EPL Wrap-up: Week 2

Monday Night Football?

No its not what you think; John Madden isn't in the booth and Hank Williams Jr. isn't serenading us with an American classic. This week we had a prime time (GMT) matchup between Aston Villa (winners of the biggest disappointment award last week) and Liverpool. This was an exciting match up with Aston Villa looking to come back off a very disappointing week one, and Liverpool needeing to establish themselves as a consistent force in the league this year.

One of those things did happen.

Aston Villa got lucky picking up an own goal off a free kick. Then again right before they half they pick up a cheeky header off a corner that Liverpool didn't think was a corner. Liverpool looked to be on the comeback path with Fernando Torres netting a cross, making it a 2-1 game. Aston Villa was quick to respond and extend their lead on and Ashley Young penalty kick after a foolish challenge from Steve Gerrard.

In other matchups this week, Arsenal continued their EPL dominance over 2 games by making easy work of Portsmouth, cruising to a 4-1 win. Goals by Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsey and William Gallas paced the Gunners past. It is worth noting that Gallas, a defender, has scored in ALL of Arsenal's games this year. An impressive feat. Also Arsenal has only played 2 EPL games so far this season and put home a whopping 10 goals. 10 goals in the 2 games?! Are you kidding me? Amazing.

Following up that domination we come to the Wigan v. Manchester United game. For Man U, coming off a fresh loss to Burnley, this game meant a lot. Was Man U really in trouble? or are they their normal Red Devil selves? Well, it only took 56 minutes to find out. Wayne Rooney slotted home the first goal of the match. It WAS pretty even until this point. Then Man U turned into the Man U we all know. After going scoreless in the first 55 minutes, it only took Man U 35 minutes to score 5 goals. With English legend Michael Owen even getting in on the action. The result of this game 5-0 Manchester United.

Around the league Manchester City barely got pased a tough Wolverhampton team 1-0. Chelsea scored twice against Fulham, with Anelka and Drogba putting in the goals, leading the Blues to a 2-0 victory. Tottenham continued their hot streak beating the West Ham Hammers 2-1 and remained at the top of the EPL table. Burnley continued off new momentum gained from beating Man U to hand Everton their second loss of the season in a 1-0 victory.

Top of the Table:

1) Tottenham
2) Chelsea
3) Arsenal
4) Manchester United
5) Manchester City

Awards:

Best Team: Arsenal - 4-1 leveling of Portsmouth gets the honors. Impressive work being turned in by the Gunners right now.

Worst Team: Everton - Taking the honor for the second week in a row. Everton couldn't muster enough to get past Burnley, losing 1-0.

Biggest Surprise: Aston Villa - Beating Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield is a tough task to ask from any team. Aston Villa was the Biggest Disappointment last week, but they have redeemed themselves and are looking to build on this win and enter the title race.

Biggest Disappointment: Liverpool - Losing 3-1 at home to Aston Villa is inexcusable.

Player of the Week: Kenwyne Jones - In a game I didn't recap, Jones put 2 goals home in a 2-1 victory for the Blackcats of Sunderland over Blackburn. Check out the goal and more importantly the celebration of his first goal at the 3:08 mark.

Check in every Friday for a new EPL wrap-up.

--Dirk - International Soccer Correspondent