Headers and volleys, anyone? How about just headers?
The Premier League is back and so peace and tranquillity in the world is restored once again.
We were treated to another goal fest in the second game of the season between Spurs and Newcastle.
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Spurs were 2-1 winners over Newcastle at St James’ Park, with all three goals in the game coming via the same route.
With everyone clearly inspired by the antics of Harry Maguire, aka, ‘Slabhead’, at the World Cup, headers were a common theme in the clash.
Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring for Mauricio Pochettino’s side after he converted in the air following Davinson Sanchez’s flick on.
The Belgian’s effort was then cancelled out by Joselu (yes, him) after the Spaniard drew Newcastle level, getting on the end of a pinpoint Matt Ritchie cross.
We had barely finished drooling over the soft porn that was Richie’s precision cross being met by a textbook header, before Spurs took the lead once again.
This time, Serge Aurier had us marvelling over his crossing abilities, after he picked out Dele Alli with a first-time ball.
The Ivorian, who was filling in for the absent Kieran Trippier has staked a claim for a starting spot, with an ensured performance capped off with the brilliant assist for Alli.
The aerial efforts we saw in the match were a refreshing change of tempo from the tiki-taka possession based football we have become accustomed to seeing in recent years.
We can’t remember the last time the Premier League was awash with pinpoint crosses and headed goals. Frankly, we love it.
And no, an early cross doesn’t always have to be associated with route one tactics and branded as ‘ugly’ football.
The type of delivery we saw from Ritchie and Aurier should be marvelled over just as much as Kevin de Bruyne’s eye of the needle assists are.
Who wants a winger who cuts inside anyway? Chalk on boots please, lads.