Juan Mata exposes Manchester United’s rhythm problem against Tottenham

It’s hard to think of Tottenham Hotspur as a team that’s “hated”, but the findings of a poll today released today indicate that Tottenham is actually more hated than fellow London club Arsenal.

“The Government said they would act a year ago, but as the new season kicks off there’s no evidence they’ve done anything to force the clubs, the Premier League and the FA to sit down and insist improvements are made”.

The relocation from Highbury to the 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium will be a fruitful long-term move, providing them with a stable source of revenue that is the envy of most sides across the continent.

Admittedly, it will be a huge task to take all three points at Old Trafford but stranger things have happened.

As a neutral, I would love if Arsenal finally ended their title drought. But when it comes to Arsenal, always expect the unexpected.

The addition of Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech, lured from Chelsea for £10 million, fills the one major hole in Arsene Wenger’s squad and should add a much-needed sense of authority to a sometimes nerve-ridden defence.

City has won five straight league openers, the Premier League’s longest active streak.

“After that, it’s true, United started to play at the same level as us but in the second half we deserved to score again“. West Ham isolated Arsenal’s midfield and strangled them out of it.

Spurs, meanwhile, have offloaded a few and been fairly frugal in the transfer market regarding arrivals – but that is exactly why they may be able to stun United on their own patch on Saturday.

But the stuttering performance ended with three points thanks to Kyle Walker’s own goal.

Current Premier League champions, Chelsea, came out as the next most reviled side.

Last season’s PFA young player of the year Harry Kane looked lively throughout, providing an excellent opportunity in the fourth minute with a skilful pass to Christian Eriksen, only for the Dane to float it over the crossbar.

A moment of brilliance from Philippe Coutinho allowed Liverpool to win 1-0 on the road to Stoke. Coutinho’s stunner, however, is the kind of goal that can lift the confidence of the team.

Going into the game, City are the big favourites to win. The physio, Eva Carneiro, rushes on to the pitch to give him medical attention leaving Chelsea with nine men for a while. There was a unusual lack of urgency and penetration to their play, with West Ham appearing just as likely to get the game’s third goal. What do you mean it’s her job after all?