Whoever drew up the recent midweek fixtures before the beginning of the season surely has to be applauded. The clever selection of Crystal Palace at home to West Ham United on Tuesday night was to get the game out of the way so we could enjoy the "football" come Wednesday night.
Surely enough, Wednesday night did not disappoint!
The outrageous half volley from the outrageous Luis Suarez came after the outrageous Nicklas Bendtner had headed one in (yes, Bendtner) from two yards for the Arsenal. The best striker in the world is in the Premier League. No arguments whatsoever.
I am talking about Luis Suarez, by the way.
The man on a mission, single-handedly gunning to annihilate and embarrass all or any defender in the world, without the supporting cast available to Sergio Aguero or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Imagine the damage he could cause being played in by David Silva instead of Jordan Henderson, or with Isco and Xabi Alonso instead of Joe Allen and the evergreen Steven Gerrard.
The next mission in line for Suarez is welcoming West Ham United at Anfield; expect the Uruguayan to continue his greatness but maybe not with another four. The two James's, Collins and Tomkins must already be feeling the breeze of Suarez ghosting past them.
The Old Trafford faithful, Alex Ferguson included, must have felt warm in their hearts that their team had played with a lot of heart. It was a battling performance. Every player gave his all. All Manchester United need from now is a little guile and flair.
Truth be told, Roberto Martinez has brought more enjoyment to Everton than David Moyes ever attempted to during his 11-year tenure at Goodison Park. I personally have not enjoyed Everton this much since I played against them at the Merdeka Stadium back in 1989. But that was a team which had been champions twice in the late 1980s.
Bryan Oviedo's strike was such a joyous occasion that the lovable legend Martin Tyler went a tad over the top in describing him as the "Costa Toffee".
At least Manchester United have Adnan Januzaj, the kid whose maturity belies his tender age. Not since Cristiano Ronaldo has there been a winger so exciting and mature at Old Trafford. This lithe magician would not look out of place in a Barcelona shirt.
Up next, Newcastle United were dismantled in Wales by Michael Laudrup's Swansea City. Never saw that demolition coming but Alan Pardew will surely convince his Magpies that Old Trafford is a fortress no more.
The story of the Saints though is going to be a tearjerker. Undone by Chelsea and outpunched by Aston Villa, Southampton come up against Manchester City - a team that has not travelled well this season but came good at the Hawthorns, hence will now feel that the away jinx has been broken. But, do not write off the Saints. This clash is a must watch for the football purists.
There is Light at the end of the tunnel. The Stadium of Light did light up on three occasions but individual quality forced a Hazardous outcome.
Gus Poyet will know it is certainly a weekend where it could all come together for the Black Cats. After all, it is only Tottenham Hotspur coming to visit.
Take nothing away from Andre Villas-Boas though, as a battling three points at Fulham is like having a pacemaker put in, but the North East will provide a sterner test for AVB's men. Just like Chelsea, Spurs have to make sure their individual quality shines through albeit in a tight unit.
The biggest game of the weekend pits two of the best teams in England, on form and quality, with the stage set at The Emirates. The visit of Roberto Martinez used to be welcomed but Senor Martinez has more bullets in his pistolero.
A far cry from Wigan Athletic, this man can allow himself a half glass of wine.
Keep the champagne though, there is a long way to go yet this season but the journey certainly looks smoother and more thrilling than previous years.
A good weekend ahead and certainly so, as this season, the beautiful game has finally gotten going on the shores of England. – December 7, 2013.
This week’s English Premier League fixtures:
Saturday
8.45pm
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
11pm
Crystal Palace vs Cardiff City
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Southampton vs Manchester City
Stoke City vs Chelsea
West Bromwich Albion vs Norwich City
Sunday
1.30am
Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur
9.30pm
Fulham vs Aston Villa
Midnight
Arsenal vs Everton
Tuesday
4am
Swansea City vs Hull City.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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