Liverpool hit Chelsea for 2 and Arsenal bite the dust at the Emirates

A shock defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates to a vibrant Newcastle United will be as much talk as even an even eyebrow raising Chelsea defeat by Liverpool. At least The Blues lost to The Reds away to Anfield, but then as defending champions, one expected better. The bigger picture though, is the resurgence of Liverpool. That must be the story of the week.

The Gunners were never in it as Cesc Fabregas mispassed more often than all erratic passes of the entire Arsenal midfield. The whole set up was off. The Gunners failed to impose a passing game from defence progressing into midfield and quickly releasing Theo Walcott. It took far long to create a final pass to attackers and the Magpies were comfortable with the arrangement. United actually managed to outpass the hosts on several occasions as they began to enjoy an unthreatening Arsenal.

The goal came just before half-time from a free kick that was headed in by Andy Carrol. Lukas Fabianski came off his goal line a little too early and in trying to adjust his steps in line with the flight of the ball, made a late take-off from the ground and was outjumped by the aggressive Carrol.

Arsenal were as pathetic as they were during the week against Shakhtar in the Champions League. They welcomed back Robin van Persie from injury. The Dutch striker was a second half substitute for an off form Chamakh. Newcastle could have added a few goals to the tally, had they not given much respect to Arsenal.
Just to rub it in, Laurent Koscielny was given a straight red card in stoppage time for professional foul for a goal-bound Nile Ranger, who could have converted a few late chances.

The fact that Arsenal had the entire 45 minutes to make amends for a dismal display and blew it, is a major worry for Arsene Wenger. Wenger knew his team to be stubborn and bullish only when they are in charge and it was hoped they moved from the phase from being boys to men. The loss and particularly the performance shows marginal improvements from that character.

Samir Nasri seemed sharp but incurred a foot injury, leaving Alex Song with so much to do from defensive to offensive duties. Cheick Tiote and Joey Barton just dominated the proceedings in the preparation zone that Chamakh was starved of supply terribly. The usually reliable Jack Wilshire was invisible.

Travelling Manchester City had to thank Mario Balotelli who scored twice and then got sent off later, for a cool 2-0 win at West Brom. The skipper, Carlos Tevez's low cross was turned in at the secondary post before he turned Gabriel Tamas to scored his second 5 minutes later. Balotelli lasted 62 minutes after a nonsensical attempt to kick a floored opponent. West Brom were completely dominated and were lucky to survive the onslaught. They had a man sent out in the last minutes of the match.

The big story though is fantastic Fernando Torres's form as he turned up and turned on the fire to score a brace against the champions, Chelsea, at Anfield. The stunning double in a hard-fought 2-0 win proved The Reds are out to rescue their lost pride with a solid performance. And Chelsea had the half-time and 45 minute to sort out the mess but they were outplayed completely. The Reds have climbed to 9th position and effectively out of the relegation zone after a 3rd league victory in a row.

While Chelsea remain ahead of challengers, Manchester United at the summit of the Premiership table, they will take heart at the results from the Emirates. United are an inconsistent lot this season and it looked like the Gunners were a serious threat until this afternoon. City's victory also may mean Roberto Mancini's troubles are over, at least for now and City will be a big threat to the aspiration of The Blues. Chelsea seemed to miss Essien in the middle as Steven Gerrard ran the show with the 'chapter chourister's authority. 

Which result was sweet for you this week? My worst was a Man U victory yesterday.