The most interesting aspect of the first week's results in the Premier League is that two of the newly promoted teams won their opening games, unlike the clubs involved last season, all of whom were later relegated. It is only the third time the newcomers have experienced such a good start since the Premier League was established in 1992.
Sunderland could not have asked for a better result with a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham United while Leeds United edged Everton 1-0 thanks to a late disputed penalty. Less fortunate were Burnley who were soundly beaten 3-0 on their visit to Tottenham Hotspur.
Of course it is only one game, but for these teams an early win can do wonders for their confidence and gives them the self-belief that they can handle themselves in the top flight. The Black Cats came out onto the pitch to the stirring sounds of Sergei Prokofiev's Dance of the Knights and it certainly seemed to inspire them and the crowd in the opener.
Sunderland have spent heavily in their determined bid to hold their own on their return to the Premier League after nine years. But it was goals from three players who helped the Black Cats win promotion which prompted the joyful scenes at The Stadium of Light.
Head coach Regis Le Blis praised goalscorers Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor. "They showed they can step up," he said.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke was equally pleased with his team's performance against the lacklustre Toffees, noting it was a tight game but "we deserved the win."
It is important now for Sunderland and Leeds to build on the encouraging opener. It won't be an easy task. Leeds today visit an Arsenal side fresh from an important away win at Manchester United. Sunderland have to visit a Burnley team that will be desperate to get off the mark against their fellow newly promoted rivals.
Many think that after three successive runners-up places the Gunners could give the defending champions a run for their money this season. Liverpool began their campaign with a mixed performance, making heavy weather of a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth. While the Reds were inventive in attack, their defence looked decidedly shaky against counterattacks.
On a hugely emotional day at Anfield, manager Arne Slot praised the fans for the way they paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota throughout the match. "It was all so impressive and powerful," he said, adding that the game "was great to watch."
Perhaps the most significant performance came from Manchester City, who demolished Wolves 4-0 at Molineux. New signing, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders made a huge impression with a fine all-round display including a goal and an assist while up front Erling Haaland looked back to his best with a brace.
Chris Woods is another reliable goalscorer and was on target twice as Nottingham Forest enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Brentford who could be in for an uncomfortable season. At Stamford Bridge an underwhelming Chelsea were fortunate to escape with a goalless draw against lively Crystal Palace. As for Alexander Isak... a sorry tale of modern football.
England v Scotland
The annual Alex Forbes Memorial Cup between England and Scotland expats kicks off at Bangkok Patana School at 3.30pm this afternoon. Last year it was a case of honours even as the teams fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Sunderland could not have asked for a better result with a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham United while Leeds United edged Everton 1-0 thanks to a late disputed penalty. Less fortunate were Burnley who were soundly beaten 3-0 on their visit to Tottenham Hotspur.
Of course it is only one game, but for these teams an early win can do wonders for their confidence and gives them the self-belief that they can handle themselves in the top flight. The Black Cats came out onto the pitch to the stirring sounds of Sergei Prokofiev's Dance of the Knights and it certainly seemed to inspire them and the crowd in the opener.
Sunderland have spent heavily in their determined bid to hold their own on their return to the Premier League after nine years. But it was goals from three players who helped the Black Cats win promotion which prompted the joyful scenes at The Stadium of Light.
Head coach Regis Le Blis praised goalscorers Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor. "They showed they can step up," he said.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke was equally pleased with his team's performance against the lacklustre Toffees, noting it was a tight game but "we deserved the win."
It is important now for Sunderland and Leeds to build on the encouraging opener. It won't be an easy task. Leeds today visit an Arsenal side fresh from an important away win at Manchester United. Sunderland have to visit a Burnley team that will be desperate to get off the mark against their fellow newly promoted rivals.
Many think that after three successive runners-up places the Gunners could give the defending champions a run for their money this season. Liverpool began their campaign with a mixed performance, making heavy weather of a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth. While the Reds were inventive in attack, their defence looked decidedly shaky against counterattacks.
On a hugely emotional day at Anfield, manager Arne Slot praised the fans for the way they paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota throughout the match. "It was all so impressive and powerful," he said, adding that the game "was great to watch."
Perhaps the most significant performance came from Manchester City, who demolished Wolves 4-0 at Molineux. New signing, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders made a huge impression with a fine all-round display including a goal and an assist while up front Erling Haaland looked back to his best with a brace.
Chris Woods is another reliable goalscorer and was on target twice as Nottingham Forest enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Brentford who could be in for an uncomfortable season. At Stamford Bridge an underwhelming Chelsea were fortunate to escape with a goalless draw against lively Crystal Palace. As for Alexander Isak... a sorry tale of modern football.
England v Scotland
The annual Alex Forbes Memorial Cup between England and Scotland expats kicks off at Bangkok Patana School at 3.30pm this afternoon. Last year it was a case of honours even as the teams fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw.
