Premier League / maxliu / 15 August 2009 / Leave a comment

The opening weekend of the Premier League season was a bad one for Merseyside clubs but a good one for fans of glorious goals...

"Burnley are [1.46] to go down and [1.9] to finish rock bottom but remember; after Stoke's opening day defeat last season, one bookie prematurely paid out on Tony Pulis' side being relegated."

Tottenham Hotspur began their Premier League campaign with a win for only the second time in the nine years as they traded at [5.0] on their way to victory over Liverpool.

Harry Redknapp's side took the lead on the stroke of half time when Benoit Assou-Ekotto blasted a super strike past Pepe Reina from the edge of the box.

The Reds equalised through a Steven Gerrard penalty but were level for only three minutes before Sebastien Bassong headed in a debut goal. Rafael Benitez's men surged forward in search of a second and were denied what looked like a credible penalty shout. After the defeat, Liverpool are [5.6] in the Premier League winner market.

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal as Manchester United traded no higher than [1.38] for their routine victory over Birmingham City. Michael Owen had a chance to open his Old Trafford account but he shot tamely when through on goal in injury time. United are now [3.06] to win a fourth successive title.

On Saturday, Arsenal were backed at [2.58] as they thumped Everton 1-6 at Goodison Park.

This was a majestic performance from the Gunners, who passed the ball immaculately and were ruthless in front of goal. Everton, for whom this was a record Premier League home defeat, simply couldn't get near them. David Moyes can only hope that his defenders will not be too traumatised by the result.

Denilson started the rout by bending an outstanding strike into the top corner of Tim Howard's net before a debut goal from Thomas Vermaelen and a far post header from William Gallas put the visitors 0-3 up before half time.

A Cesc Fabregas brace piled on the misery for David Moyes' side in the second half as the ironic cheer of "Boring boring Arsenal" went up from the away supporters. Louis Saha knocked in a late consolation for the Toffees after substitue Eduardo had grabbed the sixth to give Arsenal, who can now be backed at [7.6] to win the Premier League, a record opening day away win.

Emmanuel Adebayor was matched at 9.2 before he became the first Manchester City galactico to start to repay his summer transfer fee. The Togolese striker rifled in a third minute goal from 20 yards out in City's 0-2 win over Blackburn Rovers.

City, who were backed at [2.9] ,didn't have it all their own way. Much was made of David Dunn's pre-match comments about Rovers intention to get physical with City' stars but Blackburn played the best football in the first half and looked dangerous going forward.

However, in the second half, they retained the ball in midfield, Kolo Toure and Richard Dunne were dominant at the back and City always looked the more likely to score. Rovers held out until injury time, when Stephen Ireland slotted the ball home to wrap up a 0-2 victory which was matched at [14.5].

In the lunch time kick off, Chelsea drifted to [5.6] before Didier Drogba's exquisite injury-time chip gave Carlo Ancelotti his first victory as Blues boss.

Hull City had been regarded as ideal first fixture fodder for the Premier League winner market favourites. But the Tigers' fierce attacking and brave defending was reminiscent of their excellent start to last season. New signing Stephen Hunt was booed every time he touched the ball but the Irishman was not distracted when he tapped the ball into an open goal after 27 minutes. The first Premier League first goalscorer of the 2009/10 season was matched at [46.0].

Chelsea's equaliser was a beauty as Drogba got his free-kick up and down and over the wall, into the bottom corner of the Hull net. The Ivorian was a constant menace in the second -half and the fact that he admitted that his injury time winner was intended as a cross, takes nothing away from two superb strikes.

Aston Villa were booed off after their 0-2 defeat to Wigan. The Latics were matched at [6.6] and the scoreline touched [46.0] before Hugo Rodellega's stunning first half volley set up an impressive first win for manager Roberto Martinez. With Villa pressing for an equaliser in the second half, Jason Koumas coolly finished a swift counter-attack to make the points safe.

Wolves endured a miserable return to the top flight. Mark Noble's quality strike and a Matthew Upson header gave West Ham a 0-2 win at Molineux. The Hammers were matched at [3.35].

Fellow new boys Burnley lost by the same score at the Britannia Stadium where Stoke were backed at [2.24] as they offered a lesson in what it takes to survive in the Premier League. Ryan Shawcross was on target for the home side and an own goal from unlucky Stephen Jordan settled it. The Lancastrians are now [1.46] to go down and [1.9] to finish rock bottom but remember; after Stoke's opening day defeat last season, one bookie prematurely paid out on Tony Pulis' side being relegated.

Steve Bruce got off to a winning start as Sunderland boss as they hung on for a 0-1 victory against Bolton. The Black Cats, for whom Darren Bent struck a debut goal, touched [3.95].

Portsmouth's woes continued as they went down 0-1 at Fratton Park to Fulham. The Cottagers, who had Bobby Zamora to thank, were backed at [3.45].

Tags: Arsenal, Aston villa, Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, burnley relegation odds, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Hull City FC, Manchester City, Portsmouth Town, Stoke City