The five most surprising results of the opening weekend of Premier League fixtures…
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5) Wigan 0-4 Blackpool (2010)
Premier League newcomers Blackpool made the dream start to their Premier League campaign as they thrashed Wigan Atheltic in their own stadium. Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Marlon Harewood and Elliot Grandin had the Tangerines three up by half-time, before Alex Baptiste complete the rout late on for Ian Holloway’s side. However, it was the opening day victors that would go on to be relegated, while the Latics survived for another year.
4) Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea (2003)
In Chelsea’s first game under the leadership of Roman Abramovich – who had already spent millions on the likes of Juan Sebastian Veron, Joe Cole, Hernan Crespo, Claude Makelele and Damien Duff – the Blues defeated Liverpool at Anfield. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored the winner three minutes from time, after Michael Owen had cancelled out Veron’s opener for Claudio Ranieri’s side. Despite the result, and a successful season, Ranieri was soon replaced by Jose Mourinho.
3) Everton 1-6 Arsenal (2009)
Arsenal came into the 2009-10 season with all guns blazing as they thrashed Everton 6-1 at Goodison Park. Arsene Wenger’s side led 3-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Denilson, Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas, before a Cesc Fabregas double and an Eduardo striker after the break. Louis Saha netted the late consolation. Historically, Arsenal have struggled at Everton, but this game was the exception to the rule.
2) Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (2004)
Jose Mourinho got off to the perfect start in his first reign as Chelsea manager, with Eidur Gudjohnsen scoring the only goal at Stamford Bridge and beginning the Blue’s march toward a first Premier League title in half a century. The game also marked the start of Mourinho’s long-standing rivalry with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, which would run for another decade, even after the Portuguese man’s departure to Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
1) Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa (2013)
A result that marked one of the darkest moments in Arsene Wenger’s reign as Arsenal manager. Approaching a decade without winning a trophy, many fan’s were calling for the Frenchman’s head after this dour opening day defeat. Christian Benteke scored twice, and Antonio Luna added a third to cancel out Olivier Giroud’s opener at the Emirates Stadium.
However, an Aaron Ramsey inspired Gunners went onto have a solid season, securing Champions League football with ease before finally tasting success, picking up the FA Cup after victory over Hull City at Wembley. The match also acted as a turning point in Wenger’s transfer philosophy, as he finally spent big on Real Madrid’s Mesut Ozil before the end of the month.
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