The Short Corner

Another week in the books.  I’ll be candid, it wasn’t the most enjoyable week of watching for your’s truly. Enough of the chit chat lets dive in and get this thing done.

Game 1

Arsenal v Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1

Reality: Arsenal 2-1

No point in putting this one off. This was a statement game and the Blues gave a tweet while the Gunners prepared a thesis. Chelsea midfield and defense is a catastrophe right now.  Caicedo needs to heal quickly. Arsenal is still a ruthless defense that will be difficult to break down all year. They deserved this win…. With that being said they are still getting the most favorable whistle I’ve ever seen.  Gabriel kicks Martinez in the head and its brushed off.  Now before you chime in “He’s going for the ball!” So was Caceido last year when he was a touch late and got a red. Intent doesn’t matter, endangering another player is the threshold. Don’t know about you but a boot to the face seems pretty dangerous. Lets add in Konsa having an impromptu wrestling match with Pedro and Rogers, neither called let alone carded and Gabriel “shielding” Neto when neither had the ball and in fact Arsenal was in possession when he obstructed the Chelsea man. 

Again, Chelsea wasn’t good enough but it's not a great look when the 4th official and Arteta are all smiles after the game. 

Ok, enough hating, let’s go to one I got (mostly) right.

Game 2

Hull City v Aston Villa

Prediction: 1-1

Reality: 0-0

So this wasn’t the dream start Hull was looking for, but its pretty damned good. Currently the only team yet to concede (take that Arsenal) they are looking like a squad built to survive this season without relegation worries. There are certain to be down days in this campaign but so far it’s a joyful start.

As predicted we had a much more sound Villa than game one, but also as predicted you need to ask where the goals are going to come from. As a Chelsea fan I wouldn’t bet on Jackson being that answer. With the strain of Europe on the squad this is going to be an ugly battle.

Game 3

Everton v Manchester United

Prediction: Man U 3-1

Reality: 2-2

So why did I skip listing my prediction? Simple, I forgot to copy the full text when I sent it to the editor to post. Cutting off my last line. 

Liverpool 1 -0.

So it seems like Karma may exist. Everton spent the week turning themselves into social media’s whipping boys. A calamity of moves and non moves, including being spurned by a Nigerian/English/American striker ended with one of the few successful transfers blasting a worldie with the last kick to salvage a draw against United. 

Quick question for the tactics of United. You guys seem to love whipping in crosses while refusing to start your fast tall striker who is very adept at getting his head on crosses. Why is Sesko being used like a break in case of an emergency player? Bruno, as punchable as his face is, is terrific and gets crosses to the danger zone from multiple angles. Seems to me I’d like the guy who knows how to head a ball in there to capitalize. But to be fair, what the hell do I know? Not much is the answer, but if my team was playing United I’d prefer Sesko was on the bench.

Game 4

Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest

Prediction: Forest 2-0

Reality: 0-0

Both teams will be disappointed. Yes, that was a handball, sadly. The dichotomy of the ball brushing his arm as he dives for a header on the line that was going in anyway being chalked off correctly while Maguire doing a juggling routine and having his goal stand just highlights how badly the rule is currently written. Outside of that the only thing left to say is Spurs are still looking for Prem goal number one, not ideal 3 games in.

Enough of the past, let’s look to the future. If you want to make money I suggest fading these next 4 picks!

Liverpool are definitely starting to solidify under Iraola, but that was against Ipswich. This week they get Fulham coming up north and if they bring their shooting boots they could be a problem for the home team. Josh King has been incandescent in attack. He somehow appears to be jogging easily as he’s blown by defenders and his finishing seems ahead of his not yet 20 years.  Enjoy him this year Fulham, he’s not going to be around long.  

I think King keeps up his form and the resolute Iraola squad equalizes late.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Fulham

Palace showed a side I didn’t think they possessed this season last week. They couldn’t ask for a better opponent to come to Selhurst Park, outside of Spurs of course. If they keep their confidence this should be a romp the home fans will be cheering from early on till the final whistle.

As for Ipswich, well, you’re not Coventry or Spurs. But this will be a season of moral victories and hopefully a big home win or two before they return to the Championship.

Palace 4-1

I will not pick Spurs to score until they prove they can. Everton sports the England top keeper who often makes me sing, Hold me closer Tiny Goalie. He gave up an equalizer last week that he got his entire hand on, not great. It pains me to say that I think Jack Grealish’s impactful days are behind him. All that being said, Spurs are a mess and owe huge loan payments on their stadium they seem to love watching NFL games in. Good luck boys! I have no faith in any of you, especially Tels.

Everton 1-0

Late goals have been the theme of both Manchester teams so far this year. United doesn't have anyone capable of dealing with the attack of Semenyo, Cherki, and Haaland. City seem a little more together at the back after a shaky start in game one. I think City will take an early lead and Sesko comes on to save United in the 70th minute, only to have Haaland net 2 late to keep them top of the table.

City 3-1

Quick Scores 

Bournemouth - 1

Brentford - 2

Villa - 2

Forest - 1

Chelsea - 2

Hull - 0

Sunderland - 1

Arsenal - 1

Coventry - 1

Brighton - 3

Leeds - 2

Newcastle - 0

Done and dusted on this week’s Short Corner. If you want more content like this please listen to the Well Struck! Podcast and if you want to prove to me that you can pick games better than me sign up at Play Fantasy Predictor and show me what you're working with