Football is back. That’s right folks, with England successfully regaining the Ashes before midday on Saturday, attention could turn to the return of the Barclays Premier League. The first goal of the season came from Kyle Walker, alas it was an own goal as Manchester United eked out a 1-0 home win against Spurs. At least come the end of the season they can say they led the way…
Leicester City continued their terrific end of season form with a rousing 4-2 win over Sunderland. New boss Claudio Ranieri cited Kasabian’s ‘Fire’ as the main inspiration for his team performing “like warriors”. How we have missed him and his strange post-match comments. New boys Norwich City and, Premier League virgins, Bournemouth both began with home losses to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Things can only get better then. Watford fared better after being unlucky to leave Merseyside with only a point after a 2-2 draw with Everton. Though they did leave in their own transport, which was nice.
Capital punishment was dished out for Chelsea and Arsenal as both had their early season optimism punctured. Champions Chelsea saw Thibaut Courtois sent off as Swansea snatched a 2-2 draw while Arsenal imploded having lost 2-0 at home to West Ham. The sight of Petr Cech flapping for the opening goal was notable enough but kudos to West Ham debutant Reece Oxford for his assured display. At 16 years and 236 days he was not even born when France ’98 occurred and is set to receive his GCSE results later this month. Doesn’t that make you feel old?
Stoke and Liverpool played out possibly the most tedious match in living memory as the Reds gained revenge for their 6-1 mauling on the final day last year with a sneaky 1-0 win. Clearly it is their year, as it has been since 1990 when they last won the league. Topping the table after the first week was Manchester City who dominated sorry West Brom for a comfortable 3-0 win. Football. Don’t you ever leave again.
By Omar Soliman
Image courtesy of cfcunofficial

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR