by Michael Sawh

Created on: August 23, 2008

32 goals, 1 perfect hat-trick, ten win-happy managers (including Kevin Keegan who despite his Newcastle side not winning, a point against Manchester United will feel like a win), Premier League debut joy, Premier League debut despair, and no red cards to satisfy the new referee respect campaign, signalled an opening weekend that all interested parties can be happy with.

Most say you cannot read much into the first week of fixtures but just tell Hull City supporters that as they sit in the comfort zone of the top five with a brilliant win against Fulham. Hull City manager Phil Brown has brought in a wealthy amount of players over the summer, and it was signings George Boateng and goals scorer Geovanni particular who were inspirational in the opening day win giving Hull City a Premier League moment to cherish as they anticipate a long, hard season.

Fellow promoted clubs did not fare so well, with Stoke City, favourites to make the immediate drop back down to the Championship, comprehensively beaten by a Bolton side who gave a performance full of the characteristics Gary Megson will be looking to keep Bolton away from the drop zone themselves. West Bromwich Albion, the team of the three who are regarded as having the best chance of maintaining Premier League status, were unfortunate to lose out to title challengers Arsenal. They were by no means overawed by the occasion, and heralding the tag of the best footballing side outside of the Premier League, it appears Tony Mowbray will not compromise his successful style to achieve the results needed to stay in the top flight.

Many sides draw optimism from an impressive pre-season form, suggesting that the confidence brought by a string of good results before the season starts will prepare them for that opening fixture. Tottenham were that team as much as they were last season, and with the big money spent in the close season, it was Gareth Southgate and his Middlesbrough side, who could spring a few surprises this season, that outwitted this Spurs side and will perhaps make some of the Tottenham supporters question whether they history could be repeating itself.

Spurs supporters may feel an acute sense of worry, but it can surely not amount to the feeling of disarray surrounding events at Manchester City. Off the field issues are shrouding the club in a sense of anxiety and matters would not have helped with the thrashing they received courtesy of Aston Villa. Defensive errors coupled with a lack of striking options, hindered

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