Premier League Weekend in 20 Pictures
Everything feels better now the Premier League is back, right?
Well, unless you're Arsene Wenger. The new season is just one weekend old, but already, a number of telling photos underline the story so far. We've seen emphatic wins, disappointing losses and enough quality goals to satisfy the summer lull.
Let's recap the first round of Premier League fixtures in visual form.
Daniel Sturridge Scores First Premier League Goal of the Season
1 of 20It took 37 minutes for the first goal of the 2013-14 season to emerge.
Daniel Sturridge has enjoyed an excellent start to his Liverpool career and, in the absence of Luis Suarez, fired his side to a 1-0 victory over Stoke City with a brilliant finish from outside the area. Sturridge's teammates swarmed to congratulate him, as Kolo Toure's screaming face summarises.
Simon Mignolet Enjoys Dream Debut with Last-Minute Penalty Save
2 of 20Despite flapping at a few crosses and generally looking shaky throughout his Anfield debut, Simon Mignolet became an instant hero with a fine save from Jonathan Walters' last-minute penalty.
Christian Benteke Misses Penalty but Still Puts Arsenal to the Sword
3 of 20Speaking of penalties, Christian Benteke was fortunate to see his saved effort float towards his head for an easy rebound in Aston Villa's 3-1 win against Arsenal.
The Belgian forward's slick of luck summed up a game that would have Paul Lambert pinching himself. A couple of dodgy penalty calls, alongside a Laurent Koscielny red card, saw the Midlands side secure a stunning first day win, with Benteke netting twice.
The Sign Says It All for Arsene Wenger...
4 of 20Cutting a forlorn figure in the Gunners dugout, Arsene Wenger should perhaps turn around and check the message from a frustrated fan.
Ross Barkley Finally Announces Himself to the Premier League
5 of 20Ross Barkley has threatened to highlight his talent for quite some time. Everton fans were finally treated to a summary of his potential with the 19-year-old's stunning display in the 2-2 draw with Norwich City.
The youngster not only powered home a terrific 25-yard shot, but he also successfully completed 96.2 percent of his passes, as recorded by Whoscored.com.
Norwich Fed the Wolf...and He Scored
6 of 20Not wanting to be outdone on his Premier League debut, Ricky van Wolfswinkel scored a late equaliser to ensure the Carrow Road side went home with a decent draw against the Toffees.
Paolo Di Canio's New Boys Fall Short
7 of 20Is Paolo Di Canio readying himself to go on as a substitute?
The Italian loosened his tie during a difficult moment for his Sunderland side. Although Di Canio's new-look team played well, the Black Cats suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Fulham.
A Moment of Ecstasy for Patjim Kasami
8 of 20The 21-year-old Pajtim Kasami was a surprise inclusion in Martin Jol's Fulham lineup. With 52 minutes on the clock, he repaid his manager's faith with his first goal for the club.
Rickie Lambert Snatches Three Points with Late Penalty at the Hawthorns
9 of 20Rickie Lambert has had one hell of a week.
Not content with coming off the bench to score the winning goal against Scotland on his England debut, the Southampton hero lashed home a last-minute penalty to nab a 1-0 win at the Hawthorns.
The only bad point? This goal wasn't with his first touch.
Saints Fan Becomes a Sinner
10 of 20Clearly excited from the commotion, a Southampton fan risks the wrath of the stewards to celebrate with his idols.
Joe Cole Rolls Back the Years
11 of 20Although Joe Cole is only 31 years old, it feels like an age since he performed match-winning duties in the Premier League.
His goal saw West Ham United overcome Cardiff City 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground, sending the locals into passionate celebration.
Kevin Nolan Secures Three Points on Opening Day
12 of 20A more regular sight for Hammers fans is that of Kevin Nolan celebrating a goal. The captain scored West Ham's second and confirmed victory with a salute to the crowd.
A New Premier League Era Begins
13 of 20David Moyes heads to the bench for his first Premier League match as Manchester United manager. Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup greeted the Scot and saw his team beaten 4-1 by the Red Devils.
Robin Van Persie Opens His Account in Spectacular Fashion
14 of 20New manager, same result.
Robin van Persie scored two goals during his side's Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic and added another brace against the Swans. His acrobatic effort opened the scoring for a dogged United team that showed cutting edge to overcome the exciting Welsh outfit.
Wayne Rooney Halts Speculation with Appearance from the Bench
15 of 20Should Wayne stay or should he go?
Whatever your opinion of Mr Rooney, he came off the bench to excellent effect for Moyes' men. The English forward looked noticeably trim as he headed onto the pitch and did well to produce assists for Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck.
Let the Games Begin
16 of 20Crystal Palace fans may need a sense of humour this season, so it's good to see the London club enter their Premier League reappearance with an interesting parody of the Saw films.
Billy the Puppet is so intimidating he has managed to scare Gareth Bale into an irritating silence, as reported by Mike Giles of the Express.
Gareth Bale Who?
17 of 20Even without Bale, Spurs looked more than equipped to challenge for a Champions League place.
Although Andre Villas-Boas' men need to quickly find their shooting boots, Roberto Soldado's successful penalty in the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace underlines a squad that possesses real depth.
Jose Mourinho Picks Up Where He Left off
18 of 20Stern-faced and slightly emotional, Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge was a professional one.
Not wanting to let the occasion become overruled by his presence, the Portuguese manager showed a business-like lethality during his side's 2-0 win against Hull City.
Oscar Celebrates Chelsea's First Strike of the Season
19 of 20A photo of contrasts.
After scoring Chelsea's opener, Oscar's joyous celebration is met by Maynor Figueroa's knowing disapproval as he collects the ball from Hull City's net.
Frank Lampard Thunderbolt Makes Up for Penalty Miss
20 of 20Frank Lampard may have seen his penalty saved by Allan McGregor, but it didn't take long for the ever-present Englishman to net his first goal of the season.
A thunderous free-kick dipped towards McGregor, who could do nothing but palm it straight into the net. Did Lampard mind? Not one bit.











.png)
.jpg)

