Every week we will be reviewing the top games, events, and stories of the weekend, making sure you don't miss a beat. Come here every Tuesday to catch up on what you might have missed around the football world!
Terriers Terrorized
In the same week that Amazon's "All or Nothing: Manchester City" documentary series was released, the Citizens also dominated Huddersfield during the weekend. The rout finally ended at 6-1, with Sergio Aguero's 9th career Premier League hat-trick being the primary headline.
Aguero is now tied with Robbie Fowler for second all-time in PL hat-tricks, just two behind Alan Shearer. Considering that City did this shortly after the news of Kevin De Bruyne's knee injury, their performance on Sunday morning should send shivers down on the spines of the other clubs. David Silva came out with his healthy son Mateo before kickoff, which was a touching moment. His son was born extremely premature last year, forcing Silva to miss large amounts of time away in the title-winning campaign last season.
Martinez Makes History in Atlanta
No MLS team has been more exciting in the past two years than Atlanta, whose fans have consistently filled the Mercedes Benz Stadium since the club's arrival in 2017. Striker Josef Martinez has produced much of said excitement, and tied the MLS single-season goal record (27) against Columbus this weekend. His excellent form in front of goal has lead Atlanta to a first place position in the Eastern Conference, and the most points in the entire league. With much of the season left to play, Martinez is set to break the record, and the number of European eyes on his progression will surely increase.
La Liga Makes the Move Stateside
Looking to cash in on the cash-cow that is the United States, La Liga announced this week that at least one La Liga regular season match will be played in the U.S. each season. Sports entertainment company Relevant, who puts on the ICC friendlies during the summer, came to the agreement with La Liga. Relevant and La Liga have stated that each game will include one of the big clubs from Spain: Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Atletico Madrid.
A move like this mirrors what the NFL has done with their games in London, aiming to spread their game and most importantly, make tons of money. With the international success of the Premier League, this is La Liga's strategy to keep pace with their European rivals. However, a move like this will come at the expense of the domestic fans, clubs, and players. Fans of smaller clubs that would have looked forward to seeing their club face the Spanish giants will have to put those plans on hold, and players will have to expect extended travel. Additionally, the atmosphere of a home domestic game cannot be replicated, and how La Liga manages who loses out on a home fixture will be scrutinized.
The Spanish players' union has already came out and condemned the announcement, and reports of a player-lead response have begun to surface - with Messi to spearhead the movement.
Trouble in the Stands for Lazio
Leading up to their Serie A opener against Napoli, Lazio superfans - commonly known as 'ultras' - distributed pamphlets stating that women are banned from the first ten rows of their section at the Stadio Olimpico. The flier stated " We have always experienced the first rows as trenches. Women, wives and girlfriends are not allowed inside, so we ask them to sit from the tenth row back", and that the rows were a "sacred place." Authorities and the club are investigating the discrimination, but until then a dark cloud will hang over Lazio - and especially the ultras. Making matters worse, Lazio lost the match.
For more information on this developing story: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-soccer-sexism/italy-probes-lazio-football-fans-who-warned-women-to-stay-away-idUSKCN1L61MH
United Can't Handle Seagulls
If you thought that the hot water surrounding Man United and Mourinho would cool after their win last week, think again. Mourinho's men lost 3-2 to Brighton, appearing ill-prepared and without any discernible plan for the game. Bailley and Lindelof were horrid at center-back, making everyone quickly forget their positive performance against Leicester. Mourinho was visibly angry throughout the match and looked a man who had no answer... to Brighton. After the match Mourinho was not willing to shed much light on his true thoughts regarding individual performances, but captain Paul Pogba was very transparent on the team's lack of readiness. Every game ahead is crucial for Jose to keep his job, especially given that rivals City are flying.
With all that being said, Brighton was superb - notably striker Glenn Murray. Now at 34 and at the back-end of his career, Murray's ability to continue the fine form he found last season is astonishing. His opening goal (below) this weekend is as good as it gets. Brighton's upcoming fixtures in August and September makes this result against United huge.
Chelsea Edges out Arsenal
A battle of two transitioning London clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal participated in the match of the weekend. Chelsea started off strong, bagging two goals while Arsenal missed two wide open chances. Alvaro Morata's goal was notably important, due to the criticism he received after a lackluster freshman year with the Blues. Arsenal awoke during the final 15 minutes of the half, equalizing the scoreline at the Bridge. Defense? What defense?
Emery subbed off Xhaka and Ozil in the second half, and their future in the squad will - and should - be questioned. Ultimately, Chelsea found the breakthrough late in the game from a Marcos Alonso goal, crafted by substitute Eden Hazard. Both teams were terrible on defense, but Chelsea looked slightly better as a whole. Sarri has quickly imprinted his philosophy on Chelsea, while Emery still needs some time to find his best eleven. Arsenal fans can take solace in the fact that two of their toughest matches are behind them.
A Forgettable Day for Kenedy
Phew. Newcastle's Brazilian winger Kenedy had one of the worst days at the office in recent memory during their 0-0 draw versus Cardiff. He failed to complete a single pass in the first half of play, a feat that had not been achieved since 2010. At around the 33rd minute mark Kenedy lashed out at a Cardiff player, hacking at his leg, yet the referee failed to punish him for the clear red-card offence.
However, karma is very much real in the Premier League. With nearly the final kick of the ball, Kenedy stepped up to attempt a game-winning penalty for Newcastle, who had managed to fight off Cardiff with just 10 men. Naturally, Kenedy's penalty was saved, putting his nightmare to and end.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, dropping points against Cardiff now places them in dire trouble. Their upcoming fixtures are Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Leicester - all difficult games. Rafa Benetiz will have to pull off a miracle to drag this team to safety.
Bale, Messi Shine in La Liga Openers
Now without both Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid enter a new era with Gareth Bale as the face at the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid got off to a relaxed start, dusting off Getafe with relative ease. Bale looked encouraging in the star role, bagging a goal of his own in the second half. This season could be a statement year for the world-class attacker, who has been living in Ronaldo's shadow since his arrival.
Meanwhile at Barcelona, Lionel Messi did what he does and does often: score. He finished two of Barca's three goals, making quick work of Alaves at the Camp Nou. Unexpectedly, it took until the 64th minute to open the floodgates, and Barca will be hoping to put games away earlier moving forward. With the attacking talents of Messi, Suarez, Dembele, and Coutinho, odds are they will find the back of the net often.
You're all caught up! Here are a few marquee games to keep an eye on this upcoming week and weekend:
New York Red Bulls vs. NYCFC - 8/22, 7 pm
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC - 8/24, 10:30 pm
Wolves vs. Man City - 8/25, 7:30 am
Bournemouth vs. Everton - 8/25, 10 am
Juventus vs. Lazio - 8/25, 12 pm
Napoli vs. AC Milan - 8/25, 2:30 pm
Man United vs. Tottenham - 8/27, 3 pm