The long wait is finally over and the start of a new Premier League season has begun.
It all officially began earlier today when Tottenham drew to Manchester City in an early afternoon kickoff, but the real excitement began with the first round of 15:00 matches.
With Chelsea playing West Brom later in the day, Arsenal and Liverpool due to play tomorrow and Manchester United to hook up against Newcastle United on Monday, what we can consider to be the mid-table sides and the inevitable relegation battlers were all involved here.
Aston Villa were one of the most notable sides to play today and they comfortable cleaned up against West Ham in a home tie which they won 3-0. Downing opened the scoring after just fourteen minutes before Petrov added a second on forty-one minutes. Miner, rumored to be leaving for a big fee, rounded off a fine display with a simple tap in after the hour mark.
A hard fought game at The Stadium of Light saw Sunderland draw 2-2 with one of last seasons surprise packages Birmingham whilst Bolton and Fulham also shared the points after a goalless display.
Premiership new boys Blackpool were given a tough tie away to Wigan to start their campaign but they came out in full force with an amazing 4-0 victory. Taylor-Fletcher scored first before Marlon Harewood grabbed a debut brace before halftime. Goalkeeper Kirkland was having a nightmare game and he let the fourth slip by him when failing to catch Baptiste’s cross.
Blackburn and Wolves also got their seasons off to winning starts. Kalinic struck the only goal in 1-0 win for Blackburn against Everton whilst Wolves had Jones and Fletcher to thank for their 2-1 victory over Stoke who replied with a goal from Faye.
Things are heating up now and we just need to wait and see how the big boys get on with Chelsea first up when they play West Brom tonight.
