If you missed the games on Saturday, fret not. Read on for some developing trends this season. 

Swansea’s the real deal

36 year old Garry Monk doesn’t get nearly enough credit as he deserves.

In his first full season as a manager, he’s managed to lead Swansea to 8th, their highest ever BPL finish with a record points tally of 56. Judging from their early season performances, Monk is already looking to improve on that with 4 points on the board after 2 games.

Gomis has found himself in the goals while Montero has taken his game to the next level, destroying both Ivanovic and Janmaat. With 2 goals in 2 games, Swansea look to have found their new Michu in Andre Ayew. Looking ahead, their next 5 games look fairly straightforward apart from a visit by Manchester United. Swansea will definitely be a team to watch this season.

What’s wrong with Manchester United

If winning while playing badly is the mark of champions, Manchester United should be crowned champions by some distance.

Van Gaal has spent an estimated £221.6 million during his reign and while his team have 6 points from 2 games, the football played has been insipid and one-paced. An own goal by Kyle Walker secured 3 points on opening day and a deflected Januzaj shot at Villa Park clinched 3 more on Friday night. Insight can be gleaned from Van Gaal’s post match comments, criticising Januzaj for unnecessarily losing possession despite scoring the winning goal. With players taking few risks with their passing and being disparaged if they do, Van Gaal must take responsibility for the poor performances.  

Roy Keane famously lambasted Rio Ferdinand playing a sideway pass during his first training session. With lacklustre performances the norm in recent times, how United fans must which they still have someone like him around.

Porous Saints Defence

Southampton seem to have forgotten how to defend.

The second best defence behind Chelsea has already conceded 5 goals in 2 games this season after only shipping in 33 the entire last season. They seem especially susceptible to counter attacks, with 3 of the 5 goals a direct result being hit on the break.

Much has been said about the loss of Morgan Schneiderlin but looking at their recent transfers, Schneiderlin’s departure only tells part of the story. The Saints defence this season is almost entirely new, with Jose Fonte the only survivor from the uncompromising back line of 14/15. Fraiser Forster and Ryan Bertrand are out injured and have been replaced by Maarten Stekelenburg and Matt Targett respectively. New right back Cédric has replaced Nathaniel Clyne and Maya Yoshida has looked an inadequate deputy for Toby Aldeweireld since his acrimonious transfer to Spurs.

Participation in the Europa League will also take it’s toll as the season goes along and Southampton have to start getting their act together. Looks like Ronald Koeman has to quickly start earning his pay.