1 down, 37 to go (unless you support Newcastle or Man Utd)

As the final whistle went yesterday in a controversy filled Liverpool vs Arsenal encounter, it's hard to believe that the Premiership is back. Following the World Cup, football fans have been anticipating the big kick off as all attention turned to 12.45 on Saturday afternoon when Manchester City travelled to White Hart Lane for an opening day encounter against Tottenham and an exciting 0-0 draw followed.

Joe Hart proved to be the hero of the day (and showcasing why he should be Englands Number 1) as no matter what Tottenham did up front, they couldn't stop a fine goalkeeping display by the 23 year old. Despite spending almost £100million this transfer window, Manchester City looked particularly average. Silva was kept quiet, Kolarov went off injured early on, Yaya Toure wasn't his midfield controlling self whilst Balotelli wasn't signed in time to be considered for the team sheet. For Spurs fans, the best player must've been Gareth Bale. Time and time again he terrorised the Manchester City back four and was unlucky not to break the deadlock when he beat Hart but not the post. It is great to see him carrying on his form from last season and he is turning out to be a, potentially, great left winger with time still on his side (he is still only 21, believe it or not).

On to the 3 o'clock kick off's and new boys Blackpool proved to be the talking point of Jeff and the boys on Soccer Saturday as they tore Wigan apart with a convincing 4-0 win away from home, Aston Villa started life without Martin O'Neill with a solid 3-0 home win against West Ham with new Manchester City signing....sorry, pre-mature talk there, James Milner grabbing a goal to add £35million onto his £450million price tag, Sunderland blowing a 2-0 lead at home to Birmingham in a game which finished 2-2, Blackburn grabbing a 1-0 win against Everton who, in my opinion, are a team going backwards rather than forwards, Wolves scraping past Stoke for a 2-1 win at home continuing there impressive home record which they will need to keep if they are to avoid 'second season syndrome' and finally, Bolton drew 0-0 at home to Fulham in a game which I had no idea was on to be honest.

Next up is the evening kick off with title winners Chelsea hosting Premiership new boys, for the 73rd time, West Brom. Chelsea were comfortably favourites for this match and ran out 6-0 victors courtesy of a Drogba hat-trick, Malouda grabbing two and Lampard doing what he can't do for England, if Uruguayan referee's are to be believed, and scoring a lovely 63rd minute effort thanks to some great work by Anelka and Ashley Cole leaving them ahead of title contenders Blackpool following close of play on Saturday.

Only one Premiership game was played on Sunday with a controversy fuelled affair between Liverpool and Arsenal. Two major talking points in this game, the first being a red card for Joe Cole with a number of people saying it wasn't a red. Frankly, I have to disagree. Watching it again, it was a challenge on Koscielny that was very high up, close to his knee with his studs showing. Atkinson got that decision right I'm afraid Liverpool fans as it was a dangerous tackle. The second has to be the goal for Arsenal. It was such an unlucky incident for Reina as he attempted to catch a ball that had rebounded off his near post before fumbling it into his own net. You have got too feel for Reina as he is a great keeper and, after last season's beach ball incident, wouldn't have wanted something so unfortunate to happen to him so early on in the season, if at all.

This leads me onto tonight's showcase between Manchester United and Newcastle United and the return of Monday Night Football on Sky with Man Utd needing a win following Chelsea's crushing of West Brom. With Man Utd being at home against a newly promoted Newcastle, I can't look any further than a Man Utd win in this one and I believe it will be a convincing win at least. Well, it has to be after the weekend to keep up with Chelsea.

Finally, my predictions for this season. I think United will win the league this year with Chelsea finishing second, Arsenal third, Tottenham fourth with the Europa League places going to Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa despite O'Neill leaving with Wigan, West Ham and Blackpool the three teams to go down. It sure is going to be a great season whatever happens with all the top teams getting better and the mid table teams proving any team can be beaten.

Will write again when I can.

Laters,

Macca