Every week we will be reviewing the top games, events, and stories of the weekend, making sure you don't miss a beat. Come here every Tuesday to catch up on what you might have missed around the football world!
City Pounds Arsenal
Any speculation of a sophomore slump for City was quelled on Sunday, after they delivered a pounding to Arsenal at the Emirates. Sterling began the proceedings at the fourteen minute mark, banging a shot past Cech. From that point it only got uglier, and Bernardo Silva added their second goal in the sixty-fourth minute. To make matters worse for the rest of the league, City did most of their damage with De Bruyne on the bench.
Emery's first competitive match in charge was forgettable, and Arsenal was sub-par all over the pitch. His confidence in youngsters Maitland-Niles and Guendouzi did not pay off, as both looked out of their element and not up for the moment. The Gunners need work.
Liverpool Run Rampant
Poor, poor West Ham. Facing Klopp's explosive Liverpool side at Anfield is not the best way to begin the season, and they proved why with a 4-0 win against the Hammers. Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita bossed the midfield, and Keita contributed to Liverpool's first goal with a sleek pass to Robertson, who then slotted it to Salah. A double from Sadio Mane (one was a missed offside by the official) and a quick goal from substitute Daniel Sturridge left the goal tally at four. New goalkeeper Alisson was barely tested, much to Marko Arnautovic's chagrin. Pellegrini spent more time with his head in his hands than on his feet, probably because his defense was borderline unwatchable. If not for a few great saves from Fabianski, the deficit would have been far worse.
Rooney Saves United
No, not that United. Now in the District after making a move from Everton, Wayne Rooney has immediately had an impact on the MLS bottom-dwellers. His effort on Sunday resulted in one of more spectacular goals in recent memory anywhere, let alone in Major League Soccer. Tied 2-2 with Orlando in extra time, Rooney chased down...actually, just see for yourself:
Who knew he still had it in him. Wazza's exhausted reaction following the goal indicates he may not be doing this again anytime soon.
Leeds Continue to Impress
Failing to feature in the Premier League since 2004, Leeds United's purgatory in the Football League has been well-documented. Now under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, who Pep Guardiola once called the best manager in the world, there is hope that Leeds can finally push their way back tot he Premier League. An opening day win against Stoke and a 4-1 victory over Frank Lampard's Derby County makes them a team to fear in the Championship. If the players can continue to keep up with Bielsa's very high demands, the Leeds faithful will get the promotion they have longed desired - but playing under obsessive Bielsa can be much easier said than done.
For more information on Bielsa's start with Leeds, check out this article from the Independent's Mark Critchley: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/leeds-united-news-marcelo-bielsa-stoke-championship-a8478846.html
Ronaldo Makes His Mark in Turin
After a thrilling World Cup and a quick start to the new season, it is easy to forget that Cristiano Ronaldo made his move from Real Madrid to Juventus this summer. During the annual Juventus vs. Juventus B friendly in Turin, Ronaldo broke free past the defense and coolly put the ball past keeper - just eight minutes into the match. Supporters of the Old Lady will be hoping that many more are to come.
Weah, PSG Begin Title Defense
French football runs through Paris, and Thomas Tuchel's men got off to a hot start with a 3-0 thrashing of Caen. An early Neymar goal got the ball rolling, and American Tim Weah took advantage of a goalkeeper blunder to add insult to injury. Weah impressed during PSG's preseason tour and in their French Super Cup win over Monaco, scoring their third goal on the day. Tuchel has never feared playing youngsters, making the possibility that the eighteen year-old could see a significant amount of playing time quite realistic.
You're all caught up! Here is a look ahead to marquee games this week and weekend:
Fenerbache vs. Benfica, UEFA Champions League (qualifying) - 8/14, 2 pm
Tottenham vs. Fulham, Premier League - 8/18, 10 am
Juventus vs. Chievo Verona, Serie A - 8/18, 12 pm
Chelsea vs. Arsenal, Premier League - 8/18, 12:30 pm
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