PremWatch 17th August 2008

After a magical FA Cup experience yesterday, it was back to Match of the Day last night and Villa Park today for the start of Premier League season 2008/09. And with it, a new regular feature: the TFT Premier League roundup.

The season kicked off yesterday at the Emirates, with Arsenal signing Samir Nasri beating Scott Carson to score the only goal in the Gunners' win over West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies stuck in there and can be proud of the result, but being chuffed at getting beaten at Arsenal is not a good sign.

Fellow newcomers Stoke City found it tough going at the Reebok. Bolton Wanderers quickly wrapped up a 3-1 win, with Ricardo Fuller's thumping header coming too late to undo the damage done by Gretar Steinsson's cross - which flew embarrassingly into Thomas Sorensen's top corner - and goals from Kevin Davies and new boy Johan Elmander.

Blackburn Rovers outplayed Everton to grab a 3-2 away win under new boss Paul Ince. Goals for Mikael Arteta and Yakubu equalised strikes by David Dunn and Roque Santa Cruz before Andre Ooijer scored a farcical tap-in during injury time.

Seol Ki-Hyeon opened the scoring early for Fulham at Hull City, but a stunning strike from Geovanni was followed by a winner from Caleb Folan, after Craig Fagan capitalised on an horrific error by Fulham left back Paul Konchesky.

Tottenham Hotspur once again started poorly after a summer of posturing, losing 2-1 away at Middlesbrough. Spurs' goal came from a Robert Huth own goal in injury time. The game had already been won, thanks to David Wheater and Mido.

Liverpool huffed and puffed until the 83rd minute, when a typically awe-inspiring shot from Fernando Torres finally blew Sunderland's house down. Xabi Alonso needs to learn some respect for goalkeepers. Or just piss off. Either way.

Two quick-fire goals from Dean Ashton were enough to beat Wigan Athletic before the West Ham United striker departed through injury - again - in front of England boss Fabio Capello. New signing Amr Zaki pulled one back in impressive fashion but it wasn't enough to prevent an impressive start for the Hammers.

Today, I saw the first half of Chelsea's thumping win over Portsmouth. They were absolutely scintillating (yes, Chelsea), playing some of the best two-touch football I've seen in yonks. Joe Cole, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard found the net before half time, and Deco sealed it with a cracker, apparently. Can't wait to see it, and I can't see past Chelsea for the title. They were brilliant.

John Carew put Aston Villa in the lead early in the second half against Manchester City. An Elano penalty levelled, before Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a blistering seven-minute perfect hat-trick to kill the game. City pulled one back through Vedram Corluka, and looked fairly neat and tidy. They'll do fine if they get some stability.

The Premier League weekend ended at Old Trafford, with Manchester United and Newcastle United fighting out a 1-1 draw. The goals came in a short period halfway through the first period. Oba Martins put the Magpies ahead, and Darren Fletcher equalised for the home side. Kevin Keegan was very happy. Sad.

Not that it means owt at the moment, but all that leaves Chelsea top from Villa. Blackburn and Bolton complete the laughable top four, and Portsmouth, Manchester City and Stoke are going down. More next week.