A lot of football this week, with two rounds of matches in the Premier League. For me, there were two items particularly worthy of comment.
Wayne Rooney
Everton, with Sam Allardyce now in charge, managed to conjure up a couple of wins, and they have shot up the league table. But it was Wayne Rooney who stole the headlines with his hat-trick in the win against West Ham. His third goal, a beautifully struck first-timer from the half-way line, really made me smile, and I was so pleased for Rooney who has had something of a quiet time in the last couple of seasons. I saw Rooney in the flesh a couple of weeks ago and I thought he was Everton’s best player on the day. I was pleased when he was substituted. I only wish he could have given me some memorable moments when playing for England, but sadly I can’t remember any, and so he remains in my eyes an unfulfilled talent. A real shame.
Arsenal’s stats
I know that today we are presented with all sorts of stats, and, in my opinion, many can be taken with a pinch of salt. The only one that really matters is the one in the top left-hand corner. But I couldn’t help but be amazed at some of Arsenal’s stats this weekend. How on earth do you manage to have 33 shots, 16 on target, 12 corners to 1, and 75% possession? Can anyone out there explain to me how such clear supremacy feels? Surely, with those figures, they must have beaten somebody handsomely. But no, with David De Gea in top form, making 14 saves, and by punishing Arsenal’s mistakes in defence with ruthless efficiency, Man Utd left The Emirates with a 3-1 win. Sorry, you Gooners, you’ve just got to suck it up.