New season, same old faces

The pundits say that it is going to be the closest season ever with anything up to seven clubs in the frame fpr top three in the Premier League. And all the talent bought in the summer...

Sorry - but it is same old, same old. Chelsea's demolition of West Brom with top scorer Drogba bagging a hat-trick and Manchester Utd's cruise past Newcastle through a brilliant display from Paul Scholes, who set up teammate Ryan Giggs for the third, show the top two are still the teams to beat.

Arsenal's draw at Anfield without star midfielder Fabregas suggests they will be one of the teams who can possibly challenge; Liverpool on the other hand were less than convincing.

Both Manchester City and Tottenham could have got the win but have a long way to go to mount a serious challenge despite substantial spending - Spurs may find their first venture into the Champions League an additional stretch. Martin O'Neill's departure from Aston Villa also puts a questionmark over Villa's challenge - especially if they entertain the services of a certain Swede.

The only surprise was Blackpool's brilliant 4-0 thrashing of Wigan away from home - it could have been double that! Wigan's Martinez suddenly finds himself in the managerial chair nearest the door...