Soccer

English Premier League Roundup (Match Day 6)

Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero scores in 300th game during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Manchester City at Cardiff City Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

The English Premier League provided excellent entertainment once again as several of the title contenders won their fixtures on Saturday.

Liverpool put three past Southampton, with no reply; Manchester City trounced Cardiff 5-0; and, Tottenham defeated Brighton 2-1.

Liverpool and Manchester City possibly have the most expensive squads in the Premier League, with City’s squad valued at approx. £950m and Liverpool’s at £780m. In contrast, their opponents’ squads are valued at £80m (Cardiff) and £230m (Southampton). There is an almost £600m difference between the valuation of Tottenham’s and Brighton’s squads.

The gap between the best teams in the league and the rest is ever-increasing and we’re slowly seeing a two-tier league in England’s most prestigious competition.

Described by some as the most exciting league in the world for its fast-paced action and unpredictability, the English Premier League did not disappoint as Burnley put on a masterclass, beating Bournemouth 4-0.

Joao Moutinho

Bournemouth have had an excellent start to their campaign, securing 10 points from their first five games. Burnley, on the other hand, have only secured one point from the same number of games, with many believing Bournemouth would add to Burnley’s horrendous start to the season. However, this was not the case and Burnley were deserved winners after an impressive performance.

On any other weekend, this would be the biggest shock of the weekend, but Wolves managed to secure a point at Old Trafford. Manchester United were leading 1-0, courtesy of Fred’s first goal for the home side, it was expected Man United would score a second, or at least see out the game, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this season.

United’s defensive frailties were once again on show as Wolves secured their first point at Old Trafford since 1980 thanks to a superb finish by midfield maestro Joao Moutinho.

Forbes magazine ranked Manchester United as the most profitable soccer team in 2018 with an estimated operating income of $250m, a mere $100m behind the Dallas Cowboys. In the report published by Forbes, four of the 10 most profitable sports teams were from the English Premier League: Manchester United (2nd), Arsenal (4th), Tottenham Hotspur (6th), and Manchester City (10th).

In Sunday’s fixtures, West Ham United take on Chelsea in a London derby, and Everton travel to Arsenal, in what should prove to be another enthralling game between these two sides.

Saturday’s Scores:

Fulham 1 – 1 Watford
Burnley 4 – 0 Bournemouth
Cardiff 0 – 5 Man City
Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Newcastle
Leicester 3 – 1 Huddersfield
Liverpool 3 – 0 Southampton
Man Utd 1 – 1 Wolves
Brighton 1 – 2 Tottenham