Premier League Talking Points – Can United go Clear at the Top?

The Premier League returns this weekend with many high profile games to leave everyone salivating with the thought of the action ahead. Everton host Liverpool in the Merseyside derby while Manchester United will be visitors at the Emirates.

Elsewhere, Chelsea meet Southampton in a game where it’s hard to see the Blues winning, which is staggering in itself. This weekend is set to be a cracker and read about all the key talking points below.

History Rooney’s Saviour?

There was an interesting moment in Man United’s 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg on Wednesday. When 1-0 down, the home side were handed a penalty – which Rooney opted not to take. Granted, Rooney doesn’t have a great record from the spot, he has still often stepped up the plate. Perhaps he wasn’t too bothered about his fallow goal scoring of late and didn’t feel the need to risk taking a penalty. No doubt it was intriguing though.

Going into Sunday perhaps it will be history which is Rooney’s savour. Rooney, who has only scored one goal in the Premier League this season, has a superb record against Arsenal. Indeed, Rooney not only scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal, or his first for Man United, but also his 100^th too. That’s something else. Coincidence no doubt, but he may well be hoping such ‘coincidence’ strikes again this weekend.

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City Presented Perfect Opponents?

Manchester City have slumped to successive league defeats by West Ham United and at Tottenham Hotspur, having been strong favourites for the title after winning their opening five games.

However, their spirits were lifted by their late 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in Europe on Wednesday.

Now a point behind United, they will be expected to see off Steve McClaren’s Newcastle despite the latter’s improved performance last Saturday, which should have brought a win instead of a 2-2 draw at home to champions Chelsea, who are down in 14th place.

City have a sublime record against the Magpies, winning 15 and drawing two of their last 17 meetings. Surely Manuel Pellegrini’s men will get the three points on Saturday afternoon.

Will Chelsea Ever Improve?

Chelsea, already beaten three times in the league and coming back home after a 2-1 Champions League defeat at Porto on Tuesday, need to start winning again.