Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 2 (Premier League Season 2020/21- In a Nutshell)
The pecking order is based on the performance of the Premier League teams during Matchweek; in this case, Matchweek 2. It’s not purely based on results. There were 20 teams that played in Matchweek 2. The Premier League Pecking Order starts with the 20th team (worst performed team) on the Pecking Order and the finishes with the 1st team (best performed team) on the Pecking Order.
20- Newcastle United
Newcastle United failed to have a single shot on target. They were fortunate to only lost 3-nil; it should have been a more substantial margin to Brighton and Hove Albion.
19- Sheffield United
Sheffield United had just 28.1% possession in a game that would have expected to have got three points from. Their only shot on goal came in the 36th minute, which was well saved by Aston Villa’s goalkeeper; Emiliano Martínez.
18- Wolves
Wolves had just 34.8% possession against a Manchester City team that looked hungry and well organised. The fact that Wolves only had one shot on target substantiates why they are so low on the Pecking Order, despite it being a goal. At the end of the day they lost 3-1 and it could have been worse!
17- Aston Villa
Aston Villa had just two shots on target against a Sheffield United team that were down to ten men in the 12th minute when John Egan was sent off. Aston Villa would be relieved to have claimed all three points, because they didn’t perform up to standard.
16- Fulham
Fulham would be disappointed that they didn’t come away from the game against Leeds United with any points. The fact that Fulham fought back from 4-1 to 4-3 in the 62nd minute substantiates the fact that they’d be deflated by not claiming a single point.
15- West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion had just 28.7% possession against an Everton team that has deficiencies to exploit. The fact that West Bromwich Albion scored two goals is no excuse for letting in five goals!
14- Manchester United
Manchester United controlled the tempo of the game as they had 75.8% possession. They finished with four shots on target to Crystal Palace’s five, one of which was a goal from a penalty. At the end of the day Manchester United lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace, so all that possession counted for nothing!
13- Chelsea
Chelsea lost 2-nil against Liverpool, which wasn’t the result they were looking for. The game changed when Andreas Christensen was sent off in first half stoppage time! They were unfortunately playing against one of the best players in the world; Sadio Mane, who scored a brace in quick succession early in the second half. Chelsea missed an opportunity to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty kick that they missed in the 75th minute.
12- Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace defeated Manchester United 3-1 but they did so with only 24.2% possession. It was a game that they could have easily lost. It’s three points that should boost their morale as they have six points from a possible six points in the opening two games of the Season. That’s the stat that matters, but they need to improve if they are to have a good Season.
11- Southampton
Southampton had 52.5% possession, but they lost the game 5-2 against Tottenham. It was one way traffic in terms of the scoreboard. That’s despite the fact that Southampton scored the first and last goal of the game.
10- West Ham United
West Ham United finished the game with three shots on target; the same amount as their opposition, Arsenal. Unfortunately, Arsenal scored two goals and West Ham United just one.
9- Arsenal
Arsenal would be relieved that they claimed all three points, despite dominating possession with 62.6% of it. They only scored the decisive second goal in the 85th minute.
8- Burnley
Burnley was extremely competitive for the majority of the game. They had five shots on target to Leicester City’s six, but Burnley lost the game 4-2.
7- Leeds United
Leeds United won against Fulham 4-3, despite the fact that they led 4-1. It was 4-3 in the 62nd minute. They would be disappointed that they let Fulham back into the game, but happy with the fact that they scored four goals and were clinical in the final third in their first two games of the Premier League Season 2020/21.
6- Leicester City
Leicester City controlled the game against West Bromwich Albion as they had 64.2% possession and seven shots on target from their 13 shots. Although they won the game three nil, only one goal was scored from open play. That’s why they weren’t high in the Pecking Order, as they should have won by more!
5- Liverpool
Liverpool controlled the temp of the game and the balance of play for the majority of the contest against a formidable opponent, in Chelsea. Fortunately, Liverpool had Sadio Mane who saved the day early in the second half and Alisson as goalkeeper, who saved a Chelsea penalty.
4- Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion won 3-nil against a Newcastle United team that failed to register a single shot on target. The margin should have been more than three goals as Newcastle United had an off day.
3- Tottenham
Tottenham made a lot of their game against Southampton look like a training drill. That’s inevitably the case when the main striker in the Tottenham team is amongst the best in the world as Harry Kane finished with one goal and an impressive four assists.
2- Everton
Everton did well to score five goals from their seven shots on target. They may have been playing against a newly promoted team; West Bromwich Albion, but Everton took the game seriously and took nothing for granted.
1- Manchester City
Manchester City controlled the game against Wolves with Manchester City having 65.2% possession and nine shots on target! They played some entertaining football and performed the best out of any of the 20 teams in the Premier League in Matchweek 2.
Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 2 (Premier League Season 2020/21- Final Thoughts)
It was an intriguing and entertaining Matchweek 2 of the Premier League, which was reflected in the Pecking Order. There was a total of 44 goals, which made for entertaining football. There were players who scored at least two goals and teams that went down to ten men! Only three teams managed to keep a clean sheet and there were no draws! It was an interesting Matchweek to dissect and analyse. The Pecking Order was a thought provoking exercise!