Reading, Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth, all overthrew their more fancied opponents.
Reading came from 2 goals behind to go past Middlesborough, 3-2, through Leroy Lita’s match winner. Portsmouth blanked Balckburn, 3-0 and Bolton overcame Tottenham, 2-0.
Sheffield United almost became giant slayers with their draw 1-1, with Liverpool. A draw that the Reds were fortunate to get away with, scoring of dubious penalty given to Gerrard, when he was brought down in the penalty box. Replays showed minimum contact. Aston Vllla signaled that it had come to play with Martin O’Neill at the helm holding Arsenal to a draw, 1-1. The Gunners began their history at Emirates stadium with less than an illustrous start.
Overall, only the Blues, amongst the powerhouse clubs looked comfortable. Their second XI beating a disjointed Manchester City, 3-0 the last goal off a perfectly place header by Drogba off a perfectly centered cross by Bridge. The Blues did not play Gallas, Cole, Makelele, and Ballack. Sheva had a quiet game although he should have got a penalty when Dunne blocked his shot with his hand.
Manchester United slaughtered Fulham, 5-1, exposing Fulham’s weakness in defence and strengthening the pserception that Fulham would probably be relegated by the end of the season.
Premisership recap:
Arsenal drew Aston Villa 1-1
Bolton Wanderers beat Tottenham 2-0
Portsmouth beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0
West Ham beat Charlton Athletic 3-1
Reading FC beat Middlesborough 3-2
Everton beat Watford 2-1
Sheffield Utd drew Liverpool 1-1
Reading beat Middlesborough 3-2
Newcastle United beat Wigan 2-1.
The promoted clubs started off with an impressive draw (Sheffield United), a well fought loss (Watford), and a come from behind win (Reading).
Remember the name Leroy Lita. You will be hearing this gentleman’s name a lot this season.