The much anticipated opening weekend of Premier League football arrived this weekend and disappointed few. No draws and 6 away wins marked what many are tipping to be one of the most exciting Premier League seasons in recent history.

Chelsea 2 - 1 Hull City

The christening match of the 09/10 season saw Chelsea host Hull City in what proved to be a surprisingly close affair. Panto villan Stephen Hunt scored a tap-in from a rebounded shot on his debut for Hull. This was much to the disgust of Stamford Bridge as many hold him responsible for Petr Cech’s head injury back in 2006.

A lovely Drogba free-kick levelled the scores but Chelsea were largely wasteful, golden opportunities were dashed and many Blues fans were left resigned to a 1-1 draw against considerably weaker opposition. Hull had their chances and put in a good performance in one of the toughest away games in the Premier League.

It is then no wonder that the Tigers left London feeling gutted, following a cross-cum-lob courtesy of Didier Drogba. He admittedly had no intention of scoring but his positive play ensured Chelsea walked away with 3 points while Hull were left to dwell on a good performance which evidently warranted at least a point.

Wolves 1 - 2 West Ham

West Ham enjoyed a 2-0 win over newly promoted Wolves, a lovely shot across goal from U-21 starlet Noble and a header from Upson saw Zola’s men get their campaign off to a good start at Molineux.

Wolves put in a spirited performance yet Ebanks-Blake will know that if he is to make an impression in the English top-flight, he will need to be converting chances in front of goal.

Stoke 2 - 0 Burnley

Elsewhere, Stoke entertained Championship play-off winners Burnley at the Britannia, exercising their dead-ball expertise.

Shawcross headed home from a free-kick on 19 minutes while Jordan was left red faced following a haphazard own goal as a result of a deceptive Delap long-throw.

This first half Stoke brace was enough to see off Burnley after a dreary second half in which neither team impressed.

Fuham 1 - 0 Portsmouth

A deflected shot from Dempsey found the net after rebounding off Zamora, a goal which proved decisive in Fulham’s largely average performance against an equally poor Portsmouth.

Many tip Portsmouth for the drop this season and this performance will not have eased the fears of the Pompey faithful.

Bolton 0 - 1 Sunderland

A lovely cross from Malbranque was steered home by Darren Bent for Sunderland against Bolton. Bent and Jones looked a fierce pairing up front and he will be ecstatic following his debut goal.

Aston Villa 0 - 2 Wigan

A glorious half-volley from Colombian striker Rodallega was undoubtedly the highlight of Wigans clash with a lacklustre Aston Villa side at Villa Park.

Jason Koumas made it 2-0 10 minutes into the second half, expertly sliding the ball past Friedel, a goal which effectively wrapped up the action.

Martin O’Neill will be far from happy as his side performed very poorly, the absence of Gareth Barry being sorely felt in midfield. Ex-Leeds hopeful Fabian Delph was handed a first-team start but succumbed to the pressure of top-flight football. Martinez gave us a taste of whats to come for Wigan, employing the exciting, open football that brought him great success at Swansea.

Blackburn 0 - 2 Manchester City

Adebayor found the net 3 minutes into Manchester City’s clash at Ewood Park. Blackburn were powerless to resist an impressive performance from City.

Mark Hughes’ domestic galacticos project seems to be on the right tracks, the light blue Mancs were dreadful away from home last season and their first game of the 09/10 season seems to be dashing the travelling superstition.

Man City’s Premier League debutant Adebayor scored a powerful shot on the edge of the area after brilliant wing work from Wright-Phillips while Ireland made sure of the result in the closing stages, scoring a cheeky side-foot after teasing the Blackburn defence.

Fans of the Eastlands side will hope this a sign of the future for the big money club, acquiring superstars already established on the domestic stage reduced the risk for Mark Hughes, and now he will hope his signings will bear fruit.

Manchester United 1 - 0 Birmingham

Sunday saw Manchester United host Birmingham at the Theatre of Dreams and there were no surprises at the final whistle. A comprehensive victory in which newcomers Birmingham were effectively snuffed out.

Birmingham played fairly well but many will brand their tactics as ‘damage limitation’ in the second half. Michael Owen had a golden opportunity to open his United goalscoring account in second-half stoppage time but he failed to convert a fantastic assist from the ever-present Wayne Rooney.

Not a real test for the reigning Champions but fans of the Red Devils will be pleased at the continuing good form of their side’s linchpin, Wayne Rooney.

Tottenam 2 - 1 Liverpool

Later on in the afternoon, Liverpool travelled to White Hart Lane and came away understandingly disappointed. A high-pressure, high action game from both sides proved entertaining, yet it took Tottenham 44 minutes to open the scoring.

A fabulous goal from Assou-Ekotto gave Spurs the lead going into halftime, a curling shot from the edge of the area giving Reina no chance. After the break, Glen Johnson was clipped by Gomes as he made a surging run into the box, Gerrard stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistakes, drawing Liverpool level.

An instant reply 3 minutes later saw Sebastian Bassong score on his debut for Tottenham Hotspur, rising above the Liverpool defence to head home from a free-kick.

Liverpool have been tipped by many to employ a serious title challenge this season and although it would be rash to challenge this idea already, they put in a seriously lacking performance on Sunday afternoon.

Benitez will need to rally his troops and adjust to life without Alonso if Liverpool are to replicate their impressive form at the end of last season and mount a meaningful title challenge.

Match of the Week :Everton v Arsenal

This week’s game of the week featured an irresistible display from Arsenal in a game that should have been far closely fought. The game was undoubtedly overshadowed by the Joleon Lescott transfer saga but it acts as no excuse for the Everton performance that followed.

The Toffees were not pushed and over-run by a outstanding Arsenal side, but rather allowed Arsenal too much space and time all across the pitch for the full 90 minutes, a showcase in how not to play against the Gunners.

An abysmal performance from Everton saw Arsenal outclass them in all areas, defensive frailty coupled with a reluctant midfield only compounded the misery of Everton fans.

A fantastic long-range effort from Denilson opened the scoring, only to be followed by 2 headers from free-kicks before half-time, one of those courtesy of new-singing Vermaelen. Woeful dead-ball defending allowed Arsenal a serious foothold in the game coming into the break and their relentless drubbing looked set to continue.

A Fabregas brace as well as a tap-in from Eduardo completed the rout with Louis Saha scoring a meaningless consolation goal in the closing stages. Fabregas’ second goal epitomised the afternoon, Fabregas picked up the ball deep into his own half and was allowed to run in on goal before deploying a sound strike.

Reluctance from Everton and unsurprising willingness from Arsenal contributed to a high-scoring game.

In my opinion, rather than disprove the pre-season Arsenal critics, this game has given Everton a great deal to think about. Fans of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool need not to be any more worried than they were last week because in truth, any mid-table side in place of Arsenal would have produced the same scoreline. A sublime Arsenal, but only due to an embarrassingly poor Everton.

Footytube's Premier League Channel

NB - A European round-up will feature tommorrow, filling you in on all the action from the Bundesliga and Eredivise.

Very nice write up, I'm very upset with the season opener for Liverpool

Liverpool looked terrible. Fairly happy with my blues though we really should ahve put that game away much much sooner. United looked decent against a very easy side to break through but were unlucky not to score more. And I completely agree with the analysis of arsenal. They do look more threatening than I thought they would, but I still don't consider them true title contenders.... Maybe they'll prove me wrong though

After watching yesterday's performance:
Liverpool weren't in top form yet, tottenham played smoothly and their attacks were great, keane had amount of good chances too. Overall tottenham played quite well.

Arsenal's first game was brilliant. Loved the new formation 4-3-3 from wenger. Vermealen played very well, and scored a goal too, he could definitely replace toure. The midfield did well. Song played rather defensivly, denilson and fabregas made good passes and scored goals. In front attack, vanpersie, bendetner should switch places in my opinion, cause bedenter has better header skills

Part 1 ONLY

My Summary after 1st week: (Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City)

Experienced and Strong Run: Man Utd & Chelsea

1-0 and 2-1 is the result which just give 3 points into account.... Man Utd & Chelsea are very experienced team and they control the game very neatly.... Chelsea can score in the last minute, you won't be surprised, because they have quality player on their bench and they can chase back from behind with their experienced player mentality. Man Utd also can control the game very nicely, and this have to credited also to their Manager, Ferguson who use the player in the good way.... He can just make sure the team play consistently and planning ahead very well. This week victory without 3 solid players in their defensive line showed the team quality.


Potential Team but need luck and consistency: Liverpool & Arsenal

Why am I say that? Because these two teams can make the fans up to sky with marvellous performance but sometime play like s**t.... Liverpool this two years shows the improvement but they still need consistency! Their playing style is fast, very interesting but if their key player like Gerard, Torres never perform, they will a bit shaky.... Plus the leaving of Alonso-the playmaker who can control ball, Liverpoll have to be more consistent with their play. Anyway, they still a very strong and potential team.... Hope the 1st week lost will be their 1st lesson. Arsenal! The fans must be in high mood this week.... But how long will this mood keep? Arsenal is quite pity, the depth of bench is not as good as the other EPL trio(Man Utd, Liverpool & Chelsea) but yet they still have quality players.... They have good skill, passing, moving.... But they need more direct play.... They need more luck.... And of cause the consistency.... Many season we can see the Gunners lose the momentum.... 6 goals in 1st match is a good start, hope they will continue strike.... And I hope they won't have injury problem of their star player....


Team needs Manager Magic: Man City

If you are Mark Huges, you will be very excited yet very headache with the players you have, you can choose from many many combinations and attacking tactics and style from your attackers.... However, with your rich boss, you can offer many players.... But your defensive line seem still not reach the class like the top teams.... And this is the new team, new players, new manager, new boss, new expectation, new pressure.... I think Man City still need time.... Manager plays an important role.... 2-0 victory is good, I hope Man City can give more challenge & pressure to the top four, then the EPL will become very interesting!

I very entertaining start to one of the best seasons ever. With Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Manchester United all have more motive to win than last season. Allthough there is also teams trying to break into the top four (spurs, man. City, everton & villa)

LMAO @Xibati post:

"Arsenal is quite pity, the depth of bench is not as good as the other EPL trio(Man Utd, Liverpool & Chelsea)"

Liverpool Bench had 4 players who never played in EPL before with the only experience

I am very suprised about Tottenham. In the last years they opened the season very bad.

Mostly they changed their coach in winter^^. But this season can be a good season fpr Tottenham.

The most spectacular will get of course the title-race. With ManU, Reds, Blues and perhaps Arsenal (but I don´t think so, OK they started well, but that's not all)

I also think that Man. City can reach sth. In this season....


We will see that's the only thing I can say

Will this blog continue throughout the season because its a good summary of everything to have everyweejs

Many people can deduce that Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City are in good form. And I think there are 2 possible winners of the title: Chelsea or Arsenal. If another team except from these wins the title, believe me it will be a great surprise. Man Utd and Liverpool may compete for joining the initial four of the league