Premier League Watch: Match Day 1

After weeks of digesting transfer rumors, clubs reaching agreements and a horde of preseason matches, the first weekend of Premier League action is over.

Make no mistake.

The season is far from over, and the first transfer window is two weeks from closing. No doubt there will be more transfers to happen, roster switches and excitement going into these final weeks in August.

Without further ado, let’s recap match day one in England.

The "Haves" Show Up Big Against the "Have-Nots"

Face it. When former Championship teams square off against the top teams of multiple and consecutive seasons in the Premiership—in the first week no less—things get ugly.

Ugly meaning Chelsea’s 6-0 thrashing of West Brom and Manchester United’s 3-0 triumph over Newcastle.

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad made easy work of Albion, but he called on his team to avoid complacency. The first week is done, but there are 37 more match days to go. At least Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda started on the proper foot.

Sir Alex Ferguson made his own call out, claiming Dimitar Berbatov could have netted three or four scores instead of his lone one to put United up 1-0. Not to worry, though. If United can fill up the score sheet without any help from Wayne Rooney, an in-form No. 10 will make this squad more deadly than it already is.

Transfer Window Still Open for Business

Clubs will still be looking to make final additions to their rosters and make full use of any cash the owners have to offer.

Manchester City definitely isn’t done, with recent links to Benfica’s David Luiz (Chelsea as well). The Portuguese club has reportedly put a €40 million tag on the defender, but that shouldn’t stop City from acquiring yet another big name in the back third.

To ease the wallet of owner Sheikh Mansour, rumors of a Schalke 04 bid for Robinho could free up the money for Luiz.

Other recent City transfer news, Aston Villa put a 24-hour deadline on James Milner or he will stay. Also, West Ham reportedly is interested in acquiring Roque Santa Cruz, who struggled to see the pitch for Mancini last year. Time will tell if money can buy trophies.

Tottenham are set to loan midfielder Jermaine Jenas to Juventus, as well as secure French-side OGC Nice striker Loic Remy on a £12 million bid.

Just days after Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina single-handedly kept the Reds from three points against Arsenal, not to mention deliver a draw to the Gunners in the 90^th minute, with an own goal, the club out of Anfield agreed on a £2.3 million deal with Middlesbrough keeper Brad Jones.

On a lesser note, Birmingham brought in 24-year old forward Matt Derbyshire from Olympiakos on a one-year loan.

*UPDATE: James Milner agreed to a City switch, pending a medical. With Milner heading to Eastlands, Aston Villa reportedly will get £20 million and Stephen Ireland in return.

New Season, Same Story

Though the new season brought about plenty of roster switches, familiar names showed up on the score sheet.

Didier Drogba put up a hat trick against West Brom and is well on his way to another incredible season at Stamford Bridge.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes teamed up for a fabulous closing goal to secure three points for Manchester United against a one-time Premier League standout in Newcastle.

James Milner, who could be on his way out of Aston Villa soon, netted his own in a 3-0 victory over West Ham.

Surprisingly Scoreless

The one fixture that figured to be littered with goals was in the Tottenham-Manchester City showdown at White Hart Lane—a replay of last season’s Champions League bubble teams that resulted in a scoreless draw.

City’s scoring prowess has never been questioned, but Roberto Mancini’s crew was never able to establish a good rhythm.

Meanwhile, Spurs had chances time and time again, but City’s 23-year old starlet keeper Joe Hart managed a clean sheet when the game easily could have read 3-0 or 4-0 by full-time.

The Next Course: What’s on the Plate for Match Day 2

Wigan v. Chelsea—which is the more likely scenario: Chelsea giving another beating to a lowly Premier League club or Wigan getting blasted again? Oh, wait.

Arsenal v. Blackpool—for the second straight match, the promoted Blackpool will have to face one of the top clubs in England. Unlikely that Ian Holloway’s squad will have a repeat performance like the 4-0 win over Wigan, especially at the Emirates.

Manchester City v. Liverpool—the second match day will have City pitted against another of the Premier League’s top clubs. Last week it was Spurs, this week, the Reds. Mancini’s team will be playing at home, where he hopes to have his players more comfortable under the lights in the City of Manchester Stadium.