Devlisly Red!

As the second week passed for the EPL with teams clashing in mid week as well as on the weekend one thing became clearer; this will not be a repeat of last season. As teams battled their rivals the major highlight games shaped the table. Beginning with midweek, Chelsea lost their first match ensuring that the new duo of Michael Ballack and Andrei Schevchenko were brought down to reality of the EPL, but as always the Sunday clash between Rovers and Chelsea left a lot to be expected from the Rovers. Liverpool returned to their winning ways as they won their first game of the season over the hammers. With Robbie Fowler returning to the reds and captain Gerard staying put with the reds, I like their odds to stay in the top four this season and they proved to be worthy with the win. Hammers, even though lost this battle are looking good as they beat out WHL last season in the last game and started with a win with the first game over Charlton Athletic and to qualify for a UEFA cup spot this season would be greatly appreciated by the hammers' fans.

Arsenal's last season woes continue into this season as they barely qualified for the UEFA champions League last season (through a little help by the hammers) but they better get the team in order. A summer transfer of Tomas Rosciky, youngster Theo Walcott and the biggest news; Henry staying at Arsenal should be utilized to the best. The team although is still not ready because Ashley Cole and Reyes are still not settled, and the loss of Bergkamp's leadership and the left midfield loss of Pires is surely to be felt within Arsenal, but is Wenger finds the mental strength to fight his way through the Jungle of EPL he will be rewarded with a spot amongst the top 8, at least. All credit to Man City to find the mental strength to bear a lot of bad news during the week and still come out and defeat Arsenal. If they find the same form throughout the season a spot in top 8 is not unthinkable. Everton was the biggest surprise as they stayed close to Manchester United, who has not lost any matches yet, and Alex Ferguson looks to capture another title, but I think that without Van Nistelroy they may find themselves at a loss during the mid season. It will be interesting to see Everton maintain their season beginning which they lost last season.

The newcomers' welcome continued as Sheffield United, Watford and Reading didn't record a W in the column. Charlton Athletic also proved with their win that they are not here to play hokie pokie, but they are here to play and at least stay in the standings. Portsmouth and Fulham are showing their colors in the beginning of the season, but obviously with the onset of more difficult games, only time will tell what will become of them. Newcastle also disappointed as Owens will not be in the starting lineup when they lost to Villa on Sunday. Totenham also needs to get their team together as their loss of Everton was nothing to be remembered.

So as the second week comes to an end Manchester United seems to be running away with it, but watch for Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton behind. Let us see what the middle week clashes and the third week bring.