Review: Premier League 22/08

Sunderland 2 Blackburn 1

A 2nd win in 3 games for Steve Bruce's team equates to an encouraging start for the Black Cats. The solitary defeat to a very strong Chelsea team was no surprise and no disgrace.

2 goals from Kenwyne Jones sealed a comeback win for the team in this game. Jones and Bent upfront will be a partnership that will trouble many teams.

Expect Sunderland to continue doing well and they will certainly be aiming to finish in the top half of the table at the very least. Lee Cattermole is an astute signing in midfield and his tigerish qualities was there for all to see in this game.

As for Big Sam and his Blackburn team, 2 disallowed goals ruined their day and that means 2 straight losses to start the season. They have 2 home games coming up and they will need to pick up points to boost morale and avoid a bad start that will lead to a relegation dogfight.



Hull 1 Bolton 0

I do fear for Bolton and Megon this season. They have signed poorly this summer and they were outplayed by Hull in this game. Hull could have won alot more convincingly had they taken their chances.

Nevertheless, a win to kick start the season for Hull after 2 defeats. Hull needs to pick up wins like this one; points against teams around them in the table will be vital. Their lack of signings to bolster their squad could work against them. Phil Brown must be desperate to sign a striker after failing to land most of his targets thus far.

Most will expect these 2 teams to finish in the bottom half of the table.


Brimingham 0 Stoke 0

A bore game with no goals. A decent stat for both teams to the season with 4 points each from 3 games.

You can see where Birmingham's problems are in this game; defensively they may be resolute but McLeish really needs more fire-power up front as they will struggle to score goals. The team has more work horses than flair and creative players.

Benitez has been their main signing in the summer and i will like to see McLeish start him upfront rather than starting Jerome or Phillips.

A long hard season in prospect for Brimingham and they will do well to stay up. As for Stoke, they are strong on their home patch and you will expect their home form to keep them up.

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Stoke's heavy defeat in midweek at Anfield