The Juventus clash against Sassuolo saw the highs and lows of football, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Douglas Costa became winners and losers of the weekend
Winners
Cristiano Ronaldo
Finally, one of the most impatiently anticipated events of the year has arrived: Cristiano has finally opened his Juventus account in Serie A. A brace to present himself to his new fans in the way he knows best: scoring goals. And specifically, Juve won 2-1, needing both of Ronaldo’s strikes to get past Sassuolo. They weren’t exactly two beauties, but Ronaldo has finally arrived in Serie A, and from now on the Portuguese can only improve.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHUkeARHoQ8[/fve]
Liverpool
Top of the league. Nice and simple. And after smoothly cruising past Tottenham at Wembley. The feeling is that Jurgen Klopp’s additions to last season’s squad are exactly what was needed. Naby Keita especially is a player that Liverpool would love to have had twelve-months-ago. And up front they always know what they’re doing.
Dimitri Payet
It’s not news, coming from him. But the wonder-strike he scored at the weekend is one of those goals that encapsulate the pure beauty of this sport, the pure essence of football. It’s a goal of the season candidate, and much more. Payet’s goal should be one to watch for decades to come.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsQdGgvKAWQ[/fve]
Chelsea
Maurizio Sarri is the only one who has the same number of points – five wins from five – as Jurgen Klopp, after demolishing Cardiff 4-1 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are serious contenders for the Premier League, and are showing it every week.
Losers
Douglas Costa
Disgusting, unjustifiable, wrong and stupid. All of this can describe what Douglas Costa did on Sunday. He firstly fouled Federico Di Francesco, then he elbowed him mildly, only to then head-but him and – icing on the cake – spit on his face.
Despicable behaviour, on all levels. Juventus were winning, and the Brazilian’s reaction to anything Di Francesco might have said was out of order. Now, not only will he receive at least a three match ban from the league (and would probably deserve a bigger punishment), but should also get at least a fine from his club.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU9jLkF9usE[/fve]
Atletico Madrid
After demolishing Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final, Atletico were hailed as a clear candidate for both La Liga and the Champions League. It’s early – very early – to rule them out from the fight for both, but drawing at home to Eibar isn’t ideal.
Inter
Four points from four games, after having the easiest start out of all the big clubs in Italy. A disaster for the Nerazzurri so far, with the home defeat to Parma already hindering the chances of fighting for the Serie A title. New signings Stefan de Vrij, Balde Keita and especially Radja Nainggolan were unable to help the Nerazzurri against a newly-promoted side, and the Champions League clash against Tottenham is already crucial for the position of coach Luciano Spalletti.
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrd760HPUo0[/fve]
Tottenham
If Inter are struggling, it’s not like Spurs are doing a whole lot better. Contrary to the Italian side they will face on Tuesday, Tottenham changed no players in the transfer window, yet are struggling to find continuity in the start of the season.
Sure, losing to Liverpool is acceptable, but being so outclassed isn’t, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier being so below their level. Work is needed in North London.
