Premier League Schedule, Recap, Analysis - Week 2: Manchester United Horror Show Continues As Chelsea, Tottenham Cruise

By David Salazar First Posted: Aug 25, 2014 01:08 PM EDT

The opening weekend of the Premier League offered up some stunning surprises and terrific games.

The second weekend added to the growing drama and continued with its contentious match-ups and stunning battles.

Here is what was learned from the second batch of games:

Manchester United is in Trouble

Those who thought that Louis van Gaal's arrival at the Old Trafford would be enough to make up for the mess left by David Moyes may be made to rethink their positions.

Moyes was far from ideal as a manager, but it is clear that he was not the complete problem. Despite his pedigree as one of the finest managers ever, van Gaal has been unable to right what looks like a sinking ship. United struggled in Sunderland and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Juan Mata was undeniably the best attacker for the Red Devils, but the rest of the team foundered around him. Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney hardly looked threatening up top. Rooney had two shots on goal, but the Dutchman had none. The passing was solid, as evidenced by the 88 percent success rate and 55 percent possession, but it amounted to little offensively. In fact, the team was lucky not to lose this game, as Sunderland had multiple opportunities to put the game away.

Van Gaal's decision to use three central defenders has failed in its first two games, with the team not being able to take advantage of the numerical advantage at the back. Overall, it was a bad showing for van Gaal's club. It could be a huge issue moving forward, even with the arrival of Angel Di Maria.

Arsenal Bends, But Does Not Break

Arsenal has not been great through two weeks of play, and no one would be criticized for thinking that this team is not championship material. The side nearly finished with a draw at home against Crystal Palace at home and then almost got blown out of Goodson Park against Everton on Saturday.

But the team showed a resilience against Everton on Saturday that had allowed it come from behind against Crystal Palace in Week One and win.

Unsurprisingly, the catalyst for the comeback was Aaron Ramsey, the hero of the first week. Ramsey had a terrific game with the team and was undeniably the Gunners' top player.

There are concerns at the back as both goals conceded were the result of some spotty marking.

Alexis Sanchez was also a flop as the lone forward, and Mesut Oezil was not particularly great in his big return for the Gunners. The two were expected to be a tremendous duo for Arsenal, but the initial experiment was far from successful. Sanchez works best when playing in tandem with another striker or as a winger cutting inside. He may benefit from time with Joel Campbell or Olivier Giroud, who was a dominant presence once he arrived on the pitch.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur Continue Hot Stars

The Spurs eased to a 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, showing that they can score and put up decisive performances in big games. For QPR, the thrashing proved that relegation could be on the horizon for the newly promoted side.

Erik Lamela had a huge game for his club with two assists and a 90 percent passing success rate. Those worried about his quality should be encouraged after this match.

Chelsea's 2-0 win over Leicester City was not as dominant as their win over Burnley, but it was good enough to get the job done. Diego Costa scored his second of the season, proving that he is ready to be a big factor at Stamford Bridge. Cesc Fabregas added yet another assist, his third of the year, and continued to control the midfield for the Blues. Eden Hazard had a tremendous game with a goal and the kind of dominant attacking that made him the offensive leader in 2013-14. If this team continues its play, there is no reason to doubt that the title could be returning to Stamford Bridge.