The past few weeks confirmed a trend dominating this Premiership season: big game, big scoreline. So far, 46 goals have been scored in the matches between last term’s top 6, compared to a measly 25 during the corresponding 2010-2011 fixtures. Open and exciting games have come to define...

For the first time this campaign, the Premier League’s pace setters appear vulnerable. Manchester United’s seemingly convincing 3 -1 scoreline against Chelsea belied the reality of the contest, a point confirmed by subsequent performances: a draw against Stoke, fortuitous victory against...

One month in and the season is proving the most unforgiving in recent memory. Arsenal’s 8 – 2 loss and Chelsea’s stuttering start exemplify how, this term, prevarication is being punished whilst decisive strategy bears reward. For Wenger, his failure to add depth and...

A week ago England had risen from the ashes: proven world beaters following a 3- 0 victory over Bulgaria. New faces were said to have inspired a new outlook that translated into 50 minutes of slick, fluid dynamism on the pitch. Never mind that a match lasts 90 minutes, or that the performance...

As the dust settles on the first round of home and away fixtures, it appears much of the forthcoming season may be dominated by Manchester – a city now far from United. Despite the youthful exuberance of Ferguson’s burgeoning team against Tottenham, the blue moon rose highest this...