10 Stories from the Premier League Opening Weekend

The Barclays Premier League returned this past weekend, complete with all of the drama and excitement for which the League has become known for. 

There were many surprises and more than a few disappointing results thrown in, along with several notable talking points. 

Recapping the opening weekend, here are 10 key stories from the Premier League opening weekend.

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10. West Ham Returns with Victory

Many are predicting that West Ham will be relegated at the end of this season. 

The Hammers however have shown their determination to make liars of the prognosticators. They've done so by celebrating their return to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over their claret-and-blue counterparts, Aston Villa. 

Over the years Sam Allardyce’s teams have been known for their defensive organization, and their focus on set piece preparation.  West Ham scored more goals from set pieces last season in the Championship than any other team, while conceding the fourth fewest. 

No surprise then that the Hammers limited Villa’s opportunities, while capitalizing on a Mark Noble free kick which was then slotted home by Kevin Nolan to steal victory at Villa’s expense. 

The Hammers will face a steep challenge in order to remain in the top flight, but expect them to hew close to Allardyce’s formula to ensure that they do.

9. Alan Pardew’s Ejection in win over Tottenham

Last season the Tottenham Hotspur team pipped Alan Pardew’s Newcastle United for the fourth and final Champion’s League spot. 

With its 2-1 victory over Spurs, Newcastle has once again stated its intention to once again challenge for a berth in Europe, while exacting a small measure of revenge.

The game was notable however, for a sideline incident involving Pardew and linesman Peter Kirkup.  Upset that a call was not made when he thought the ball went out of play, Pardew remonstrated in the direction of referee Martin Atkinson. He then took out his frustrations on the sideline official.

What should have been a glorious day for Newcastle was overshadowed by a momentary lapse into madness by Pardew, who now faces the prospect of a two-match sideline ban.  Still, Toon fans have reason to hope, as Newcastle should continue its ascendance this season under Pardew.

8. Fulham and Dempsey Imbroglio

Somewhat overshadowed by Fulham’s decisive 5-0 thrashing of Norwich City on Saturday is the lingering drama involving wantaway midfielder Clint Dempsey. 

Dempsey refused to suit up for his club according to his manager Martin Jol, and the situation very well could drag on throughout the season if not resolved soon.

A transfer seems the only logical solution.

The fans have reportedly started turning against their one-time hero, suggesting that he is no longer welcomed at Craven Cottage, particularly in light of the star performance by debutante striker Mladen Petric.  Both sides would want to see a speedy resolution, with Fulham remorseful, but seemingly resolved to losing their ace.

7. Liverpool Loses in Shocking Fashion to West Brom

Brendan Rodgers was given a rude initiation as Liverpool manager with an embarrassing and worrisome 3-0 away loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.  The scoreline was bad enough, but most observers would agree that it was the manner in which Liverpool performed that was most disconcerting.

The fight completely went out of the Reds following Daniel Agger’s 57^th minute foul on Shane Long that saw the Dane given an early trip to the showers.  Not even perennial talisman Steven Gerrard could keep his spirits from sagging as he put in what was easily his worst performance in a Red shirt in recent memory.

Adding insult to injury was the fact that the loss was to former Red assistant Steve Clarke who himself was unceremoniously dumped by Liverpool over the summer, but who has sportingly refused to gloat over his former team.

Rodgers still has a lot of work to do in righting the ship at Anfield, and will need time to do so, as well as talent.  On present evidence the Reds are simply not good enough to contend for a top four spot, let alone the title. 

The season is still young however, and there are ten days remaining in the transfer window.  Without getting into the transfer rumors swirling about regarding who’s coming or going, Rodgers needs to do something in the upcoming weeks to bolster his squad if they are to make a run at the top four.

6. Swansea 5-0 over QPR

Speaking or Rodgers, what of his former team?  Swansea demolished Queens Park Rangers in stunningly easy fashion on Saturday to send fans into a state of euphoria, particularly given the contrasting fortunes suffered by their erstwhile coach.

A pair of goals each by new man, Michu and Nathan Dyer (before Scott Sinclair sealed the deal) were more than sufficient to defeat Rangers on a day when the Swans' defense was bolstered by the play of new man Chico.

It was a rip-roaring start to the English debut of manager Michael Laudrup, and a fitting way to put the previous Rodgers regime in the past.  With a stronger defensive back line now complementing the capable attacking play, the Welch side will definitely be one to watch this season.

5. Michu Makes an Impression

Rayo Vallecano was the top scoring midfielder in La Liga last season, which is saying a lot about a league that boasted the likes of Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Özil. 

With other high profile debuts taking place around the Premiership, it was Michu who stole the individual spotlight away from the likes of Cazorla (who was also brilliant for Arsenal), Eden Hazard and Robin Van Persie.

Michu opened his Swansea account by scoring two goals in a 5-0 rout of Queen’s Park Rangers to give Michael Laudrup a memorable managerial debut in English football, and a leg up for having perhaps made one of the shrewdest buys in Europe this summer.

4. Southampton Proves Its Mettle

Many (including the English bookmakers) are questioning whether Southampton can survive relegation according to the BBC. The Saints have no intentions of being makeweights in this season’s campaign, as indicated by their spirited performance against reigning champions, Manchester City.

Nigel Adkins’ men found themselves down a goal when Carlos Tevez struck five minutes before the half.  Ricky Lambert’s substitution galvanized the Saints however, as the Championship’s leading scorer last season pulled his side level within three minutes of having come on.

Steven Davis put Southampton ahead with 20 minutes to play, ensuring that the Saints would make the most of their only two chances on the day.  Nonetheless, a pair of late goals by Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri would steal the victory for City in the end.

Saints' fans feel heartened nonetheless by the effort put forth by their team, who have now served notice to the rest of the Premiership: They intend to stay up for a while, or go down fighting.

3. Blue Moon over Manchester City?

City fans, on the other hand, have much reason for concern. Their team showed up flat and unfocused. 

To be sure, the scoreline flattered Southampton. City could easily have scored five goals on the day had David Silva been better with his spot kick, and had the City attack been more clinical in the final third.

The victory allowed City to run their streak to 30 games without a loss to open the season in the Premier League era. It came at a steep price, however, given the injury to Sergio Aguero.  Signs are hopeful that the injury is not significant. Should the Argentine not miss too much time, City can remain on track for another title.

To do so, Roberto Mancini will need for his charges to solidify their play in midfield. They need to take their chances up front. They also hope that Joe Hart’s back injury doesn’t linger throughout the season.

2. Arsenal Struggles in 0-0 Draw with Sunderland

Speaking of Cazorla, the former Malaga player had a nice debut for the Gunners. This gave hope to a fanbase still reeling from the loss over the weekend and to the loss of Robin Van Persie to Manchester United.  Arsenal failed to capitalize on opportunities and had to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.

For all his individual brilliance, Cazorla could have done with a little help from fellow debutantes Lucas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.  The duo lacked sharpness up front, with Giroud missing a sitter from 12 yards.

Arsenal seems set in midfield with Cazorla, Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta. Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey should more than compensate for the recent departure of Alex Song.  Continued offensive ineptitude may lead to more disappointing results like Sunday’s draw. Arsene Wenger will need a better return from his frontmen if he is to keep the hounds calling for his head at bay.

1. Manchester United Loses on the Road to Everton

Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson both began the early mind games this year. Mancini insisted that Manchester United was the favorite to win the Premier League title, while Sir Alex Ferguson noted his team's "biggest threat this season are Manchester City." While the early struggles shown by both sides is hardly cause for concern this early in the season, neither manager can be happy with his team’s start.

At least City can point to the three points they took despite their struggles.  United suffered its first opening day loss in eight years, and were it not for the heroics of custodian David De Gea, the score could easily have been an embarrassment for the Red Devils.

United can take some heart from the fact that their defense was missing Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans. But it’s small comfort.  A club with domestic and European title aspirations should be deep and talented enough as to not let injury be an excuse. 

Besides, there was no excusing the lack of scoring threat by United, leaving their manager to rue the lack of service to new boy Robin Van Persie. While there is truth to that, some of it may just have been cover for what was an inconspicuous debut by the former Arsenal front man.  Still, it’s just one game and there’s no need to worry yet, in the western half of Manchester.