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Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
However this weekend was not one for vintage premiership action, as three 0-0s and a general lack of goals and drama resulted in a somewhat anti-climactic opening to the season. In fact the most exciting occurrence of the weekend took place in the transfer market when it was finally confirmed that Arsenal were set to lose two of their best players, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Their absence was achingly apparent in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Newcastle, as though their replacements Tomas Rosicky and new signing Gervinho were both technically accomplished neither possess the spark of the departing duo. Gervinho even managed to get himself sent-off following a brawl with the ever-popular Joey Barton, which unfortunately was the highlight of a dull match which highlighted the need for Wenger to find and spend money on some quality replacements.
There were similar problems for Chelsea who failed to find the net at Stoke and also drew 0-0. Though a draw at the Britannia Stadium is considered a good result these days, it was clear to see why Chelsea are so keen to bring in creative midfielder Luka Modric; the player he would presumably replace, Ramires, may have a huge engine and an impressive turn of pace, but lacks the flair and guile that new manager Villas-Boas seems fond of.
There were promising signs though as Fernando Torres looked the sharpest he has in a long time, though still lacks his usual finishing touch. Even if he can reach his best form, however, the wisdom of the £50 million purchase must always be questioned, as with Villas-Boas set to implement his favoured 4-3-3 formation, there looks to be no room for both of Torres and Chelsea’s proven sticker and better all-round player, Didier Drogba.
Already looking best in the title race are Man Utd, who scored a late winner a decent-looking West Brom side 2-1. Alex Ferguson’s selection was notable for its youth, and bred mixed results; 22-year-old Tom Cleverly looks highly-accomplished in a similar vain to Jack Wilshere, but new goalkeeper David de Gea was at fault for West Brom’s goal and thus far looks suspect. Overall though, United are looking good to retain their title with a side which flows together, despite all the new signings and youngsters.
For now though, it’s Bolton who lead the title race following their 4-0 thrashing away to newly-promoted QPR. A long-range effort by Gary Cahill just before half-time saw the tempo shift towards the away-side who then put the newcomers to the sword in the second half. QPR should not be too disheartened though, as their first-half performance suggests they can cut it as this level.
The second 4-0 of the weekend occurred on Monday as Man City put on a fine 2nd-half performance to put the Premiership’s first ever Welsh representatives to the sword. Two of the goals came from the latest expensive recruit Kun Aguero, who came on in the 2nd half and subsequently wreaked havoc. Despite playing in the Copa America this summer and suffering from blisters earlier in the week, the Argentine looks set to settle quickly, and his goals may turn out to be a key component in City’s push for the title.
Meanwhile Liverpool’s new-look 11 played with much passion and a high-tempo, but were disappointed to be held at home to Sunderland 1-1. Stuart Downing and especially Luis Enrique put in notable debuts, but with a reliance on long-balls to Andy Carroll and cross-field passes by Charlie Adam, Liverpool lacked flair. They may look reinvigorated under Kenny Daglish, but the truth is – aside from Luis Suarez - they lack the quality and individual excellence to compete with the best.
Elsewhere, Wolves picked up an away win at Blackburn, newcomers Norwich held Wigan to a 1-1 draw and Fulham and Villa played out a scoreless draw at Craven Cottage.
Results Blackburn 1-2 Wolves Fulham 0-0 Aston Villa Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland QPR 0-4 Bolton Tottenham P-P Everton Wigan 1-1 Norwich Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
Stoke 0-0 Chelsea West Brom 1-2 Man Utd
Man City 4-0 Swansea
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