Premier League is Back

After a summer in which the Cricket stole the show, the Premier League is back and regardless of results back with a bang.

What can we gain from the first weekend. I'll try an honest assessment of everyone.

Arsenal

They had some good moments away at Newcastle but it's a case of same old pretty passing story with no end product. Arsene Wenger seems in a state of delusion when a goalkeeper and 2 centre backs plus a defensive midfielder were surely necessary positions to fill and his first 2 signings were a right back and a winger/forward. No I'm not sure on Gervinho. Was he to try to show they were in for the best players. They have missed out on some decent players notably Given in goal and Phil Jones who could fill centre back of midfield roles not to mention Ashley Young, Stuart Downing and Charlie Adam all of whom would hardly break the bank. With Fabregas and Clichy gone and Nasri set to follow it really would not surprise me if Arsenal fail to qualify for Europe next season. Decent Cup runs will be needed.

Aston Villa

This will be a tough season for them as they cope with out Downing and Young. Bent is guaranteed goals at this level provided he gets decent service. N'Zogbia should be a good buy as long as McLeish can tame his alleged wilder side. Freidal impossible to replace you would think yet Shay Given looks like he hasn't been out the game for a year. If things click at Villa Park then top 10 finish pushing for Europe will be a good first year for all concerned. McLeish will look to retain the Carling Cup as a manager as a serious target this season.

Blackburn Rovers

Have turned into the new Tottenham with them rumoured to be in for all these exotic names yet none of them seen keen on a visit to Blackburn. New signings are a must and a good start is important for the manager who I for one am still unsure about. Should big Sam still be there. Probably for me. Goals will be hard to come by and keeping hold of inspirational Chris Samba is a must. Ultimately relegation I fear.

Bolton Wanderers

A slightly fortunate 4-0 away first win has the pundits getting excited but the realists know that a good season for Bolton will be top 10 pushing for Europe and a decent cup run. Both are obtainable and Gary Cahill looks like he would rather stay and if rumours of Shaun Wright-Phillips are true then they will have a really dangerous team. With Owen Coyle driving them forward and Kevin Davies leading the team then Bolton can cause a few surprises this season.

Chelsea

A disappointing first game although a point away from home is not to be sniffed at. Talk of Villas-Boas being under pressure have to be false. You can not hire a manager that young and gauge him over one season. Chelsea need to build something up based on the foundations in place. Their biggest problem will be keeping all the forward egos happy because Drogba and Torres will not like starting on the bench. Feel a trick was missed not starting Drogba for his strength against Stoke but if things are going bad like last season they have money at Christmas to buy 2 or 3 more players. Top 4 finish

Everton

Despite minor rumours things have been quiet on the whole at Goodison Park. It seems David Moyes may keep most of his squad and if they can get off to a good start for once then Everton have the capabilities to climb above Arsenal and challenge for Europa Cup spots. Keeping Saha fit will be a challenge but they are strong in midfield and defence.

Fulham

It is hard to figure out what is going on at Craven Cottage. Why did Hughes resign? Was he expecting the Chelsea job? Can Martin Jol continue Hodgson and Hughes's excellent seasons and push forward. As a European manager Jol will crave European action so expect good cup runs and steady league form. Mid table to top 10.

Liverpool

A lot of good signings over the summer and the Dalgleish factor will see Liverpool leap over Arsenal and Tottenham for the Champions League places. Maybe the only weakness is in defence with Carragher coming to an end and Agger needing a spell of no injuries. On the whole positive vibes surround Anfield and they still have Gerrard to come back into the side. Goals will not be a problem with Carroll, Suarez, Downing and Adam in their midst. Top 4.

Manchester City

What a summer. Tevez is he staying is he going, Balotelli throwing his dummy out and the financial muscle to turn heads. In Sergio Aguero and Gael Clichy they have bought well but are another team with team spirit issues. Their is something wrong with the core at City that only insiders would know. For the money they are paid players shouldn't complain about the city the club is situated in. Many top targets don't actually sign just get linked. They play to many matches not to lose instead of trying to win and this is why only a top 4 finish is available.

Manchester United

Who can beat the defending champions. Nobody is the short answer. Some have caught up others have fallen behind but United have strengthened and for the future. Ashley Young looks like he has been at Old Trafford for years and de Gea just has to adjust to the pace of our game. With Wayne Rooney looking fit and hungry United could win the league by a bigger margin than last season. Champions

Newcastle United

All fill depend on them keeping Joey Barton. If he goes then they will struggle to avoid relegation but if he stays he can push them to mid table. He is right to question the transfer policy with the monies from Carroll not reinvested sufficiently on the team. Bottom Half.

Norwich City

As all promoted teams a successful season will be the aim. Out of the 3 promoted teams they have the better team although Swansea and QPR have better individuals. I feel they will scramble to safety and next season will be the sterner test. Need a regular goal scorer. Bottom half.

Queens Park Rangers

We see it so often when a team walks to the Championship title and suddenly it isn't as easy in the Premier League. The opening day 4-0 home loss spelt out the weakness and Warnock needs some defensive reinforcements otherwise QPR will struggle. DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd can score goals provided Taarabt can give them service. Relegation fight.

Stoke City

Stoke are a decent team with an unfair label. Difficult to beat at home and presence away they will have a good season. 1 or 2 recruits are all that is needed to push the team on. Europa League may be unwanted distraction but a mid table to top 10 finish is expected from Stoke.

Sunderland

Steve Bruce has bought well over the summer and a good season should follow. Provided nobody jumps ship halfway through then Europe fringes is a real possibility. Larsson scored a wonder goal to open his account and they have options throughout the team now. Wes Brown looked good as well and if they can gel as a team and manage to score goals then top 10 pushing Europe is there for them.

Swansea City

Worrying start for the first Welsh team in the Premier League. An over reliance on Scott Sinclair could be costly but they seem unwilling to lose their principals which I like. Again they will be happy to finish 17th and they will cause problems with their passing game provided they take their chances. Relegation fight.

Tottenham Hotspurs

A strong season is expected from Spurs. Modric will try to showcase himself and although they will push hard I feel they will just come up short for Champions League qualification. Keeping hold of their stars and maintaining next season will be the real challenge. Spurs will have to settle for being the top North London club and another team to back in the cups. Europa League qualification.

West Bromich Albion

Roy Hodgson who was treated badly at Anfield has quietly got a decent team. They may not set off to many fireworks but an average season may still be classed a good one. keeping key players fit and at the club will be tough but mid table finish.

Wigan Athletic

Worry times for Wigan fans. If Rodallega goes then relegation awaits them. Even if he stays a long hard season is ahead. Relegation fight.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves have bought some useful additions and if they can get off to a better start than last season then safety should be sorted pretty early. O'Hara will do well with a settled future and if Doyle can keep fit they may do better than people think. Mid table