Premiership Grand Opening - They're off!

Portsmouth 3 Blackburn 0


They're off! Has a different meaning in football to horse racing, as Mark Hughes soon found out, when Blackburn finished with nine men. Lucas Neill was sent off in the 63rd minute, and was followed by Andy Todd in injury time.


The game was a great start for the enigmatic Rednapp and his new signings. There are few managers as wily as Harry, who bought in Sol Campbell, David James and Kanu to strengthen his squad. Todorov, who had scored for Pompei in the first half, was replaced in the 58th minute with Kanu, who scored twice in the second half,. What a start Harry, keep it up!


Arsenal 1 Aston Villa 1


This match was another managerial success of sorts; with new coach Martin O'Neill's side holding Arsenal to a one all draw. Olaf Mellberg scored for Aston Villa, and created some sort of record, being the first to score against Arsenal at their new Emirates Stadium! Arsenal deserved to equalise through Gilbert in the 84th minute. He scored from a fine delivery by Theo Walcott, who came on in the 73rd minute and made an impressive start. A sign of things to come!


Reading 3 Middlesboro' 2


Newly promoted Reading beat Middlesboro' after a shaky start. Middlesboro' had gone 2 - 0 up in the 21st minute, but by the interval Reading had equalised. Lita scored the winner in the 54th minute, and was delighted with his first goal from his left foot.


Sheffield 1 Liverpool 1


Sheffield United gave Liverpool a hard time and nearly won. They went ahead when Hulse scored in the 46th minute, but Liverpool equalised from an arguable penalty, half way through the second half. Gerrard was tackled in the box by Chris Morgan, who seemed to go for the ball and avoid physical contact. There was little doubt that his desperate tackle put Gerrard off, but was it a penalty? Yes, said the ref, and Fowler coolly scored from the spot. The game was drawn.


All in all it was a good day. The Premiership is back.