Good Start to the Premier League Season
The English top flight kicked off in style at the weekend
The new Premier League season could not have got off to a much better start. The 10 games played shared 32 goals, and only 22 yellow cards were shown, with no sendings off.
It was a good beginning for three of the “big four” as Liverpool and Arsenal both recorded 1-0 victories against Sunderland and West Brom respectively. Chelsea, on the other hand, under new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, hammered Portsmouth 4-0 in a performance that was worthy of the Stamford Bridge fans chanting: “It’s just like watching Brazil.”
It was a difficult first day at the office for Manchester United though, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against a stern Newcastle side at Old Trafford.
YOU DON’T WIN ANYTHING WITH KIDS?
United fans must have been slightly bemused to see Alex Ferguson’s squad with unfamiliar names in their ranks. Youngsters Johnny Evans, Darron Gibson, Rodrigo Possebon and Rafael Da Silva were all included, with the latter two managing time on the pitch.
In contrast, Chelsea’s bench included star internationals such as Alex, Paolo Ferraira, Shaun Wright Phillips, Florent Malouda and Wayne Bridge.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Old Trafford, following his summer transfer saga with Real Madrid, the Portuguese international is still out with an ankle injury.
Carlos Tevez also missed the match having been forced to travel back to his homeland in Argentina following a family bereavement.
Only a half-fit Wayne Rooney and the inexperienced Frazier Campbell were available for Ferguson, and United’s attacking performance proved that the Red Devils must invest in a new striker, if they are to retain their Premier League crown this season.
FANTASTIC CHELSEA
Chelsea’s performance against last season’s F.A. Cup finalists Portsmouth was nothing short of brilliant. From goalkeeper Petr Cech through to striker Nicolas Anelka - the Blues were in sublime form. New midfielder Deco was deservedly awarded Man of the Match and his last minute 25-yard strike rounded off the perfect debut performance.
GOOD START FOR HULL CITY
New boys Hull City celebrated their first appearance in the top flight with a win, as they saw off Roy Hodgson’s Fulham 2-1 at the KC Stadium.
Tipped by many for relegation, manager Phil Brown has spent wisely, and attacking midfielder Geovanni, a free transfer from Manchester City, could be one of the bargain signings of the summer.
The Brazilian scored Hull’s first and caused plenty of problems for Fulham’s backline. Despite the away side equalising through Seol Ki-Hyeon, Hull wrapped up all three points when Paul Konchesky’s error allowed Caleb Folan to send the home support into raptures.
The Hull City manager has plenty of experienced Premier League campaigners in his squad. Players such as George Boateng, Bernard Mendy, Nick Barmby and Dean Windass will be invaluable, as the Tigers aim to stay in the league at the first time of asking.
EMPTY EVERTON
It was a bad start for Everton however. The Merseyside club have hopes of breaking into the top four this season, after narrowly missing out on a Champions League place last year.
Yet, manager David Moyes has so far failed to replace midfielder Lee Carsley, who has left for Birmingham City, and star striker Andrew Johnson - now a Fulham player.
It has been a frustrating summer at Goodison Park, and after a poor pre-season, Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers will have supporters worrying what prospects this campaign holds for them.
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