It's been a while

The FA Premier League returned Saturday lunchtime with Liverpool's victory at home to Stoke. The game saw Liverpool debuts for some of the summer signings and the first league appearance for Daniel Sturridge since his injury,  in a week that saw the Suarez situation seemingly come to an end.

The game at Anfield also saw the return to management of Mark Hughes, who had been out since his departure from QPR. A deserved win for the home side although were it not for Begovic being on top form, it could have been much worse for Stoke City. A well taken shot from Sturridge was what it took to beat the Stoke keeper. A handball from Agger late  on saw a penalty given to Stoke. Walters v Mignolet for what would be a home win or an away point. Mignolet dived right and pulled off a penalty save and then was on hand to pull off a rebound save to keep a clean sheet for his Reds debut and an opening win.

For Arsenal it all started brightly as they took the lead but then like their summer transfer chasing, it all went downhill. Villa though were helped by questionable refereeing decisions. Villa who were hoping to have a better season got their starting wish especially with Benteke committing to the Midlands club. The Gunners though will hoping of a signing and a first win next week.

Everton under the guidance of Roberto Martinez came back from a goal down in their trip to Norwich, they weren't though strong enough to hold on to the lead and their opening game saw two points dropped as Van Wolfswinkel netted on his Premier league debut.

Having the better stats in a game proved for Sunderland that it counts for nothing when they were at home to Fulham. Failing to convert possession and shots into goals enabled Fulham to steal a winner and all three points.

West Brom looked like following up last seasons Liverpool victory at the Hawthorn'opener, with another clean sheet at home to Southampton. Sadly for them a last minute converted penalty from Rickie 'It's a wonderful week' Lambert saw the Saint's walk away with a fortunate three points.

New boys Cardiff were welcome to the Premier League with a thump as they lost 2-0 away to West Ham. A goal in each half was enough to secure a win for the Hammers against a team that failed to trouble Jaaskelainen in goal for West Ham. For Cardiff they would have hoped to have come away with some result as they face Man City at home this coming weekend. For West Ham its a positive start as they look to have a positive season.

Champions Manchester United had seen their manager David Moyes previously complaining about the fixture list. I would imagine complaints disappearing after Welbeck and Van Persie each put two past Swansea to start their defence with a win. Alleged want away striker Wayne Rooney appeared for 30 minutes and received a reasonable reception for the travelling United fans. The lack of big name signings by Moyes seems a bit of a  over concern but of course an away win at Swansea doesn't guarantee anything.

Chelsea hosted newcomers Hull on the Sunday and the first Premier league game with Mourinho back in charge saw the blues open up with a home win despite a missed penalty from Lampard. Lampard did net the second in a 2-0 win although Lampard's free kick was fortuitously won after Fernando Torres dive.

Hull weren't the only new boys playing on  the Sunday. Crystal Palace entertained high spending Tottenham. Whilst the visitors were piling the shots in, they couldn't put them away and at times seemed that they wouldn't get that breakthrough but then a penalty was awarded after a Moxey handball. Defoe missed a chance for a second, but could only send his shot wide.

The final game of the opening weekend saw Manchester City take on Newcastle. The Magpies hoping for a better season would at least be disappointed by their start. City of course in their first Premier league start under Manuel Pellegrini off to a great start. Within 20 minutes City were  2-0 up. Things weren't helped for Newcastle when they lost Guiterrez through injury and Steven Taylor sent off just before half time. The visitors  who left Premier League survival last season late on, saw their opening game go from bad to worse to even more dismal. They say it has to get worse to get better, well they'll be hoping that next weekend will be better for them. Next Saturday sees the first of two home games where they notched up nine home wins compared to  the dismal away form. If they can get two wins in their first three games, the Toon may very well look like making some progress.

They say the title is not won after one round of games but you can often tell by the minor things how a team will look. United seem their usual self, Chelsea off to a home winning start, Spurs doing an Arsenal and winning 1-0. Arsenal on this basis whilst the world seems to be against them starting off slowly. Liverpool with an opening day win for the first time since 2003 in a game that had it been last season may have seen a draw or a last minute defeat. Newcastle looking bleak but who knows if they can turn it around. 

Out of the newly promoted teams, all of them lost but Hull and Palace did give some trouble to their opponents. Cardiff will hope next week to get some shots on  target and even maybe hitting the back of the net

 

Almost here - Part One

With the Community Shield done and dusted, we are now on the final straight to the start of the FA Premier League. The opening games sees a changing Liverpool against a Stoke City with a new manager. Liverpool of course will hope the new signings will give Liverpool a better start to the new season. Of course Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that the Suarez saga is closed before the transfer deadline day although the Northern Irishman will be hoping to add a couple of more signings before the transfer deadline. 

Stoke on the other hand will be heading into new territory with Mark Hughes in charge. Stoke have been quiet in the transfer market with two players in and Pennant signing a new deal. It will be interesting to see how Stoke fair under the leadership of Hughes and a different move in tactics.

Arsenal fans will be hoping to see Wenger acquiring some new players before deadline day. Summer target Luis Suarez looks certain to remain a red past the 2nd Sept. Failure to sign Suarez or a big signing before deadline day will leave Arsenal fans wondering what is going on especially with Wenger having money to spend. 

Aston Villa fans will be hoping to have a better season especially knowing that Benteke will be in their side. Lambert made a few signings but none will be as vital as knowing Benteke put pen to paper. They will be hoping that they start the season with at least a point.

Norwich City host a Martinez lead Everton. Hughton was busy in the transfer market. Hughton may have raised eyebrows allowing Grant Holt to go but he brought in Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper to bolster the striking line. 

Everton under Martinez may look to head into the season still with Fellaini and Baines in their squad. Martinez signed Kone from Wigan and Deulofeu on loan from Barcelona. The Blue half of Merseyside will be hoping to continue their upward progress but it will be interesting to see if Everton will be a Wigan type of Everton or a Moyes style Everton or whether the club will also lose two key players.

Part two to follow in the week.