Arsenal were a lot more impressive than United in getting over Everton 2-1 with 10 men. Chelsea looked okay, but for all the money they've spent, its still Cudicini in goal that gives them the most value and they would have been in dire straights early on without him. Liverpool looked stilted and ineffectual for large chunks of the game and will need to go up a couple of notches to be a genuine threat.
All the talk was around Manny U, but while they deserved the win it was an exceedingly flattering scoreline. The new guy in goal was impressive, as was young Ronaldo and Scholes is always in the thick of it. Still, one goal came from a clear offside, another one was iffy, the free kick goal was superb, but probably shouldn't have been paid in the first place. The swan diving Dutchman is the biggest single advertisement for bringing the eye in the sky into English football. There were many dodgy kicks awarded across the comp that, if anything, should have resulted in yellow cards for play acting. Its a blight on the game and needs to be policed better.
Bolton looked quite good all things considered and it was only sheer bad luck that prevented them from putting 2 goals on the board. Wolves looked depressingly bad and are in for a tortorous season and Leicester have a lot of work ahead. Aston Villa will do it hard, as will Charlton, but Portsmouth may surprise a few people and could be good enough to climb to mid table.
Newcastle were okay, but Leeds can perhaps feel a little hard done by not to get all 3 points. The best part of that game was watching Robson & Reid at the end of the game... Classy guys, and a refreshing change from the moaners (Ferguson, Wenger, Houllier) who are never averse from a me, me, me post-game moment; regardless of whether or not they win or lose.
Blackburn should have quite a strong year and Southampton will gradually click into a stronger gear, but I'm not convinced by either Fulham or Tottenham.
Birmingham? Look to have the goods to survive the drop and climb up the ladder, although I did find the decision to award Bruce a 5-year contract at this point a little odd.
Middlesbrough? Didn't wow me, but its hard to get a genuine feel first game up and I think they can still cause sides some anxious moments as the season deepens.
Nice to see the EPL back. The SBS highlights show is clearly a highlight of any viewing week. Top stuff!
CyberKev