Five talking points from Premier League week two

Sport360 staff 23:16 21/08/2016
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  • Five things from GW2

    HOLDING’S STRENGTH OF CHARACTER

    His Premier League debut last Sunday was a real baptism of fire as the 20-year-old centre-back was thrust into the action against Liverpool and looked like the raw prospect he is. Holding would have been forgiven for a loss of confidence, but against Leicester he was fantastic.

    Calm and composed in possession, he was strong in the air and made some telling blocks. Aside from his ability, that display shows an awful lot about his character.

    HAZARD HAS REDISCOVERED HIS MOJO

    We’re not at peak Hazard levels yet but the Belgian already looks a different player to the one who went missing for nearly all of last season.

    No man has completed more dribbles than him after two games (15) and while that is a largely meaningless statistic at this stage of the season, the strength of Hazard’s displays and confidence always seem to stem from how often he goes past opponents. The more involved he is for Chelsea, the better their performances; it’s that simple.

    DEFOUR COULD PROVE TO BE A STEAL

    A transfer fee of £8m (Dh34.8m) represents less than a tenth of Paul Pogba, but Defour could be just as crucial to Burnley’s chances this season as the Frenchman will be for United.

    A lack of match fitness meant we only witnessed 56 minutes of the Belgian in action against Liverpool but he was brilliant at times. A driving presence from midfield who also has the canny knack of knowing exactly when to pass, if he can stay injury free, the Clarets’ club record investment will pay rich dividends.

    HENDERSON’S PLACE UNDER THREAT

    Within a few minutes of Liverpool’s 2-0 loss at Burnley, several clips were circulating on social media highlighting just how bad Henderson had been. Of course, the Reds defeat was not just down to their captain but he lost possession in key areas and offered no protection to his defence.

    Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is looking increasingly imbalanced with the urgent need for a more defensive-minded anchorman. On current form, Henderson will be the one surely making way.

    SOUTHAMPTON ARE TOO NICE

    Old Trafford was rocking on Friday as the Zlatan and Pogba show rolled into town but Claude Puel’s Southampton weren’t as irrelevant as the post-match dispatches implied.

    Saints were guilty of wastefulness in front of goal, the like of which wouldn’t have happened with Graziano Pelle in the side. What is apparent is a distinct lack of nastiness through the side. Technical and tidy they may be but their needs to be more bite to their play to intimidate opponents.

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