So, what did I take from week two of the new Premier League season?
Well, plenty actually but some aspects stand out more than most.
For a start, if there is any doubt – and the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds tell you there isn’t – defending champions Manchester City remain the team to beat.
If their opening night win at newly-promoted Burnley was to be expected, the way they saw off a determined Newcastle United side that have been touted by some as possible pretenders to their crown was a level above.
Not only did it remind City’s title rivals they are determined to regain the crown but it showed their strength in depth in the middle of the park.
Julian Alvarez’s superb first-half strike proved enough against a Magpies team which battled hard but possessed modest attacking threat for much of the match.
Phil Foden provided the creative sparkle for City in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne, who faces up to six months out after hamstring surgery this week.
The England playmaker set up Alvarez’s goal and created more chances after the break in a deserved success, just 72 hours after their latest European triumph brough the club its fourth trophy in as many months.
How next opponents, another newly promoted club in Sheffield United, must be feeling I can only imagine.
If this weekend confirmed what many of us already feel about City, to me it also added weight to my stance on the Blades.
Just how important Nottingham Forest’s 89th-minute winner on Friday evening will be remains to be seen but I think it will prove important for both sides in the long run.
The assists from Serge Aurier at the start and end of the game showed how important experienced heads will be in the Forest camp, while Sheff Utd – for all their commitment – lack top flight quality and I think are destined for the drop.
That gives me no pleasure to say but the gap between the top clubs and the promoted clubs is getting ever wider and I feel both the Blades and Luton will be well adrift by the end.
Forest embarked on such a spree last summer and again in January that they should have enough wherewithal to survive with a bit to spare.
Other Premier League highlights this weekend came from two teams who are prime examples of well-run clubs punching well above their weight.
Before their game at Wolves, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said he felt his side were reaching “a higher level” despite the high-profile departures of Alexis MacAllister and Moises Caicedo.
It is hard to find fault with the Italian’s assessment after the Seagulls scored four goals for the second consecutive game – including three in a rampant start to the second period.
A stunning solo goal from Kaoru Mitoma broke the deadlock at Molineux before the Seagulls netted three times in nine second-half minutes.
Pervis Estupinan doubled their advantage 41 seconds after the restart and two fine close-range finishes from the superb Solly March gave the visitors a 4-0 lead until second-half substitute Hwang Hee-chan scored a consolation.
That is two wins from two at the start of the Premier League season and Wolves, who failed to take their chances for the second match running, could have no complaints (unlike at Old Trafford) this time around.
Like Brighton, Brentford continues to be a club which thrives against the odds.
A comprehensive win at Fulham was another triumph for manager Thomas Frank.
Sure, the sending off of Tim Ream just after the hour mark really damaged the hopes of the hosts.
However, the Bees were already in front by then through Yoane Wissa’s opener and Bryan Mbeumo’s double – his first from the penalty spot following Ream’s dismissal – gave Brentford a comfortable win over their west London rivals at Craven Cottage.
Brentford’s win was their fifth in eight games against Fulham and extended their unbeaten run in London derbies to 11, equalling a club record.
After the match, Fulham manager Marco Silva confirmed forward Aleksandar Mitrovic was being sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
He will need replacing if they are to match last season’s fine achievements.
The final words of the weekend go to Aston Villa and Everton.
Never mind the five they conceded at Newcastle on the opening day, Villa are a side going places under the smart and experienced figure of Unai Emery.
Here was another example as they put four past Everton with one of Emery’s summer acquisitions leading the way.
Leon Bailey was mightily impressive, setting up the opener for captain John McGinn and adding the third after the break, in between a 24th minute penalty superbly converted by Douglas Luiz.
Jhon Duran capped off a fine day for the home side with the fourth.
As good as Villa were, Everton were lethargic and, at times, shambolic.
A wretched afternoon for them was capped off when Dominic Calvert-Lewin (one of the few players who looks capable of scoring for a goal-shy team) and Alex Iwobi both hobbled off injured.
Only Wolves scored fewer goals than Everton last season.
Evertonians hardly need to be reminded of the mismanagement which has left a fine footballing institution in the place it finds itself in currently.
And no, not for a minute, do I think they will come as close to losing their top-flight status as they did last term.
But right now, with the possibility of sanctions – including a potential points deduction – at a hearing in October hanging over their heads, it’s a grim time.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
