(ThyBlackMan.com) The Premier League is known the world over for drama and excitement. This weekend’s opening fixtures did not disappoint, giving some indication of just how competitive the title race might be.
All the pre-season talk was about who might challenge the might of Chelsea, who romped home to the title last season. Many of the pundits have predicted that Arsenal will be the Blues’ main rivals this term. However, if their opening day performance is anything to go by, Jose Mourinho need not lose any sleep. The Gunners slumped to a surprise two nil home defeat to West Ham and in truth, Arsene Wenger’s side didn’t really ever get into their stride. With little room for error during a long season, Arsenal will need to bounce back quickly. As far as Arsenal fans will be concerned, the sooner Alexis Sanchez returns to full fitness, the better.
However, Mourinho himself will be bitterly disappointed that Chelsea were unable to start the season with a win. Gary Monk’s Swansea City showed every sign that they will remain a tough side to beat, coming from behind twice to secure a two all draw at Stamford Bridge. The second Swansea goal, a penalty, came after Chelsea’s goalkeeper Thibaut Cortois was handed a red card, meaning a spell on the sidelines for the impressive Belgian keeper. Nonetheless, according to bookmaker William Hill, Chelsea 
remain the title favourites despite their weekend hiccup.
The opening day results also saw Manchester United set a marker for the new season. Old Trafford boss Louis Van Gaal has spent heavily during the summer and although it wasn’t the most fluid display, the Red Devils squeezed out a one nil victory against a tough Tottenham Hotspur side. It is the kind of scrappy victory which United will need to continue to achieve if they are to stand a chance of a genuine title challenge.
Another big club with big ambitions is Liverpool. Coach Brendan Rodgers faces perhaps a career-defining season and will have been delighted to have got off to a winning start at Stoke City. A fabulous strike by Phillipe Coutinho just minutes before full time was enough to secure the three points.
And although it’s far too early to predict who will be taking the honours at the end of the season and who will suffer the pain of relegation, alarm bells will have been ringing for Sunderland fans who saw their side slump to a 4-2 defeat at Leicester City. Meanwhile, the only one of last season’s promoted sides to pick up a point was Watford who secured an impressive two all draw at Everton.
Staff Writer; Jerry White
