Finally, the agonizing wait is over. The greatest show on earth is back. The passion, the agony and the ecstasy of the Premier League is already in full swing. I loved every single second of opening weekend. How was it for you?
Manchester United put in a reliable performance, Chelsea were predictable, Liverpool looked unsavoury and Arsenal were sublime. Of the other teams challenging to break into the top 4…Tottenham looked impressive, Manchester City dazzled for about 10 minutes and Aston Villa were woeful. Now seeing as this is only week one, we won’t get too carried away with what we’ve seen thus far. Remember how we all thought Deco would be another Zola after Chelsea’s first game last season? Well I’m sure we don’t want to make mistakes like that again as we kick-off the 2009/10 campaign. But as fans, we can’t help ourselves in saying what we see, even if it is just week one!
So here’s what I saw and we’ll start with last season’s top 4…if Arsenal can sustain that type of play throughout the season then they have the ability to carve-up any team in the Premier League and I’m even going to say they looked as good as Barcelona when they are at their best. Vermaelen looks like a great signing and Gallas seemed to play exceptionally comfortably with him. Fabregas and Denilson were on fire and Bendtner shined playing on the right for the Gunners. We know Everton aren’t that crap. But are Arsenal really that good?
Hull were very unlucky. Chelsea got very lucky. 6 minutes of injury time. Really referee? Despite that, you can’t deny Drogba his free-kick winner in the dying minutes. Drogba was Chelsea’s best player. It’s as though he’s playing to redeem himself from the disgusting outburst he had during last year’s Champions League semi-final. If he’s going to play like this all season, he could be the key to the Blues success. Can Drogba deliver this year? For Hull, it could be another struggle. I can see why Michael Turner is attracting the likes of Liverpool. He was a rock for Hull and by far their best player. Does anyone else ever mistake him for Michael Dawson though? Can you say twins?
Manchester United already missed Ronaldo in their first game of the season. Who wouldn’t? He’s one of the world’s best players. Sir Alex Ferguson has said it’s going to be tough without him. And it might well be for United as they defend their title. New signing Antonio Valencia had a solid home debut and Berbatov’s touch at time was exquisite. However, the main man for United this year will be Rooney. They need him to stay fit. Without him, they will struggle. Rooney could have an award winning type of season. The shackles are off. Watch him fly. Can Rooney be a sensation? Do you see United winning 4 in a row?
Not to hit the panic button just yet, but Liverpool didn’t look good at all. There was no invention in their play and it felt as though Alonso was missing from that midfield. Torres and Gerrard were rusty and Benitez should have played Benayoun from the beginning. Babel just can’t cut it and he gave another poor performance. Glen Johnson had a great debut for the reds and was the reason they won that penalty. Benitez might need to buy a couple more players before the transfer window ends. And he needs Aquilano to get fit as soon as possible. Can Liverpool mount a challenge this season?
Now to the top 4 wannabees…Tottenham rolled over Liverpool and looked more like title contenders in this first game. From defense to attack, they dominated and made Liverpool look like a very average Premier League team. Modric, Huddlestone and King controlled the game. Defoe looks ready to rumble. Ekotto is establishing himself as an elite player and Lennon could still use some refnining. Is it me or does Huddlestone remind you of Hoddle? And if it wasn’t for his bum knees, could Ledley King oust Terry or Ferdinand from the England squad?
Manchester City, the new billionaire boys club of the Premier League got off to a great start. Don’t let the score fool you though. Blackburn put up a good fight and could have taken a point from the game. There’s no question Adebayor was flying from the word go, but for me it was the likes of Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips that were at the heart of everything good for City. Mark Hughes still has a lot of work to do. They still look suspicious in defense and once again, Robinho had another average game. You can’t help but wonder how this team will react in a moment of adversity. I can see them tearing each other apart. Can you?
Notable mention of course goes to Wigan for a superb start beating Villa. Note to all Wigan fans…just remember how good a start Hull City made last season! And this is just week one. See…I told you it was too hard to keep the ole’ gob shut. Heaven, we’re in heaven…
I totally was in heaven. Woke up Saturday morning got my spurs shirt on and sat and watched the begining of the season. I wouldnt have said Chelsea were lucky as they did have the most chances and had most of the ball. If Drogba didnt miss a few of his chances I think the scoreline could have been 4-1.
I got to give Arsenal credit they came out to prove a point that they dont need any signings and are happy with the squad. They did that but this is just one game. Not that sure they can keep this up. I still think they need to strengthen their squad. The 6-1 win was also down to Everton playing so badly. Who would have predicted that. Final in the FA cup end of last season and now bottom of the table. I know I know its early but still….
So Sunday morning and still in my spurs shirt…Manu v Birmingham….Man u were not impressive to me at all. However this is man u they will always deliver I dont think they will have any problems this year even without Ronaldo. They will be top of the table battling with chelsea I reckon..Liverpool will be out of sight. Benitez needs to buy players to strengthen the squad. You cant just rely on torres and Gerrad. I bet Benitez wished he had the strengh on the bench like tottenham did yesterday. This season looks to me to be promising for spurs. They have a really good squad and have strength on the bench to change things with pav and crouch. Could this be the year for spurs? I dont want to jinx it but I think Harry could produce spurs a top 4 finish.
As for Man City? average. Blackburn could have easliy won that game. I said it before the season began that Man City will not impress me and will finish mid table… lol. Your right in saying they will tear each other apart. I see adebayor and robihno having a bust up.
I am totally in heaven. The start of the new season finally is here and I couldnt be more happy. Come on SPURS!
Oooooh good round up Yid Chick. So did you wear your Spurs shirt everywhere this weekend?! And is it the new kit?
I think Chelsea got a little lucky to get that much time added on…then boom, they score. That’s where the luck came from for me, otherwise Hull would have started off well with a point earned at the Bridge.
You know in football heaven you can drink beer!! Let’s get them in shall we?!
Can i just say it was a great day Sunday. Opening game, Big team Liverpool come down to the Lane, Beautiful Sunshine, a real buzz around the ground, Atmosphere was electric during the game, and topped off with what i think a much deserved win and a very good performance.
As for Liverpool they looked average and look like the Season started a week early. I believe a major factor in there performance was the absence of Alonso. No one there to pull strings behind Gerrard and Torres. In the end Gerrard had to pick up the ball in his own half and try and create, and it weren’t happening.
As for the rest of the league, an awesome performance by the Gunners and none other than the skipper Fabregas, looked good all over the park. I think Everton need to sell Lescott as it don’t help to have a player in his situaution, remind you of anyone? yes happened to us with Berbatov.
Standard Chelsea nicking it at the end, but still looked good for the win in their new formation.
Wigan with a great result, a team tipped to struggle after selling all their big boys. I like Martinez and think they might be alright.
United got the points, they have a few injuries and tend to start a bit slow nowadays, but their performances and goals will pick up.
Some great goals opening day Ekotto, Denilson, Drogba , Rodallega, Noble, Fabregas, I’m so glad and happy the season is back.
The sun was certainly shining in North London this weekend. How was the dirty burger down the Lane?
Top 3 goals I have…
1. Denilson
2. Ekotto
3. Drogba free-kick
The Fabregas solo effort came close to making the top 3. It was a great goal too.
What did you make of Manchester City?
You know who came on as a sub this weekend and looks like he might be a quality player is Christian Benitez of Birmingham. Looked bright and sharp. Could be good for them.
so so jealous you were at the lane for the opening game Jonesy. What a great game.
Soccer Diva was my old spurs shirt with the HOLSTEN across it. The new kit is arriving through her majesty’s post soon. Cant wait. Missed Rodallega’s goal from top 3? hmmm really?
Chelsea scored inside 2 mins of stopage so cant complain it was the 6th minute right?
Ill have a heineken please…great that we have mid week football to look forward to aswell.
On reflection, I would put Rodallega’s goal at #2 and Ekotto’s at #3, keeping Denilson at #1 just because of the build-up play, movement and then the finish on the run from midfield. Roddy’s goal was sensational. The Diva doesn’t mind being wrong every now and again!!!
I’ll give you the Chelsea goal inside 2 mins. It’s just amazing to me how under Mourinho Chelsea developed that Manchester United mentality of scoring late goals to win games. The fact they’ve been able to maintain that with all of their different managers since is amazing. Chelsea are always in it until the final whistle goes. Liverpool started banging in the late goals last season. But United are the kings at that.
Footie on tonight. What games are you guys focusing on?
I commited a crime and didnt watch any games last night but tonight will be a cracker spurs v Hull. Poor Burnley will they get Slaughtered by Man U tonight? We shall see
That’s a huge crime and not the behaviour of a football fan. Now drop and give us 20!!!
Burnley are in for a struggle. Could they be this year’s Derby? Nobody wants to be Derby…But hold on a second…
sometimes, these smaller teams are pumped to be playing United…could they???