The Passions of the Prem

Fans' Frontline Match Reports

	I was eternally grateful to ESPN for rescheduling this one to give us an extra couple of hours in the pub before kick off!

Everton 1- ARSENAL 6
The Gunners worked like Trojans to make Everton look like a lower division outfit. Superior fitness and better technique in possession made this an easy afternoon as the Toffees came unstuck. The visitors’ imitation of Barcelona’s 4-3-3 formation inspired them to perform in a manner that wouldn’t look out of place in the Nou Camp.
Star man: Nicklas Bendtner
Worst performer: Difficult, but Arshavin
Best moment: Denilson’s opener
Oppo fans: Was there a fire drill?
Kevin Whitcher, www.onlinegooner.com

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ASTON VILLA 0 - Wigan 2
Well there you go, another season start and another crushing blow to those who had some optimism for the new season! I went expecting very little judging by our lack of transfer activity and the way we closed last season off (relegation form from February onwards) and got what I expected. Well, less than I expected actually... NOTHING! The pie was nice and the pitch looked pretty but the football was pathetic. Never seen a team booed off on their first game of the season before LET ALONE being booed off at half time. They deserved it though and the manager looked a spent force despite his media hype.
Star man: Wigan's entire team
Worst performer: A-Mule Heskey - a striker who can't shoot, whatever next!?
Best moment: Glorious first goal from Wigan and my steak and kidney pie
Opposition support: returned half their ticket allocation, but those who did attend had a field day. Good folks.
Jonathan Fear, www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk

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Man Utd 1- BIRMINGHAM 0
The opening fixture from hell turned out not so bad.  I was expecting a thumping with our makeshift defence, but while they had most of the ball it was their goalie who made the save of the match. We got better in the second half although United were not at their best. Lots of positives especially the late cameo from Benitez.
Star man: Roger Johnson. Held United at bay with some great tackles and blocks.
Worst performer: Everybody played their part, although Quedrue could have done better for the goal.
Best moment: "Chucho Benitez" beating the offside trap and then forcing a brilliant save from Foster.
Oppo fans: Quiet considering there are so many of them.  I expect they can't really get excited about games against the likes of us.
Mike, www.joysandsorrows.co.uk

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BLACKBURN 0 - Man City 2
City came away from Ewood with the points after a cut and thrust display, but did they deserve it? The difference between the two sides was the finishing. Adebayor and Ireland were pure class. Roberts and McArthy were pure dross; all huff and puff with no end product. Shay Given did well for City, but Rovers weren’t clinical enough. City were, end of.
Star man: Morten Gamst Pedersen stood out
Worst performer: Keith Andrews went missing
Best moment: Mark Hughes falling on his arse at the final whistle
Oppo fans: Unsophisticated noise
Pete Anslow, www.4000holes.co.uk

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BOLTON 0 - Sunderland 1
Despite the promises of a more attractive style of play, we started poorly and were fortunate to get away with a 1-0 defeat. Three of the back four were making their debuts and none of them impressed. At the other end of the pitch, we need to create more chances if we are to avoid another season flirting with relegation. The manager isn't the most popular man in Bolton at the moment and any more performances like this will only get the fans on his back even more. Improvements much-needed at Hull next time out.
Star man: Jussi Jaaskelainen - single-handedly kept the score respectable.
Worst performer: Paul Robinson - struggled big time on his debut.
Best moment: Jaaskelainen showing his disgust at the referee by throwing the ball 50 yards and hitting the him on the head!
Oppo fans: Superb in both quality and quantity.
Chris Mann, www.burndenaces.co.uk

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Stoke 2 - BURNLEY 0
A harsh introduction to the Premier League this, with the two home goals predictably arriving from set-pieces. Despite the scoreline, we came back well in the second half and played some decent stuff, and without doubt deserved to get at least a goal from the game.
Star man: Tyrone Mears had an excellent debut at right back and kept Matthew Etherington quiet
Worst performer: Martin Paterson struggled on his return to his first club
Best moment: Seeing my team come out onto the pitch for a Premier League game
Oppo fans: Not what we’d been led to expect, but a good home crowd
Tony Scholes, www.claretsmad.co.uk

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CHELSEA 2 - Hull 1
Come on, we were never really worried, were we? Well ok, maybe for a bit. It seemed as if the curse of ‘Big Phil’ was seeping back into the Bridge as we wasted chance after chance, but eventually Didier did the business, even if he did wait until the last minute to show that for all the tricks in his repertoire, sometimes a flukey finish is all that’s needed. It was a real shame that Stephen Hunt, a man we regard to be about as popular as swine flu scored the opener, but thank goodness Drogba cannot cross eh?
Star man: It has to be that man Hunt! Just kidding. The man, the enigma, the saviour: Didier Drogba.
Worst performance: Nicolas Anelka did himself no favours with a few missed chances, while John Obi Mikel must be sweating on his place in the starting XI if he cannot even be trusted to play a full game on the opening day of the season.
Best moment: It’s 1-1, the final minute, and we are struggling to break down Hull’s defence. A gloomy outlook is on the cards. Then, Deco (yes he’s still here) plays it into Drogba, who has barged his way into the box. Drogba crosses to the back post…Oh hang on, it’s in! Happy days are here again, we’re going to win the league, and all is right with the world.
Oppo fans: Drowned out by the incessant – and richly deserved - booing of Stephen Hunt.
Rowan Farnham-Long, www.cfcnet.co.uk

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EVERTON 1- Arsenal 6
There's some games you're glad you saw through a beer-soaked haze, so I was eternally grateful to ESPN for rescheduling this one to give us an extra couple of hours in the pub before kick off! The result says it all, our worst opening day defeat and, but for Louis Saha's last minute strike, it would've been our worst home defeat ever! On a positive note, at least it wasn't seven...
Star man:­ The tireless creative industry of Steven Pienaar
Worst performer:­ Take your pick
Best moment: The pub before the game.
Oppo fans: ­Very, very happy!
Les Roberts, www.everton-mad.co.uk

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Chelsea 2- HULL CITY 1
Chelsea came at us straight away but we survived the onslaught before scoring the opening goal and going top of the league... for a few minutes at least! The same thing happened at the start of the second half as Chelsea wasted chances and we got into the game again. I can't deny Chelsea created enough opportunities to win it, but the mis-hit cross wasn't genuinely one of them. Gutting to have lost in that way, but we gave a good account of ourselves and take heart.
Star man: Our back four and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill were excellent to guard our goal for so long. Honourable mention to George Boateng for moving more than we thought possible any more.
Worst performer: Nobody had a stinker but when the chances finally came to Caleb Folan late on he didn't take them.
Best moment: Our 9 minutes at the top of the league. Best individual moment was Andy Dawson's perfectly-timed tackle to deny Anelka who was through on goal.
Oppo fans: "You're rich and you're miserable" was the chant from the away end.

Andy Beill, www.hullcityonline.com

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Portsmouth 0 - FULHAM 1
All last season people were saying that misunderstood striker Bobby Zamora just needed to get one off his arse or something, and now he's gone and done it! Hopefully the first of many for him.  An away win for us at the first time of asking - can't be bad.
Star man: Dickson Etuhu is becoming the best midfielder you've never heard of. People bounce off him.
Worst performer: Singling out anyone after a solid away win feels wrong, but Andy Johnson will wonder how on earth he missed that chance in the second half.
Best moment: Has to be Zamora's goal. Wasn't the most eventful game (last on Match of the Day again!)
Oppo fans: I've been to Pompey and had my ear drums shredded, but there were a lot of empty seats yesterday.  Difficult time for the club, hope they sort things out.
Claude Wormbridge, www.cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com

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Spurs 2 - LIVERPOOL 1
A frustrating game for Liverpool as we lacked any sort of firepower. We desperately missed Xabi Alonso and Sami Hyypia - the two players who've left that we haven't found replacements for. Gerrard was forced to drop deeper and Skrtel had to be replaced by inexperienced 18-year-old, Daniel Ayala. However, there were bright sparks from Glen Johnson and Yossi Benayoun, and Pepe Reina pulled off some fine saves. I'll not begin what I think about referee Phil Dowd, who denied us a clear-cut second penalty late on this evening. Anyway chins up, there's 37 games to go and all to play for.
Star man: Pepe Reina was a busy man
Worst peformer: Phil Dowd (ref)
Best moment: Reina's fantastic save to deny Robbie Keane with a close-range header.
Oppo fans: General Cockney "witt".
Max Munton, www.thisisanfield.com

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Blackburn 0 - MAN CITY 2
There was a lot of pressure on City heading into the game at Blackburn. You could sense certain factions in the media were praying we’d lose, and the old City probably would have. But this is a new era, and we are no longer the shambles we once were.
Adebayor’s goal was brilliantly taken, and he worked hard all game. Some laughed when we paid £25m to secure his services, but it could yet prove to be good business by the club. The other debutants, Toure and Barry, also impressed, and Hughes deserves credit for his signings. We will be a lot harder to beat this season.
City’s support was superb all afternoon, and it almost felt like a home game such were the numbers of Blues in the Darwen End (including Noel Gallagher). Roll on Wolves next Saturday.
Star man: Gareth Barry
Worst performer: Robinho had a quiet game
Best moment: Mark Hughes falling on his arse when shaking hands at full time
Oppo fans: Very sombre indeed
Ric Turner, www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk

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MAN UTD 1- Birmingham 0

Manchester United gained a narrow victory against newly promoted Birmingham CIty but it was far from easy for the champions. Sir Alex was forced into making changes - Ferdinand, van der Sar, Vidic and Carrick were all missing – United put in an unusually tentative performance. Despite dominating possession, United failed to convert numerous chances and will be hugely relieved to take all three points against a sprightly City side.
Star man: Wayne Rooney. The young Scouser was easily the brightest spark in an otherwise ordinary United performance.
Worst performer: Michael Owen came off the bench but missed a glorious last-minute opportunity to open his Old Trafford account and win over some of the fans dubious of his Liverpool past.
Best moment: Rooney’s second-half ‘shoot-on-sight’ policy, culminating is a crashing long-range drive that just failed to bring a second goal.
Oppo fans: Birmingham City contributed fully to a lively, if at times anxious, atmosphere.
Ed Barker, www.unitedrant.co.uk

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PORTSMOUTH 0 - Fulham 1
Pompey were sunk by Fulham thanks to Bobby Zamora’s backside deflecting a Clint Dempsey strike in the first half. For the home side new signing Frederic Piquionne went close as did Younes Kaboul, but to no avail. The new park and ride system was even worse than the result.
Star man: Marc Wilson - the young defender looked very composed at the heart of the Blues’ backline.
Worst performer: John Utaka - the winger failed to provide an outlet on the flank and was guilty of giving
possession away on several occasions.
Best moment: The resounding minute’s applause in memory of Sir Bobby Robson
Oppo fans: Very impressed by the Londoners who were singing even before the home side were before kick-off.
Mark Allaway, www.pompey-fans.com

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STOKE CITY 2 - Burnley 0
As comfortable a victory as they come. Two goals up and then we turned our attention to Anfield on Wednesday. Never had to get out of second gear and if Burnley had scored – well they'd need to have had a shot on target first – you felt we could have just stepped it up.
Star man: Liam Lawrence - put himself about and great delivery from set pieces. A poor man's David Beckham.
Worst player: Abdy Faye - by his own astronomical standards he had a mare. And if it wasn't for his terrifying stare, he'd have been sent off more than once. Lucky boy!
Best moment: Stephen Jordan's own goal. A Delap special to make it official, the season has started!
Oppo fans: Not a great variety of songs, just mainly about Owen Coyle. Did applaud their team off at full time. Maybe they were intimidated by the bear pit!
Dan Buxton, www.stokecity-mad.co.uk

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Bolton 0 - SUNDERLAND 1
Sunderland got off to a decent start by beating Bolton, with new signing Darren Bent getting the only goal in the first few minutes of the game. There was also starts for new signings Lorik Cana and Lee Cattermole, who delivered impressive performances. Both teams had decent opportunities to score throughout the 90 minutes, ours being screwed up by our own players and theirs being thwarted by the brilliant Martin Fulop.
Star man: Has to be Marton Fulop (see above).
Worst performer: Wasn’t really anyone that stood out, but there were a few poor shots by a few players who should do better...
Best moment: Darren Bent scoring on his Sunderland league start.
Oppo fans: Small crowd, but got behind their team.
Daryl Baker, www.sunderland-mad.co.uk

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TOTTENHAM 2 -Liverpool 1
Handsome, and none of it more so than Assou-Ekotto’s stunner before half time. Solid throughout, kept Torres quiet, missed a few, but debutant Bassong popped up with a soaring winner straight after Stevie G equalised for the Reds. Feels like there’s more to come. Happy days, happy Harry.
Star man: Benoit Assou-Ekotto, a memorable goal
Worst performance: Robbie Keane, good chances missed
Best moment: Assou-Ekotto’s first goal for Spurs just pips Bassong’s winner – perfect strike from an unexpected source
Opposition fans: Heard them once or twice...
Andy Knaggs, www.spurs-web.com and www.thfctalk.com

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Wolves 0 - WEST HAM 2
Pre-season fears were swiftly dispelled in just 90 minutes at Molineux as Zola's Hammers strolled to victory. Two goals, two shots cleared off the line plus a hatful of chances meant the result was never in doubt from the moment Mark Noble gave United the lead after just 22 minutes. It weas a belter too..
Star man: Julien Faubert - our big worry position but Les Miserable looked as if he'd been playing there for years.
Worst performer: Frank Nouble - barely touched the ball (during his 38 seconds on the pitch)
Best moment: Noble's goal - a 'Goal of the Season' contender in August.
Oppo fans: Vociferous and bouyant - until we scored.
Graeme Howlett, www.kumb.com

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Aston Villa 0 - WIGAN 2
A fasntastic result for the Latics in Roberto Martinez's first game in charge. Villa Park is always a difficult place to visit and three points is a superb way to start the season. Rodallega scored a wonder goal and it was good to see Koumas back in the goals. Hopefully this is gonig to be a real springboard for the rest of the season and we can be a real suprise package.
Star man: Hugo Rodallega - a wonder goal in the first game of the season.
Worst performer: No-one - a real good result with everyone playing their part.
Best moment: Hugo Rodallega's scorching volley just after the half-hour mark.
Oppo fans: It was disappointing to hear the boo's from Villa, but I guess they have high hopes for the season.
Paul, www.wiganer.net

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WOLVES 0 - West Ham 2
We all went optimistic but by 45 minutes, after being outclassed by Zola's bubble blowers, it was going to be a long season. Better performance in the second half but teflon Robert Green kept out the Wolves attackers before Wayne Hennessey and the Wolves defence forgot what they are being paid for and let Upson score a soft second goal. Wolves are aiming for 17th place. That would be success.
Star man: star man: New Serbian midfielder Nenad Milijas , the best left foot at Molineux since Paul cook in the late 80's, he is going to be a surprise to many people.
Worst performer: Wayne Hennessey definitely at fault for the 2nd goal and his positioning was suspect
Best moment: The reaction of the Wolves fans to losing. I've never seen Wolves clapped off the pitch after losing – even Merlin McCarthy looked surprised
Oppo fans: Very loud and vocal but they need a new frigging song, which doesn't revolve around bubbles. Clobber-wise, they looked like the usual West Ham hard men - scary!
wolf306, www.wolverhamptonwanderers-mad.co.uk