Premier League Weekend That Was - Aug 17-18

The Premier League is back with a bang following a weekend of terrific goals, shoddy defending, huge crowds and no shortage of talking points. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea each enjoyed expected victories but an under strength Manchester United were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Chelsea put in the most impressive performance of the opening weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of a seemingly un-interested Portsmouth. Ballack, Lampard and Deco dove-tailed superbly in midfield in a dominant first 45 minutes which yielded three goals without reply. Phil Scolari was naturally pleased with his side's performance but made it clear in each of his media interviews afterwards that the 3 points was all that concerned him. It seemed an unusual yet direct response to Mr. Abramovich apparent demand for 'beautiful football' every week from his expensively assembled Chelsea side. Scolari's biggest challenge will involve keeping all of his highly paid stars happy for the remainder of the season. Regular first team players Drogba and Essien are on the verge of returning from injury which will pose an interesting selection headache for the Brazilian. Should Chelsea pull off a major transfer coup before the September 1st deadline (persistent Robinho and Kaka rumours refuse to go away) then the Blues will possess the most potent midfield in the Premier League and justify their tags as favourites to lift the title this term.

Manchester United looked a pale shadow of the all-conquering Premier and Champions League winning side of last season following a dull 1-1 draw at home to the Magpies. Shay Given made a string of world class saves but in truth shorn of the talents of Ronaldo and Tevez United never looked like clicking into top gear. The Red Devils had to rely on a fine Darren Fletcher finish to cancel out a Martins header two minutes before to secure a point. Sir Alex Ferguson will be well aware while it is only the first game of the season it is two points dropped and at home. United's squad looked stretched to the limit and the imminent arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Spurs can't happen soon enough. Poor results from a horrendous looking fixture list in the upcoming weeks (away to Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea) means United could well fall further behind their title main title rivals so early in the campaign.

The new look Spanish-Irish strike force of Torres and Keane at will need another couple of matches to gel following Liverpool's hard-earned 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Keane's main contribution was to inadvertently divert a goal bound effort from his strike partner. The Irish Captain looked none too pleased at being called ashore by Benitez but will have to get used to that scenario - such is the Spanish manager's penchant for squad rotation. It is a very different scenario from his previous four seasons at White Hart Lane where Keane was regularly the first name on the team sheet. Liverpool looked a far better side when Alonso was introduced and it was he who provided the pass for Torres to convert the only goal and one piece of true quality in the Stadium of Light. Roy Keane's Sunderland side has been bolstered by the additions of Tainio, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Diouf during the close season. The Black Cats should have enough quality to avoid a relegation scrap this season but will have to pick up points against the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Spurs to meet the demands of their manager and "progress on to the next level" in the Premier League.

Spurs 2-1 loss at the Riverside represented one of the most disappointing results of the weekend from a club tipped by many to challenge the top four this season. Dos Santos flitted in and out of the game, Modric was completely anonymous and Darren Bent a pale shadow of the free-scoring striker from pre-season. Spurs lack of cover in defence was cruelly exposed with makeshift right back Zokora and centre back Michael Dawson at fault for both Middlesbrough goals. It could turn out to be another season of false promise at White Hart Lane if Juande Ramos fails to replace both Keane and Berbatov before the transfer window shuts. A couple of new defenders wouldn't go amiss either with the injury prone Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate unlikely to be fit enough to feature in every league game.

Final word on the weekend must go to Hull who recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory at home to Fulham in their first ever Premier League game at a packed KC Stadium. Phil Brown is a highly respected coach having served for many years under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Brown has bought wisely during the close season and the acquisition of Giovanni from Manchester City could yet prove a master-stroke. There are tougher challenges ahead for the Tigers but 3 points from the opening day is a welcome return when you consider Derby County failed to manage a single win last season.