite the loss of Christian Benteke and captain Fabian Delph, the money is there for them to improve as a squad and with 7 signings made already it is clear to see that Sherwood is doing just that. Ayew looks like a great signing for Villa and fans will be hoping he flourishes early on. Despite the 4-0 loss in the FA Cup Final to Arsenal, the Villains can be pleased that they made it that far, Tim Sherwood guided them there brilliantly and they came up against a brilliant Arsenal side in good form. I have Aston Villa finishing in mid-table, 11th place, not shocking anyone but comfortably away from the relegation zone, which will please the fans of the side that finished 17th last year.