The 2011/12 English Premier League season everyone was dreaming of so badly finally kicked off on Saturday with 2 of England’s traditional Big 4 in action. Liverpool entertained Sunderland at Anfield whereas Arsene Wenger’s under-pressure Arsenal travelled to Newcastle to face the Magpies.
No goals but a red card: have Arsenal lost their status as giants?
The camp of the Gunners have been rocked by transfer reports concerning the career of the club’s top 2 stars, captain Cesc Fabregas and play maker Samir Nasri. The pair didn’t make it for Saturday’s late kick-off away to Newcastle United; Fabregas and Nasri seem well on their way to FC Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively.
But the talking point on Saturday night will remain on Arsene Wenger’s ability to guide Arsenal any longer. Summer signing Gervinho had a disastrous English Premier League debut as he saw red 15 minutes from time. Meanwhile, the Gunners’ away fans revealed their lack of satisfaction in Wenger’s management of the team with “Spend some money” chants.
Like Liverpool, Arsenal succumbed to a draw on the opening day of the 2011/12 English Premier League. But what Gunners supporters will dislike the most is that the team looked so predictable and helpless on the pitch. It is no wonder they couldn’t find the net throughout the game.
The challenge ahead for Arsenal is difficult. On match-day 2, they will host Liverpool. The new English Premier League campaign has just begun, but for Arsenal, their upcoming fixture against the Merseyside Reds will be like a final. It looks like Arsene Wenger’s days are counted…
Last English Premier League match played: Newcastle United vs Arsenal (0-0)
Next English Premier League match: Arsenal vs Liverpool at 7:45am EST
Your views: Could Arsenal endure their worst English Premier League campaign in the 21st century? Should the club part company with Arsene Wenger? What is likely to happen against Liverpool on August 20? How must the Gunners deal without the influence of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri? Share your views by commenting below the article.
Just a single point in the opening game—Liverpool must keep working
It wasn’t a dream start to the English Premier League campaign for the Merseyside Reds, but it surely produced some positives. However, Steve Bruce’s new-look Sunderland couldn’t be tamed.
The Black Cats stole a point from Liverpool who should have done the most of their dominance in the match. Either way, Stewart Downing showed flashes of great composure down the wings whereas Luis Suarez redeemed himself by scoring the first goal of the 2011/12 English Premier League.
Meanwhile, Charlie Adam made a bit of impression by contributing in the Uruguayan’s strike. A 1-1 score line wasn’t enough, but Kenny Dalglish certainly had the right to put a portion of the blame on the referee’s officiating.
Whereas Kieran Richardson escaped with a yellow card only for his foul which resulted in Suarez’s missed penalty, the cancelation of Andy Carroll’s goal in the 21st minute seemed rather harsh. Carroll was penalized for making contact with Anton Ferdinand.
On another day, it could have been counted as a clean goal. Next week, Liverpool have a big task against Arsenal at the Emirates. The beginning of the Merseyside Reds’ season couldn’t get more dramatic than that.
Last English Premier League match played: Liverpool vs Sunderland (1-1)
Next English Premier League match: Arsenal vs Liverpool at 7:45am EST
Your views: What do you think went wrong with Liverpool against Sunderland? Who was your man of the match? What squad choices will Kenny Dalglish have to do in order to beat Arsenal on Saturday, August 20? Could the Merseyside Reds’ 2011/12 English Premier League campaign suffer from questionable officiating decisions? Share your views by commenting below.
Chelsea and Manchester United will test their fate on Sunday, August 14. Could Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion create upsets at the benefit of rivals Arsenal and Liverpool?
