Predictions for first games then? - Premier League

Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

Podolski, Arteta.

Fulham 1-1 Norwich

Ruiz - Holt

QPR 2-1 Swansea

Cisse, Park - Graham

Reading 1-1 Stoke

Pogbrebniak - Shawcross

West Brom 1-2 Liverpool

Odemwinge - Suarez, Gerrard.

West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa

Cole - Weimann

Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham

Cisse - VDV

Wigan 1-2 Chelsea

Moses - Torres x2

Man City 4-0 Southampton

Aguero x2, Toure, Tevez

Everton 1-2 Man Utd

Jelavic - Rooney, RVP (It's bound to happen)

 

1-1? How could you tash?

 

'Pool are two down with three quarters possession, just like BR's team at Swansea against us

 

Wow, well who could have predicted all of these?

 

well my 5-3 didn't come off but my helmet skin has been off and on

 

Bit of a shocker here Tash but it was typical first day results. At least you got one right. I was impressed by Swansea. Not winning 5-0 which was of course impressive, Laudrup just looked to have them well drilled tactically. He has a good record as a manager, they could surprise again.

 

They seem to want to play decent football this year, rather than the crap "Keep it in the defence" style they played last year... Poor Liverpool.

 

That's what its all about though. Last year was excellent from Swansea. They get criticised for the pass, pass, pass but it was about putting a foundation down to progress from. They look like they can do that. You have to remember where they came from.

Rodgers will have to do that this year at Liverpool and it is gonna take a great deal of patience from fans and board. Will they have it? I suspect not. We are obsessed in this country with instant success because of the likes of Chelski and Citeh. The best things which are to built to last tend to be put together over a little longer. Rodgers needs the time but at clubs of that size I'm not sure you get it.

Not being funny but I can see difficult times for AVB, Rodgers and Lambert. They won't get time. Have you seen Liverpools fixtures? My money is already down on first sacking after yesterday.

 

To be fair (and I am not that keen on them), Liverpool's fans are some of the best in the country for patience and giving their manager time.

 

If we're going on yesterdays results, and especially considering the club, I'd go with Mark Hughes. And I'm not convinced Swansea will stick with the same mentality this year, so apart from staying up, the work they've done last year could well be in vain. Liverpool don't need to think about staying up, the problem is whether or not Rodgers mentality will allow them to get anywhere near where they want to be. It works for Barca and Spain, because they have arguably the two best midfielders in the world. Liverpool don't have anyone who comes remotely close.

 

In general I'd agree, but tell that to Woy! Didn't take long to turn on him...

The massive plus for BR is his youth and different approach. An older manager coming in from a smaller club with a traditional approach is nearly always written off immediately, but something seems to strike a cord with the fans when they've been deemed up and comers...

Personally, I think Liverpool have made some good signings, but are still a couple light of being able to properly adapt to BR's game. Suarez is good, but selfish and terrible at finishing a lot of the time. Now they have a few more players to play wide, when Suarez should be there and they should have brought in an actual finisher. Where's Ruud Van Horseface? Is he retired? If he isn't, he would be good for them for a season in my opinion.

 

Reading 1-1 Stoke

 

NI Revolution was trying to tell us Lucas would be the key to their success this year... If he is, the entire league need not worry!

Think the pundits were right though last night, Liverpool's defence was all over the place at times, and they clearly haven't adapted to the system BR has set.

Do they need time, or are they not smart enough to pull it off? Time will tell. Bet Man Citeh are relieved they won't be signing Agger!