Premier League 2018-19: 3 Things we learned from gameweek 8

The eighth week of Premier League action was as absorbing as any this term. However, those expecting goals from the marquee clash between Manchester City and Liverpool were left disappointed. Presented with a gilt-edged opportunity in the final 10 minutes, Mahrez blazed his penalty over the bar to ensure a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, in other games, Tottenham emerged 1-0 winners over struggling Cardiff while Everton edged out Leicester by the odd goal in three. However, the biggest talking point on Saturday was Manchester United’s comeback 3-2 win over Newcastle.

Sunday, Arsenal started off the day with a sublime 5-1 victory over London rivals, Fulham. Their West London counterpart, Chelsea enjoyed an equally impressive performance at Southampton as they coasted to a 3-0 victory on the south coast.

The week was action packed and as usual threw up a lot of talking points. Through this article, we would look at 3 things that we learned from this week’s action.

Cardiff are still languishing at the bottom

3. Newcastle and Cardiff seem destined to go down

Newcastle and Cardiff suffered another loss over the weekend. The defeat leaves them firmly placed at the foot of the table after a fifth of the season. Though Cardiff struggled to make a real impact on the game, Newcastle spurned their best opportunity of the season to get a win.

Cardiff had to contend playing with 10 men when Ralls was sent off near the hour mark. Though they mustered 6 shots on target, they never looked likely to overturn the deficit Eric Dier created in the 8th minute. Like the weeks gone by, Cardiff’s performance assumed a similar pattern: bereft of ideas in the attacking third and an inability to keep a clean sheet. With Cardiff showing no signs of promise, they look the most likely to go down this season.

Another club in a similar plight to Cardiff is Newcastle. Having flown out of the blocks at Old Trafford, they came unstuck and eventually lost the game 3-2. The loss leads one to ask the question: if Newcastle can’t win from here, where will the win come from?

Though both clubs possess astute managers in Warnock and Benitez, a lack of firepower up front and a dearth of proven performers would probably lead to their downfall come the end of the season.

Both clubs had the opportunity to get out of the doldrums and make their own statement. However, all they could do was reinforce the belief that they seem destined to go down to the Championship come May 2019.

2. The ‘Unai Emery Revolution’ is gaining momentum

Arsenal turned in a 'five-star' performance at Craven Cottage

Unai Emery arrived at Arsenal to become the successor of Arsenal’s greatest manager. However, a rude welcome awaited him as he had to face Manchester City and Chelsea in his opening two fixtures. Many believed that the opening losses would suck the positivity out of the Emirates and that the bubble of a new manager coming in, had burst. Yet, Emery, on sheer weight of results, has brought the feel-good factor back to the Gunners.

Arsenal were irresistible at times against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Their 3rd goal was magical and one that Arsene Wenger would’ve been proud of. Moreover, their strike duo of Aubameyang and Lacazette bagged a brace each to take the excitement up a notch.

Though Arsenal still look a work in progress defensively, Emery has gotten the Gunners attacking more directly. With their new-found directness, they are able to break down stubborn defences, which wasn’t happening in Wenger’s latter years in charge.

Additionally, Emery has gotten the best out of the much maligned duo of Welbeck and Iwobi. The pair played their part perfectly in the opening two goals and look as good as they have ever been.

Slowly but surely, Emery has started to ingrain his philosophy at Arsenal. A philosophy which leans on playing the big moments with efficiency and not falling too behind in the others. In all of their games, the Gunners have started off slowly, feeling their way into the contest before exploding in the second half.

Though they might not launch a sustained assault on the title this term, exciting times lie ahead for Gooners. If their current run of performances are any indicator, the glory days might not be too far away after all.

1. The title race is a three-horse race

Chelsea look primed to challenge City and Liverpool

The match between Liverpool and Manchester City was dubbed as a potential title decider. Though the match lived up to its billing and provided a spectacle, the game lacked goals. Both teams came up with a performance that reinforced the belief that the pair are the strongest in the land. However, a few thousand miles away, on the other side of the country, a West London outfit calmly dismantled Southampton to lay down their own marker.

Chelsea, like City and Liverpool have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season. They currently sit second on goal difference, with the trio being equal on points.

As has become the norm, Eden Hazard was again imperious and ran the show for Chelsea. He was ably supported by Giroud and Barkley. The latter was handed a start ahead of Kovacic and he repaid his manager’s faith with a goal.

Over the course of eight games, Chelsea have shown that they have quickly adapted to SarriBall. Though they still have a shaky defensive moment every now and then, their attacking threat is enough to keep the opposition on their toes.

Chelsea might not have started the season as a part of the title conversation. However, with their victories becoming a recurring theme, it would be foolish to rule them out as worthy title challengers.

While the majority still back Liverpool or City to go all the way, Chelsea have entered the title picture on the back of some sumptuous displays and don’t look like going away anytime soon.