Talking Point: New season, same headlines
by Alex Dunn
The headlines have been predictable and if they are to be believed, the Premiership trophy has all ready been engraved with the name of Arsene Wenger's side.
Whilst Arsenal teased and tormented Everton like a cat with a wounded mouse, Chelsea and Manchester United played out a dire exhibition of misplaced passes in an atmosphere that seemed to choke several players with nerves.
Many of the papers have been filled with the type of hyperbolic reaction to which they are famed, but in truth, how much can really be garnered from the opening fixtures played in searing heat?
Indeed, Arsenal had the cocksure look of champions-elect and in Jose Antonio Reyes they possess a player who looks ready to be the revelation of the season, with compatriot Cesc Fabregas already a contender for best newcomer.
However, it is pertinent not to forget that Arsenal are the type of side that will always take an outfit as inept as Everton apart.
Worryingly for Toffees boss David Moyes, his side lacked the type of dogs of war attitude that is imperative if you are even to compete with sides as capable as Arsenal. To attempt to play the champions on an equal footing is asking for what Everton duly received; a mauling.
Regarding Chelsea, some have even pigeon-holed Jose Mourinho as being the new disciple of dour, a natural successor to departing Liverpool boss Gerrard Houllier.
With Geremi and Alexei Smertin surprise inclusions, Chelsea played a narrow system that snapped, destroyed and sat back to allow United to push on - albeit to little effect. Although at times it was difficult to stifle rogue yawns, it would be foolish to believe Chelsea have become the new Liverpool.
A lack of width, which was the primary reason for a lack of fluidity, was due to a series of injuries that even the vast expanse of Chelsea's squad could not compensate for. Mourinho picks his side in terms of systems and irrespective of name and rank, he chooses players who will best suit his tactical inclinations.
The personnel available for Sunday dictated a more defensive system but when Arjen Robben and Damien Duff return from injury, expect to see a more attacking flavour at Stamford Bridge.
Another side with well-documented injury concerns, Manchester United, toiled with credit but at times the quality was simply unacceptable for a side of their stature.
Irrespective of injuries, are players of the calibre of David Bellion, Djemba-Djemba, Diego Forlan and Quinton Fortune really good enough for United?
Elsewhere, my local radio phone-in was besieged and eventually overcome with complaints from the blue side of Manchester.
One fan was baying for the head of Keegan, another wanted rid of Le Sulk Anelka. Universally, they were all depressed and resigned to another season of heartache, relegation, bankruptcy, divorce, depression. Cheer up, one game in and you didn't even lose.
Of the new boys, Palace and Norwich fought out a stalemate that had one well known pundit claiming that the only chance for either sides' survival is prayer.
Perhaps to pray for a semblance of reasonableness would be too much to ask for?
A self-pronounced 'life-long' Liverpool fan, presumably born on The Kop, has become the first to lay siege into Rafa Benitez in a national daily. Perhaps it was ghost written by Danny Murphy.
One game and only a point from a tricky away fixture - have all chairmen gone soft? Surely he has to go.
Another man reportedly under pressure is Southampton boss Paul Sturrock. A surprise gamble in the mould of the appointment of Stuart Gray, it seems chairman Rupert Lowe too is suffering from early season over-reaction syndrome.
Regarding the rest, are Blackburn doomed to another season of underachievement after a stalemate with West Brom and will Kanu inspire The Baggies as Jay-Jay Okocha did on his arrival at Bolton - who incidentally could now be eyeing the UEFA Champions League after destroying a fancied Charlton side.
How did your side fare at the weekend? Are you doomed for relegation or chasing a Champions League place? We'd like to hear your predictions after the opening fixtures. Fill in the form below to offer your views on the new Premiership campaign.
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Lauren is probably the only one in the side that doesn't belong in a team with all that class.....very very poor showing today as he did last season.
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