By Alex Bell
The Premier League season is back underway and we've picked out the top things we've learned from the opening round.
From champions Leicester City's surprise defeat away at newly-promoted Hull City, to Liverpool's thrilling win over Arsenal, here's five key moments.
Yes, Liverpool have gone to the Emirates and pulled off a remarkable 4-3 win at Arsenal. Cruising at 4-1, Jurgen Klopp probably couldn't believe what was happening, as the likes of Coutinho and Mane ran riot around a somewhat prone Gunners defence - but this result merely papered over Liverpool's defensive cracks.
Alberto Moreno had been flying into tackles well before he clumsily brought down Theo Walcott for a penalty, and Arsenal's first goal was a defensive shambles. Debutant Ragnar Klavan played everyone onside, as a statuesque back-line ball-watched for fun, leaving Walcott totally free to rifle home. Goal two saw Dejan Lovren delivering a feeble, hands behind-the-back, Saturday Night Fever-type block attempt, which deflected off his limp big toe and into the old onion bag! Throw in a third goal that came from a set-piece direct from an unmarked Calum Chambers and the always-unreliable Simon Mignolet flapping at thin air and you have a recipe for future struggles.
The Scousers still have Joel Matip as a possible defensive option, but another new boy straight into the EPL cauldron would not inspire confidence. Fifty goals conceded last year, and the portents for this campaign aren't good either.
Being a yo-yo club is never easy, and Burnley know better than anyone the unforgiving nature of the EPL.
After coming up in 2010, relegation was inevitable the following year. They returned to the top flight in 2014, but couldn't do the business in 2015. This time round, Burnley boss Sean Dyche will be well aware of the importance of a good start - which is why his complaints about the referee for the Swansea defeat smacked of desperation.
Yes, Michael Keane's shirt was pulled and Burnley should have had a penalty. "We needed a big decision today…" lamented gruff-old Sean. Oh come on, pull the other one mate.
The Clarets had three shots on target, compared to Swansea's nine. The whites enjoyed more possession and Burnley were basically off the pace. Dyche will have earmarked this first game for three points, so why weren't his boys up for it? Don't start whingeing now, it's only going to get worse.
Next up for Burnley are Liverpool and Chelsea away, so the writing is on the wall after just one game. If his players think the refereeing odds are against them, they're already doomed, so lift your game, Dyche.
Barring a sporting miracle, everyone knows that Leicester can't win the league again. However, the ease in which newly-promoted Hull City contained the Foxes indicates a slight naivety from boss Claudio Ranieri.
Without that surprise element, Leicester require a Plan B. Their counter-attacking prowess was the difference last season, but Hull sat deep, not allowing space behind for the likes of Vardy and Mahrez to work their magic.
Admittedly, the England striker had an off day, failing to hit the target with a couple of gilt-edged chances, but the team was still strong on paper. Perhaps the loss of N'Golo Kante to Chelsea is already being felt, but it needs fixing quickly – up next is Arsenal at home. Too early to say six-pointer?!
The Premier League has revised the rules around dissent and verbal abuse of referees. Any confrontation of match officials or insulting language is being clamped down on.
Two examples of yellow cards on Saturday, both from Stoke: Shay Given charging out of his goal to complain about a decision and Marko Arnautovic for being mouthy after WINNING a free-kick. You know what those Austrians are like! But long may it continue… football always gets a bad rap for play-acting and petulance and I honestly believe these rules can help remove this scourge from our game.
You often find referees losing control of matches, either through crowd influence or being card-happy, with player pressure a key factor.
At least this way, they have to show respect at all times and it could kick-start a more disciplined campaign – but this doesn't apply to Chelsea's Diego Costa, of course.
Sold on passion and drama, the English Premier League is set for its most over-the-top year ever.
With Klopp giving one of his players a piggy-back, Conte hugging and high-fiving the fans in his suit and tie and Guardiola's double fist-pumping, you had the full gamut of celebrations.
All of these top European coaches are desperate for success and, perhaps for the first time ever, a handful of the best managers (and biggest egos) in world football are all competing in the same division… and Mike Phelan! Expect tears of joy, sorrow, snazzy outfits, flying spectacles and so much more.
Newshub.
