English Premier League Week 1 Review

The opening weekend of the English Premier League provided us soccer fans with the kind of excitement , drama, surprises, and last minute heroics that have made the EPL arguably the best professional league in thw world. Hre is a quick round-up of the weekends action.

Sunderland 1 0 Tottenham
The opening game of the season provided the first shock of the season, to some. It was my feeling that Sunderland could be the surprise team of the year and Tottenhams last few seasons have been inconsistent at best, so maybe not that big a surprise here. Sunderland brought the home fans to their feet with a last gasp winner by Chopra. A great start for the new boys.

Bolton 1 3 Newcastle
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce returned to his old employers for his first competitive game in charge and came away with a very nice victory. Newcastle were three goals up in the opening half hours thanks to goals from N'Zogbia and Martins (2). Nicholas Anelka scored a consolation goal fro the home side in the second half.

Derby 2 2 Portsmouth
Yet another of the new clubs in the top flight, Derby, got off to a fine start with a spirited tie against a very good Portsmouth side. The Rams opened the scoring in the 5th minute through Oakley but Pompey fought back with goals from Mwaruwari and Utaka. Their second came with only 7 minutes to play and looked like being the winner but all credit to Derby who hit right back a minute later with a goal from perennial goalscorer Todd.

Everton 2 1 Wigan
Everton started off the season with a nice victory over Wigan, a side who look to be fighting for survival this season. Goals from Osman and Anichebe gave the Goodison Park side a 2 goal lead but a strike from Wigan's Sibierski with 10 minutes to play made it an uncomfortable finish for Everton. They were able to hold on though and pick up all 3 points.

Middlesbrough 1 2 Blackburn
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes will be delighted with picking up 3 points at a ground that is notoriously difficult to take anything away from. Things looked good for Boro with Downing opening the scoring on the hal hour mark but second half goals from Santa Cruz and Derbyshire secured the points for Blackburn.