Premiership Lookback – 1st Round of Matches 15/08 & 16/08

3) Wolves vs West Ham

A great start for Gianfranco Zola, probably the most lovable manager in the Premier League. With no great additions to their squad and with some players expected to leave due to their financial situation, things could turn sour. If they lose Upson, that could be crucial. West Ham will do very well if they finish anywhere near mid table this season.

West Ham on their day are a decent outfit for me; with some really good players. A big season for Scotty Parker, Jieron Dyer and Julien Faubert in midfield. Carlton Cole will be expected to score goals this season.

Mark Noble is probably one of the great English talents for me, A great great goal in the game and he did well throughout. Under the guidance of the great Zola, he will prosper.

Wolves on the other hand lacks quality players in their squad to challenge in the Premier League, Mancienne is a good loan signing however they will need a lot more. With a soft start against West Ham, who are no great shakes, they really needed a good start. They will not play the top 4 till November and that is crucial; they will need to pick up some points by then to have any chance of staying up.

They never really threatened for me in this game and were looking desperate near the end although this is only the opening game.

After this showing at home, even the most optimistic of Wolves fans will agree that it will be a miracle and an awesome achievement if they survive the drop.


4) Bolton v Sunderland

A good start for Darren Bent who I tipped to do well for Sunderland this season. Under the great management of Steve Bruce who I happen to think is a great manager, Sunderland will have a good season. Definitely good enough to finish at least mid-table.

The squad has been strengthened by the arrival of Bent, Cattermole and Campbell. More strength in defense will be needed for me. Fulop made a great save at the end to preserve the win for me, However, he is not a great keeper.

As for the goal, Bent did well with a good header, however I still feel Jaaskelainen could have saved that. For Bolton, Megson has not made significant signings for me. Zat Knight, Sean Davies, Sam Ricketts and Paul Robinson were not great signings. With the lack of cash, they could struggle this season although I do expect them to survive.

They had some good moments in the game but just lacked the cutting edge in front of their own fans. Like Wolves, this is the kind of game they needed to win, especially at home and they failed.

As for Sunderland, a good start ahead of their next game against Ancelotti’s Chelsea troops.


5) Everton v Arsenal

The performance of the weekend without a single doubt. Arsenal were just immense and the results was no fluke and certainly was not flattering.

Denilson had a good game and started the season well like last season. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain this kind of performance throughout the season. Vermaelen had a great game too, aggressive in defense and looks like a no nonsense defender for me. He goal was a great one too.

The fluidity of the Gunner’s passing was great to watch. Cesc Fabregas looks refreshed and weighed in with 2 goals after having a porous season by his standards the last time round. The great test for the team will come towards the Christmas period when the going might get tough.

As for the team, Van persie is crucial for them and need to be fit through out the season. Arshavin had an effective game and will only improve.

As for Everton, a bad start for them and although this may be a one off, there are reasons for Moyes to be worried. Already on a tight budget, they have not added any significant signings to the squad and this could over stretch the very thin squad they have.

Lescott look porous in defense and he admitted his focus was not there after having his head turned by the approaches of Man City.

It will be a win-win situation to sell him to Man City. Lescott will have his desired move while Moyes will have a decent amount of cash to strengthen his squad. They really need some strengthening and with the window so near its closing date, the situation is desperate.

Fellaini is no forward and he could be found out if Moyes insist on playing him up front. Everton need to have a fit Arteta as he is crucial to their midfield, much like Alonso is for Liverpool.

I still expect Everton to have a decent season, but do not expect great shakes from them. A UEFA finish will be a decent achievement. A performance to forget for all Everton fans.