EPL Power Rankings: Week 1

Some things never change.

Joey Barton was fighting, Manchester United were scoring a late winner and Fernando Torres wasn't scoring.

And if you love draws—and who doesn't?—then this was your weekend. The opening weekend of the English Premier League was not exactly decisive, as four of the nine matches ended level, which will make ranking teams all the more difficult, but I'll give it a go.

20. Queens Park Rangers

Result: 0-4 Loss, Bolton

They waited 15 years to be blasted by a mediocre Bolton side. Things aren’t looking good for QPR, but some new money will be made available for Neil Warnock to bring in some players, but how much? Sounds like a band aid on an axe-wound.

Next: Everton, Away

19. Swansea City

Result: 0-4 Loss, Manchester City

The Welsh side brought their passing boots to the Etihad Stadium. Unfortunately for them, so did Kun Aguero.

But let’s give Swans some credit, they sure can pass it around, but can they finish in the final third, or will they suffer from Arsenal-itis? Only time will tell.

Next: Wigan Athletic, Home

18. Blackburn Rovers

Result: 1-2 Loss, Wolves

Phil Jones is gone, and Chris Samba is probably next. Manager Steve Keane can no longer man an automobile because of a DUI charge, and Blackburn was just beaten convincingly by a relegation candidate.

Good times for one of only four teams to claim an EPL title.

Next: Aston Villa, Away

17. Wigan Athletic

Result: 1-1 Draw, Norwich City

The Lactics are a fun team to watch, but they are still lacking in the final third. Roberto Martinez better find a way to replace the contributions of Charles N’Zogbia, or they’ll struggle to stay out of the drop zone.

Next: Swansea City, Away

16. Wolverhamption Wanderers

Result: 2-1 Win, Blackburn

Mick McCarthy is one of the more underrated gaffers in all of English football. With a newly renovated stadium and more EPL money, Wolves may start making a Stoke-like hike up the table.

Next: Fulham, Home

15. Norwich City

Result: 1-1 Draw, Wigan

Newly promoted Norwich City managed a point in their return to the Premiership after falling behind early. Truth be told, they were the better side and deserved a win over Wigan.

Next: Stoke City, Home

14. Newcastle United

Result: 0-0 Draw, Arsenal

The Magpies played Arsenal to a rather uneventful draw. And how about Joey Barton keeping his cool after Alex Song stomped on his leg? Kudos to him. He looks like he’s finally turning over a new leaf.

By the way, I only watched the first 75 minutes, so hopefully I didn’t miss anything.

Next: Sunderland, Home 

13. West Bromwich Albion

Result: 1-2 Loss, Manchester United

The Baggies deserved a point against Man United, even if Shane Long’s goal would have been stopped by any goalkeeper not named De Gea.

Roy Hodgson will work his usually magic, which apparently doesn’t work in Liverpool, and keep West Brom in the top flight without a problem.

Next: Chelsea, Away

12. Bolton Wanderers

Result: 4-0 Win, QPR

After the first weekend of play, Bolton finds themselves at the top of the table. My advice: relish this moment because it will only last for about five days.

Unfortunately, they won’t play QPR every week. And even more unfortunate, Gary Cahill, whose sublime goal opened up the scoring against QPR, is likely on his way out.

Next: Manchester City, Home

11. Aston Villa

Result: 0-0 Draw, Fulham

The only bright spot in the Villains’ draw with Fulham was the play of Shay Given, who made a couple of nice saves to ensure a point for Alex McLeish in his debut.

Next: Blackburn, Home

10. Fulham

Result: 0-0 Draw, Aston Villa

If you’re having any trouble sleeping, pop on the tape of the Fulham-Aston Villa match, and you’ll go right to sleep.

In what had to be the most boring, uneventful match of the weekend, Bobby Zamora flubbed what little chances Fulham created, as they settled for an opening day point at the Cottage.

Next: Wolves, Away

9. Stoke City

Result: 0-0 Draw, Chelsea

Hard tackles, swinging elbows and head butts aplenty. Just another day at the office for Tony Pulis and the Potters. Stoke survived a couple of penalty scares to steal a precious point to start the season.

Next: Norwich City, Away

8. Sunderland

Result: 1-1 Draw, Liverpool

The Black Cats were as active in the transfer market as any team this side of Anfield, where they managed to weather a first-half red storm to steal a point from King Kenny’s new boys.

Sebastian Larsson’s wonder strike evened the score and quieted an electric crowd at Anfield, and Sunderland looked like they might be able to head back to the Stadium of Light with all three points before ultimately settling for one.

Next: Newcastle United, Home

7. Everton

Result: Postponed, Tottenham

The Toffees had the weekend off, and apparently miracle working David Moyes had the summer off as Everton decided to skip the transfer window party, once again. The team is full of talent, but where will the goals come from?

Next: QPR, Home

6. Arsenal

Result: 0-0 Draw, Newcastle United

And that brings us to everyone’s favorite soap opera, “As the Gunners Turn...in to a Europa League Team.”

Cesc Fabregas finally got his wish, and it is looking more and more likely that Samir Nasri will get his. The genius that is Arsene Wenger better start pulling some rabbits out of his beret with Liverpool and United coming up on the fixture list.

It could be an August to forget at the Emirates.

Next: Liverpool, Home

5. Tottenham Hotspur

Result: Postponed, Everton

Spurs opening fixture was postponed due to the riots in London, so this ranking is based purely off of past performance, as well as reports that it looks like Luka Modric will not be leaving White Hart Lane anytime soon.

As long as the guy who haunts Maicon’s dreams, Gareth Bale, stays healthy, Harry Redknapp and Co. should challenge for a Champion’s League spot.

Next: Manchester United, Away

4. Liverpool

Result: 1-1 Draw, Sunderland

What a first half for King Kenny’s new-look Reds. Unfortunately, there are two halves, and Sunderland were the better side in the last 45 minutes.

But Liverpool should have been ahead by more than a single goal before the halftime whistle sounded.

Next: Arsenal, Away

3. Chelsea

Result: 0-0 Draw, Stoke City

Andre Villas-Boas' debut did not go as planned, but there are not many tougher places to play than the Britannia, and Stoke was clearly playing for a draw.

The good news is Fernando Torres looks to be back to his Liverpool incarnation, but he once again was without a goal. Chelsea created a number of chances and should have been awarded at least one penalty, but they still lack creativity in the midfield and a proper right winger—sorry, Soloman Kalou.

A call to Inter for Wesley Sneijder may be in order.

Next: West Brom, Home

2. Manchester City

Result: 4-0 Win, Swansea City

Well, that was £35 million well spent! Sergio "Kun" Aguero is the real deal, netting two and adding an assist in only 30 minutes against new boys Swansea City. Only Mancini’s shackles can hold City back. And if the Noisy Neighbors bring in Samir Nasri, look out.

Next: Bolton, Away

1. Manchester United

Result: 2-1 Win, West Bromwich Albion

The Red Devils worked their magic and escaped the Hawthornes with three points. Ashley Young has fit in seamlessly on the left wing and connected well with Wayne Rooney, beautifully taken goal opened up the scoring Sunday.

The triumvirate of van Der Sar, Vidic and Ferdinand helped Man United to a 19th title last season. A year later, they are all either hurt or retired.

Next: Tottenham, Home