5 memorable matches from the 2016-17 Premier League season so far
The Premier League season of 2016/17 has started with a bang, as was expected by pundits and hoped for by fans. Many clubs also brought in high profile managers in hopes of picking up the Premier League crown. After seven game weeks, the league takes a break as players are released during the international break and we take the opportunity to look back and present to you the five most memorable matches so far.
It was a tough call since we’ve witnessed so many good games between the most historic clubs, then the Manchester or the London derbies, and not to forget the humiliation of the defending Champions Leicester City by Manchester United and Liverpool. But these are what we think are the highlights until now.
#1 Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool
The first match of the opening week’s games promised us renewed excitement of a new season and an Arsenal vs Liverpool fixture only raised the ante. It did not fail expectation, and on the contrary, it was a testimony to Liverpool’s progress under Jurgen Klopp as the Scousers came out of The Emirates upbeat and victorious after a long time.
Theo Walcott missed a penalty early in the match but made up for it only moments later when Arsenal subdued Liverpool's counter attack and instead, launched their own leaving their defence meekly sobbing. Walcott made full use of this opportunity for the goal set up by Alex Iwobi and has established himself on the right flank ever since.
However, Liverpool took the turn to respond and when they did, they left the visiting fans overwhelmed. Equalising just before the first half whistle was blown, Liverpool came back stronger and thumped three more goals.
Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring with a swerving free kick that found its destination at the top left corner. In the second half, he added another with a neat one-touch finish while Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane appeared to be scoring for fun.
In the 62nd minute, when everyone thought the game wasn’t about Arsenal anymore with the scoreline at 1-4, Arsene Wenger introduced Santi Cazorla who almost added a new twist by setting up two goals. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain contested Mane's earlier individual goal and Calum Chambers netted a header off Cazorla’s free kick. Although this ensured nervousness in the final 15 minutes, Liverpool held on for the win.