Wolverhampton keeps surprising the big clubs with their performances. Their draw at Old Trafford headlines the sixth weekend in the Premier League.
Best Match – Manchester United 1-1 Wolves
A lot has changed since the last time Wolves played Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford. It was December of 2011 and Wolves were comprehensively beaten 4-1. Sir Alex Ferguson was still in the dugout while Nani and Wayne Rooney both scored twice in the win. LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” was getting massive radio play during that time.
The times are a changing and Wolverhampton is maybe the most impressive newly promoted team in the history of the modern Premier League. Getting a 1-1 draw against Manchester City and Manchester United in the same season is something most top-six clubs cannot accomplish.
Wolves are currently in 10th place, but their form is improving every week. Could they make a push for European football? Maybe the top four is a step too far for Wolves but who knows, this is not your older brother’s Wolverhampton Wanderer’s.
Best Moment – Sir Alex returns to Old Trafford
After surviving a major health scare earlier this year, Sir Alex Ferguson made his return to Old Trafford. Unfortunately, he had to see a lackluster Manchester United side, but that obviously is not important.
The greatest manager in the history of the Premier League suffered a brain hemorrhage in May. To see him healthy and enjoying the game he put his entire life into was a very special moment. Here is hoping Sir Alex makes more appearances at the Theatre of Dreams.
Best Player – James Maddison
One of the more surprising signings of the summer was Leicester City purchasing U-21 English midfielder James Maddison for £20m. The 21-year-old was bought as a replacement for former PFA Player of the Year Rihad Mahrez.
Safe to say, there was skepticism as to whether Maddison could realistically match the Algerian’s performances. However, the former Norwich player has been one of the best midfielders in England to start the season. Leicester went down 1-0 to Huddersfield after a Mathias Jørgensen header. However, Maddison decided to take the game into his own hands.
He jumpstarted the counter-attack that lead to Kelechi Iheanacho’s first goal and he scored an exquisite free kick to take the 2-1 lead. Maddison has three goals and an assist in six games while also acting as the main creative engine in the midfield.
The English national team has been searching for creativity in their midfield for nearly a decade. If James Maddison can continue with his scintillating form, he could become part of the national team set-up sooner rather than later.
Best Goal – Lacazette curler
Arsenal has had an interesting season, to say the least. Two straight defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea have been followed by five straight victories in all competitions. If you ask any Arsenal fan, they will tell you that no one is sure what to make of this current squad.
However, there is one thing most fans agree on. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are the foundations of the next great Arsenal squad. Both got on the scoresheet against Everton and Lacazette scored the goal of the weekend. A Henry-esque goal came out of nowhere and completely changed the complexion of the match.
Arsenal is defensively a mess and their attack has not truly clicked quite yet. However, the Gunners have to realize that they need to build around their elite strikers if they are ever going to realistically challenge for trophies.