English Premier League: Best Plays of Week 1

Despite last week's riots threatening the start of the football season, nine of the 10 scheduled matches were able to go ahead, with only Tottenham's home game with Everton being postponed.

Thankfully for the majority of football fans across the country, the elite of English football were able to get their seasons underway and they were treated to a weekend of trials and tribulations from their heroes.

This season promises to be one of the most competitive ever and each week I will be bringing you a rundown of what I consider to have been the plays of the week.

From perfectly executed goals, to silky skills, to touches of class and passing excellence, I will be striving to bring you the best of the best over the next 10 months.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the most exciting of starts to a Premier League season, but here I've selected the few shining lights that kept fans happy!

8. Shay Given Reactions

Even after spending most of the last year sitting on benches up and down the country, watching as Joe Hart stood between the sticks at Eastlands, Shay Given has already shown he is one of the best keepers around since his switch to Aston Villa.

The Irish stopper looked impressive in preseason and followed it up with a solid league debut for his new club away at Fulham.

The match itself was fairly dire, but Given pulled off a remarkable instinct save to deny Bobby Zamora a clear goal that would have won the match for the Cottagers.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Damien Duff clipped a delightful ball into the box which was flicked on by Andy Johnson, leaving Bobby Z five yards out, with no one around him, just needing to direct it goalwards.

It looked a certain goal, but the lightning-quick reflexes of Given saved the visitors as he got a hand up to palm the ball to safety.

Villa fans will be delighted with their new No. 1.

7. Wayne Rooney Opens His Account

Manchester United were a little fortunate to get off to a winning start when an own goal from Steven Reid spared David de Gea's blushes after the young Spaniard's gaffe had let West Brom back into the game.

The opening goal was typical of Manchester United on a quick break.

Rafael fed a delightful through-ball to Rooney whose deft first-time backheel played the ball perfectly into the path of Ashley Young, who squared it back across the penalty area.

Rooney's touch took him away from his man before drilling a left-footed shot across Ben Foster and into the bottom corner.

6. Asmir Begovic Save

Having already made a superb fingertip save to deny Jon Obi Mikel his first-ever Premier League goal, Asmir Begovic might have been forgiven if he was to be beaten later in the game during a Chelsea onslaught.

The was not to be though, as the Bosnian international made another excellent save to keep his side level.

Soloman Kalou picked up the ball deep into the Stoke half, feeding it out to Anelka before continuing his run into the opposition penalty area.

Anelka looked to be going nowhere as the Stoke defence stood their ground, but as it looked like the Frenchman had run out of ideas and reached near walking pace, he clipped a delightful chip shot over everyone and it looked destined to nestle in the far corner.

The goalkeeper had other ideas though, as he arched backwards and threw a hand at the ball, getting just enough on it to tip it onto the crossbar and ensure Andre Villas-Boas' Chelsea side did not get off to a winning start.

5. Stewart Downing's Jinxing Run

I will openly admit that I have never been a massive fan of Stewart Downing.

In the past I regularly questioned his inclusion in the England squad and always put it down to Steve McClaren wanting a Middlesborough player around.

Even last season when he was at Aston Villa I couldn't see what all the fuss was about (although this may have been down to my loathing of Aston Villa).

Now though, I may admit I was wrong. He looked superb in the first half for Liverpool, with this mazy run the highlight of his performance.

Picking up the ball inside his own half, he weaved in and out of the Sunderland defence at exceptional pace, before unleashing a pile-driving effort that thundered off the crossbar.

The goalkeeper was completely and utterly beaten and had the shot dipped a few inches lower, Anfield would have erupted.

It was a signal of intent from the young winger and Liverpool fans will be hoping it is a sign of things to come.

4. Gary Cahill's Curling Opener

Gary Cahill's opening goal in Bolton's 4-0 route of QPR on Saturday may well be the last that the big defender scores for the club, but what a way to sign off.

The England international picked up the ball on the edge of the opposition box from Chris Eagles, an area of the pitch you wouldn't expect to see him too often, and with the finesse of an accomplished striker he curled a right-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Paddy Kenny absolutely no chance.

According to paper reports, Cahill is being courted by Arsenal and his future is uncertain. One thing is for sure though: If this goal is anything to go by, Arsene Wenger will not just be getting a solid centre half, but also a man who will chip in a few goals this season. 

3. David Silva Team Goal

New signing and substitute Sergio Aguero scored his first goal for the club and then turned provider with a delightful little overhead kick after a well-worked move from the Eastlands club.

A swift interchange of passes with James Milner sent Edin Dzeko free and the big Bosnian took control, turning inside his man and crossing into the penalty area towards Aguero.

Swansea looked to have done enough to force the ball out of play for a corner but the stylish Argentinian striker reacted quickly to flick the ball back over his head before it went out of play and right into the path of the onrushing David Silva.

Silva didn't even need to take a touch and side-footed a first-time effort into the back of the net to open up a three-goal lead and secure three points for his side.

2. Sebastian Larsson Opens His Sunderland Account

As a Birmingham City fan I have always been a huge fan of Seb Larsson and was very sad to see him move on.

However, I was absolutely delighted to see that he got on the scoresheet for his new club Sunderland at the first time of asking on Saturday afternoon to stifle Liverpool's party.

The ball was laid off to right-back Ahmed El Mohamady after being saved near the touchline. The Egyptian took his time and whipped a superb ball into the Liverpool penalty area, evading goalkeeper and defenders to pick out the young Swede on the far side.

Larsson's eyes never left the ball and he set himself perfectly as it dropped towards him. Leaping into the air he unleashed a fizzing volley back across Pepe Reina, who had no chance as he watched the ball nestle into the far corner of the net.

Surely a contender for goal of the season on the Opening Day.

1. Sergio Aguero Thunderbolt

Sergio Aguero could not have asked for a better way to start his Manchester City career. Coming off the bench with about half an hour to play, the little Argentinian changed the game. 

Having already scored a tap-in and provided an excellent assist for David Silva, Aguero unleashed a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque strike to cap a fine performance in the dying moments.

Yaya Toure and James Milner exchanged quick-fire passes about 30 yards from goal, before Toure laid the ball off for Aguero who took a touch, set himself and ripped the ball into the far corner.

It was a phenomenal strike and a signal of intent from Aguero as Manchester City look to make a serious title challenge.

If he keeps playing like that, they could have a very good case.