Fans were treated to a fantastic round of fixtures in the Premiership at the weekend, with plenty of goals, red cards and talking points to dissect. From a betting perspective, there were a couple of results that everyone expected but the weekend was dominated by upsets and surprises. Here we analyse the five things we learned this weekend as we seek to equip punters with key trends they need to know for the season ahead:
Arsenal Cannot Guarantee Goals
Liverpool v Arsenal at Anfield had goals written all over it. The last few encounters between these sides had seen both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals and that looked like the most sensible bet of the weekend at 1.87. After all, both teams have shown that they are abysmal at the back but strong going forwards. In reality, there were goals all right, but all four of them went in favour of Liverpool. Arsenal left record signing Alexandre Lacazette on the bench while Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and co were anonymous as the Gunners failed to register a shot on target. It was the second game in a row that Arsenal had failed to score, so backing both teams to score in Arsenal matches is no longer the banker it once was. Next up Arsenal play Bournemouth at home, and Eddie Howe’s side are 8/1 with Bet Victor to win, which might tempt a few.
Tottenham’s Wembley Hoodoo is Real
Spurs ruined a whole bunch of accumulators at the weekend by failing to beat Burnley at their new temporary home, Wembley stadium. White Hart Lane was a fortress for them last season as they won 17 and drew two of their 19 games. They are building a new ground, however, and playing at Wembley this season, and their struggles there continue. They were poor in the Champions League when they decamped there to generate more income, and that has carried over into the league this season. Chelsea beat them the previous weekend and they fell to a last minute equaliser from Burnley to make it one point from a possible six at home. Caution must be urged when backing Spurs at home.
Brighton struggle for Goals
Newly promoted Brighton could be heading straight back down as they are really struggling in front of goal. Three games played and they have yet to score this season, and there is a lack of spark going forwards. The return of Anthony Knockaert provided some invention from wide areas against Watford, but they still failed to score despite playing against 10 men. Going for the under 2.5 goals looks a good option in Brighton games, especially as they play a conservative West Brom in their next match (betting odds at 8/15 with Marathon Bet).
Man Utd are Rampant
The Red Devils have got off to a flying start this season, scoring 10 and conceding none. They have strength, pace and intelligence all over the pitch, and great strength in depth. Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic look like inspired signings, while Paul Pogba has been given a new lease of life alongside them, and competition for places is spurring Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to great heights. Giving Man Utd a
handicap or backing them to win to nil looks sensible right now. They are better than evens to beat Stoke with a 1-5 Asian handicap next time out at 888 Sport, Unibet, Stan James and 32 Red.
Man City are not so Rampant
Bournemouth away looked the perfect game for City to dominate as the Cherries like to attack and they leave gaps at the back, which can be exploited. As such City had beaten Bournemouth by two clear goals in each of their four games since Bournemouth won promotion to the top flight. Another rout was expected and City -1.5 Asian handicap was a popular bet. It was not to be and City could only scrape a 2-1 win courtesy of a 97th minute winner from Raheem Sterling. It followed a 1-1 draw against Everton, and giving the opposition a plus handicap against the Premiership favourites might be an idea going forwards. Right now City are still favourites, but Utd look stronger and the 23/10 on offer at Paddy Power on Man Utd to win the title looks attractive, as does the 11/2 at Bwin on Chelsea.
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