SPORT

- reported by Osiris.

Last weekend kicked off the start of the new 2006/07 English Premier League Season, with Watford, Reading and Sheffield United joining England's best in what is the world's most lucrative soccer league.

The Premiership opener saw Sheffield United play Liverpool at home. Tragedy struck the Merseyside when they lost two of their defenders Jamie Carragher and John Arne Risse in the first 34 minutes, and the defence became a total slop. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool were still unable to create anything. Sheffield United slowly revealed the weaknesses in Liverpool's defence and soon exploited them with a freekick which Reina could not clear and the home side were up. A newly-promoted club 1-0 up against the winners of last season's FA Cup final and 2005 Champions League was something which the fans were very proud of.

However, just as they thought they could produce a stunning win over the Reds, referee Rob Styles gave the visitors a controversial penalty when it appeared that Chris Morgan had made contact with Steven Gerrard in the box even though the Liverpool skipper had stepped away after falling down, indicating that there was no foul. Robbie Fowler took the spot kick and converted it, earning Liverpool a point and saving them from shocking disgrace.



Was there any contact between Morgan and Gerrard?











Sheffield United lost their next match against Tottenham 2-0, who had in their first game lost to Bolton by the same score.



Kevin Davies rises like a salmon to power his opener past Paul Robinson.











It was the start of a new era for another two teams who were playing each other. Arsenal were hosting Aston Villa at their new 60,000-seater capacity Emirates Stadium and the visitors were under the charge of new manager Martin O'Neill. Arsenal were expected to win this match, having won their earlier Champions League qualifier match against Dinamo Zagreb 3-0. Although they dominated possession, the Gunners were unable to fire. Instead of shooting, they chose to pass the ball inside and around the penalty box. This lack of confidence brings back haunting memories of last season, when Arsenal also struggled through the first few months because they were unable to score for the same reason.



Martin O'Neill in his first competitive fixture as manager of Aston Villa.











Perhaps it was because the team was still not used to the pitch and the atmosphere in the stadium, as Gilberto Silva had mentioned in a post-match interview. Emirates Stadium was packed and it was so noisy that it does give the players the nerves, especially when it is a match where they are expected to win. Nobody would have expected the visitors to score instead. Arsenal's defence had been shaky since the injuries last season. Left-back Gael Clichy is still recovering from a foot injury. Lauren will soon recover from his back injury. Experienced England defender Sol Campbell had already left the club and his replacement Phillipe Senderos was still recovering from a shoulder injury. Because of the controversy and speculation surrounding want-away left-back Ashley Cole, Arsene Wenger decided to leave him out even though he announced that he had made himself available for selection.

Kolo Toure had acutally 'scored' an earlier goal in the first-half stoppage time. He was delighted when he latched onto a freekick from Cesc Fabregas and headed into the net, but he was ruled offside. Eight minutes into the second half.Olof Mellberg powered in a header from an inswinging corner which beat Jens Lehmann. As O'Neill's men celebrated, Wenger's defenders pointed accusing fingers at one another. Once bitten, Arsenal striked back. Hard. But with no result. They created all sorts of runs, passes and shots but they could get through the solid Aston Villa defence. Almost everyone would be in the box when Thierry Henry had the ball, and there was absolutely no chance of scoring. Knowing that he had to play wide now and get the ball inside the box, Wenger decided to send Theo Walcott onto the pitch in place of Emmanuel Adebayor. The 17-year-old teenager who was picked for England's World Cup Squad even though he had not played a single Premiership match, came in 17 minutes from time and showed everyone the blitzing speed and pace that he possessed. Aston Villa were getting frantic now as they sensed Arsenal's urgency to socre an equaliser. Given the immense pressure which the Gunners exerted on the Villa defence, one would have thought that the defence would soon crumble. The question was when?






Walcott in action against Villa.











The moment all Arsenal fans were waiting for arrived in the 83rd minute. A cross from Walcott found Gilberto Silva and he half-volleyed the ball to earn a point for Arsenal, and the hearts of many beat normally again when the final whistle blew.






Gilberto Silve fires in the equaliser past Sorensen.







Champions Chelsea and Manchester United must have been happy to learn that their two rivals dropped precious points on their opener, and would have been even delighted when they produced thrashing scores at home. The Blues beat Manchester City 3-0 while the Red Devils whooped Fulham 5-1. However Chelsea were later stunned in their next match when Middlesbrough came from behind to beat them 2-1 in the final 10 minutes.



Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put aside their World Cup difference and celebrate.













Mark Viduka leads the celebrations of his goal scored against Chelsea.










Everyone who follows the EPL and does not support Chelsea would definitely hate them for their huge spending power and dirty tactics employed sometimes. The loss at the Riverside must have shined some hope over fans that Chelsea will not win a third straight Premiership title. Of course very much Osiris would like his favourite team Arsenal to win, however given the team's current injuries list and confidence level, I have my doubts over the youth's ability in winning glory at their new home.

It is still very early into the season, and we cannot predict accurately for sure. But I dare say that number one would not be Chelsea anymore. And don't forget the newcomers - they have shown us what they're capable of. If you thought last year was a very close fight, this year would be even tougher.

My predictions for the top 4 teams:

1. Manchester United
2. Arsenal
3. Liverpool
4. Chelsea

Tell us who will be in the top 4 at the end of the season, in ranking order. Comment now! By the way, I think that Arsenal and Chelsea home kits look the best out of all the teams. Man Utd jerseys really suck. What happened to that striking red colour? And the sponsorship logo is not very appealing too.

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