So week one of the Premier League is over and already a familiar pattern can be seen. Once again Manchester United seem like the team to beat although they will be closely followed by money spending rivals Chelsea and Manchester City. Whereas, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool will battle for that all important fourth spot. Mike Ashley appears likely to continue to struggle to bond with the Geordie faithful, no matter how often he wears his Newcastle top accompanied by his infamous plastic beer glass. And Blackburn's rapid decline will see them witness another agonizing May. Yet although there are these similarities between last season and this one, football fans can look forward to witnessing just why the English Barclay's Premier League is the best football league in the world for entertainment.
Although there were not as many goals in the first week compared to previous seasons, the games did not fail to disappoint. Alex Ferguson has once again proven 'you are never too old' by beginning the 2011/12 campaign in style. His summer signings, particularly Ashley Young, look to become important factors in retaining the coveted Premier League trophy. His shrewd activities in the transfer market have given his side a whole new style. Although this may also be due to Wayne Rooney's new hair implants. After cruising past West Brom at The Hawthorn's, Man Utd look to have hit the ground running and seem in good form for a tough August. Over at the Britannia Stadium where Stoke City hosted title challengers Chelsea a new player turned out for the blues wearing the number 9 shirt. Fernando Torres didn't get on the score sheet but it certainly wasn't from lack of trying. He seemed much like the old Torres, making intelligent runs, holding the ball up well for his team mates and shooting at goal whenever he got the chance. If his confidence continues improving then Roman Abramovic will have a genuine reason for displaying his smug Russian grin as his £50million investment will finally appear to be paying off.
With La Liga gaining one of the biggest stars of the Premier League in Cesc Fabregas, it looks like England may have gained another player of that calibre after he moved in the opposite direction. Sergio Aguero's mesmerising debut against Swansea will have the little Argentines name on every Manchester City's fans' lips and replacing Carlos Tevez on the back of their shirts. Being dubbed the 'next Maradona' earlier in his career propelled the forward into the spotlight. But after performances like this one, those similarities do not seem so far apart.
Down at the other end of the table there are six teams all with a high chance of facing the drop come May. Along with the newcomers Blackburn, Wolves and Wigan will once again face a nail biting end to the season. I personally don't believe either Norwich, Swansea or QPR have the strength in depth to be able to challenge in this league and all three could make an unwelcome return to The Championship next season.
With the pressure on each team higher than ever it would appear that this season will be the most unpredictable, controversial and excitable season of the Premier League era.
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