It will bring a buzz back to people who haven’t seen Premier League football for 100 days and there were things that would’ve given many people joy but others that were unusual and new that will take time adjusting to.
We all love watching live football and have desperately missed the Premier League. The games at Villa Park and Etihad Stadium would’ve in some way filled the gap that had been in many people’s lives since Leicester’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa on March 9.
There was controversy, with the massive mistake by Hawkeye which denied Sheffield United the opening goal, and there was the class, with Kevin de Bruyne returning at his consistent best. These are aspects which many people have missed.
At kick-off in both games there was a massive statement made by players and officials. They all took a knee for 10 seconds in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Millions of people would’ve been watching the games and this could have a massive impact with the Premier League showing their support.
All players had the words ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of their shirts instead of their names and that will be the same in this weekend’s games. We will all be hoping that this has a big influence.
We have to put football into context at this time and although we love football, there are far more important things and like Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said, football is “the most important of the least important things”. As well as taking a knee, there was a minute’s silence for those who have lost their lives to coronavirus.
Possibly the biggest difference with football for now is the lack of fans and that certainly influenced the game and will be very noticeable in all the games to come. Supporters are a massive part of the game, creating a special atmosphere in many games.
However, for now we will have to deal with the noise of the players instead. It could be a while until fans are allowed to return to stadiums with the safety of everyone not able to be ensured. I don’t believe we will get used to it and it won’t be the same.
In regards to the football, there was glimpses of quality and I believe that the more games are played, the better the quality will be as the players increases their match sharpness. Managers will be hoping that their players can hit the ground running.
Below are the results and summary of both games that were played:
Aston Villa 0-0 Sheffield United
The main talking point of this game was the goal that Hawkeye managed to miss. From an inswinging free-kick by Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood, Villa Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to carry the ball behind the goalline. However, referee Michael Oliver pointed to his watch which showed no signal that the ball had crossed the line.
But, the replays showed that the ball had gone in so a goal should’ve been awarded. Hawkeye apologised following the game but that won’t feel like enough for Blades manager Chris Wilder who will feel aggrieved that is side haven’t come away with the three points. It was serious injustice.
Aside from that blunder, this was a tight encounter between two sides with very different aspirations for the rest of the season. Villa are hoping to climb out and away from the bottom three, while Sheffield United are chasing a place in Europe for next season after a fantastic season so far in their first season back in the top flight.
Villa will probably feel like they could’ve won this game but were thwarted by some fine saves by some fine saves from Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Conor Hourihane, Keinan Davis and John McGinn all had efforts on goal that were saved by Henderson. This performance will further increase Henderson’s reputation as a goalkeeper.
Next up for Villa is at home to Chelsea on Sunday, with Sheffield United travelling to Newcastle on the same day.
Man City 3-0 Arsenal City comfortably overcame Arsenal on Mikel Arteta’s return to the Etihad after leaving his coaching role with City to take over as head coach of Arsenal.
The first half was far from ideal for the Gunnera, with injuries for Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari. David Luiz replaced Mari and he certainly will want to forget this game. With his Arsenal future uncertain, this performance will not encourage the Gunners to try and keep him at the club. During stoppage time at the end of the first half, he failed to stop an attempted Kevin de Bruyne pass, inadvertently deflecting the ball through to Raheem Sterling, who finished past Bernd Leno. This was Sterling’s first goal in 2020 for Man City.
The second half didn’t get much better for Luiz. About five minutes into the half Luiz pulled back City’s Riyad Mahrez, conceding a penalty and he was sent off as he was the last man. De Bruyne scored the penalty. De Bruyne showed his quality throughout the game and was a joy to watch.
Substitute Phil Foden finished off the scoring in stoppage time, stroking in the rebound after Agüero’s shot was saved onto the post by Leno following a slick passing move. It was only because of Leno that City didn’t score more.
Next up for City is against Burnley at home on Monday, while Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday.
Football is certainly back and we will be hoping that we see some exciting moments in the weeks to come.
Cardiff City Daily 