Day One

At last, the Premier League is back. Yesterday it all kicked off with some interesting and for me highly unexpected results.

Most notably at Loftus Road, where Michael Laudrup's Swansea all-but destroyed a hapless QPR side. I had Swansea down as favourites to go down this season, however the Dane has stepped well-and-truly out of Brendan Rodgers' shadow, out doing him from last season in two ways, scoring an away goal inside a month and recording an away win before January, neither of which were achieved by his predecessor. Laudrup seems keen to use the pace in the squad with some excellent counter attacking moves, forming the majority of Swansea's goal haul. His acquisitions from Spain all look set to adapt quickly to the premier League and perform well this season, most notably Michu, who stood out with a top notch display with his movement and inter-linking play.  The only issue for the Swans new boss is whether he can keep Scott Sinclair, who was so important to them last season.

QPR on the other hand were worryingly abysmal. Probably one of the worst defensive performances of the season, and to go down 5-0 at home to a relegation candidate? Not the greatest of omens for this season I must say. Mark Hughes will do well to live up to his promise of not having to scrap for survival come the end of the season based on that display, but with the squad he has at his disposal, I still will be deeply surprised should they be near the trap-door come May.

Dempsey-less Fulham pulled off  a superb opening day win over Norwich, who really look set to be heading for the Championship next season, not only due to their dire defensive display at Craven Cottage but also due to their general squad strength, they just don’t look capable of achieving what they did last season without Paul Lambert. Mladen Petric is also worth a note, as he looks a terrific signing for the Cottagers and an adept replacement for want-away Clint.

Arsenal were perfectly described as "toothless" without Robin van Persie by BBC Sport this morning, and this is epitomised by their 0-0 home draw with Sunderland. With Alex Song now officially gone, it is absolutely vital they sign another holding midfielder such as Nuri Sahin, and I am sure Wenger will bring in another player by the end of the window. One positive note for Gunners fans to draw upon is the promise held by Santi Cazorla, who looks a superb signing with his pace and creativity. He’ll be one to watch this season.

Liverpool had an afternoon to forget at The Hawthorns, and Luis Suarez will need to invest in new shooting boots as finishing was nothing short of hilarious. Liverpool were caught lacking in defence on numerous occasions and were dually punished by the Baggies. Credit to Romelu Lukaku, as after reportedly putting in the extra hard-graft in training saw it pay off with a firm headed goal and good cameo substitute performance making him look to be a good addition to Steve Clarke’s team.

AVB got off to a losing start over Linesman abusing Alan Pardew's Newcastle, who once more look set for a strong season with their French based squad. AVB will take confidence in that his side performed well, but will certainly look to move out of Modric's transfer shadow that has lingered over the club for the last two seasons.

 Final footnotes go firstly to Reading who spared Adam Federici’s blushes with a last gasp equaliser to earn a home point against Stoke, and also to West Ham who produced a solid curtain raising win over Aston Villa. As a ref myself praise must be given to Mike Dean as referee of the day for his over ruling of his assistant to allow Kevin Nolan’s goal to stand.

To tomorrow now we look with eager anticipation for two title contenders to take the stage, though I wouldn’t be surprised should Wigan and newly-promoted Southampton set the cat amongst the pigeons with good performances, as for me both look capable of over-achieving this season.