English Premier League: What we learned from the weekend
Manchester United didn't sparkle as expected against Tottenham Hotspur, some may argue they weren't expected to, but spending so much on sudden- bar Morgan Schneiderlin- signings, one expected them to give us some hints as to what to expect in the new season, they didn't.
Match sharpness was absent, passes didn't stick and the fact that their best player on the afternoon was in goal explains their outing.
Tottenham on their own front didn't too much disappoint, they weren't booked to beat United at Old Trafford, were unlucky to concede from their own boots but must make sure they make early attempts count in subsequent games, Darmian, Smalling and Young had a fine game, others must improve if United must shine.
Aston Villa proved bookmakers wrong including yours sincerely, they went all out against boring Bournemouth and grabbed all points, Micah Richards and substitute Rudy Gestede shone brightest in a healing team.
Are they the new saints? Sell your top performers and rebuild? That doesn't look likely as it is too early to call, but Bournemouth must brace up if they want to fight for relegation in peace, they shouldn't be condemned to their former league as early as December, but a toothless showing at home like that isn't the reason they pipped Watford to the championship last May
Step forward Leicester City, that's how to do it! Early goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez set the stage for a 4:2 win over Sunderland, last season's story isn't a very good one, though it's inspirational, it was scary.
Leicester must go on from here and aim higher, Ranieri was largely expected to fail, he must not look back, together they must keep their feet on the pedal , yes they can.
For Sunderland, it's déjàvu, same of how it has always been, terrible game plan, silly attitude and overall mediocrity, nothing in that squad is worth commending.
Everton slipped up at home to newly promoted Watford, with due respect to the new boys the result was an upset, what happened to the lyrics of Martinez before kickoff?
Thanks to Kone, Watford would have ran out winners on the day, Ross Barkley is one genius of a player, but the Everton manager will do himself a lot of good if he's able to shield him from the destructive English media.
Well done Watford, you gave a good fight, one moment of concentration loss robbed Watford of some sensational opening day win, Odion Ighalo must have done some damages to the bride price of Chelsea's romantic lover Jon Stones as he cut him inside out to net a golazo. More of that Boys.
Norwich returned to the top flight to entertain Crystal Palace, albeit a difficult visitor, the motivation and team spirit in the Palace camp is beyond the reach of the Carrow road landlords not for the lack of efforts, the Eagles just didn't come easy.
Yohan Cabaye was the standout performer of the afternoon but the take away point is the fact that Crystal Palace is worth taking serious if they can afford to bench Mile Jedinak.
Oh dear! Bookmakers must be licking their wounds after a moment of madness from Thibaut Coutois saw Bafetimbi Gomes level from the spot, spirited display from the welsh team earned them a troublesome one point at Stamford Bridge.
Ivanovic endured a torrid afternoon in the hands of Montero, Swansea can hope for a huge season from there but the champions must change gear, an unfit Diego Costa is a weakness in Mourinho's squad he has to understand this, Begovic must take responsibilities now at least for three straight games, it's a marathon, one bad result doesn't define a season, but it can spark momentum in either direction... Wake up Chelsea.
Once upon some weeks, Arsenal were going to win the EPL because they signed an experienced goalkeeper, because they won some preseason treble and because their fans usually start the season with new found hopes, it's morning and reality is here.
Westham had no respect for whatever Arsene and his men had in plans, they soaked up early pressure and eased themselves into the game gradually, with teenage debutant Reece Oxford running riot in midfield, it was hard to notice Mesut Ozil on the pitch.
It will be childish to rule Arsenal out of the running this early, but the exploits of Olivier Giroud upfront on the day practically explains Arsenal's need for a proven striker, one off performance few times a season won't win you the league... Fantastic start to Bilic's premier league career.
Liverpool showed character to win at the Brittania stadium... We've heard that before, that exactly was what Philip Coutinho exemplified on Sunday, one moment it was going to end in a stalemate, another moment the Brazilian wonder kid was wheeling away in celebrations, one fierce blinder from distance proved too hurtful to Stoke and served as a perfect revenge for the humiliation of last May on the same ground.
Stoke must regroup and make their new found style count, Liverpool must build on this, muscle out cohesion and avoid lofty expectations, one game at a time will do... And a generous suitor for their black Italian too.
Written by @Komptrolla