The new English Premier League season has hit the ground running with eight games being played on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea nearly produced the first upset of the season.
Chelsea got the ball running with a less-than-convincing 2-1 win over Hull. Drogba saved some blushes for the blues with a 90th minute winner, in a match in which the London side were forced to come back from one goal behind.
Last year’s hard nuts Aston Villa were thoroughly outplayed by Wigan on their home pitch, 2-0.
Blackburn went down to big-spending Man City, whose main signing, former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, marked his presence with an opener just 3 minutes into the game. Stephen Ireland added the second in the injury time.
And Sunderland recorded their first league win under Steve Bruce. New signing Darren Bent's debut goal after five minutes established the difference between the sides.
Portsmouth never got into the game against Fulham.
New boys Burnley were thumped by Stoke, while Wolves went down 2-0 at home to West Ham.
Elsewhere, Andrey Arsharvin and his Arsenal teammates thumped Everton 6-1, with goals from Delilson, Vermaalen, Gallas, a couple from Fabregas, and Eduardo making it a miserable first day for Everton.