Premier League Gameweek 1: Cheers and Jeers

Here’s a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly from gameweek one of the Premier League.

Cheers:

1. Gary Cahill. His wonderful strike in the opening half against QPR sent Bolton on its way to a 4-0 win.
2. Wolverhampton. It’s not always pretty, but it’s an optimistic win to start the campaign.
3. Wayne Rooney. Already one hundred times better start to this season compared to last season.
4. Kieron Dyer. The ill-fated QPR man suffered another injury.  Here’s hoping that he can rehab and come back strong and help Rangers avoid relegation.
5. Stewart Downing. It didn’t lead to a goal, but his first half swerving run down the right hand side through multiple defenders was magical.  If the ball had gone in, it would’ve been the early leader for goal of the year.
6. Norwich, QPR, and Swansea. A loss or tie in the Premier League is still a better weekend than any in the Championship.
7. Sebastian Larsson. The early clubhouse leader for goal of the season.
8. Sergio Aguero. Carlos who?

Jeers:

1. David De Gea. It is easy to forget that the keeper is still only twenty years old, but he has yet to give Manchester United fans much faith in his ability.
2. Joey Barton. The mercurial midfielder added another highlight to his bad boy persona.  Love him or hate him, he gives football fans something to talk about.
3. Arsenal/Newcastle match. It’s early, but that match displayed some of the most unwatchable football in some time.
4. Cesc Fabregas. At least the drama is finally over and the Gunners can take their transfer money and move on.
5. The postponement of the Tottenham/Everton match. It’s unfortunate when real life problems interrupt English football.  However, this also allows fans to take a step back and realize that football is still just a game and there are more important things in the world.
6. Referee Mark Halsey. The blind eye towards an obvious penalty possibly denied three points for Chelsea.