EPL 2005/2006 kick off

The new Barclays Premiership season finally kicked off today with Manchester United beating Everton 2 - 0 away in the first game of the season.

Chelsea, who meet newcomers Wigan tomorrow, are tipped to retain the title they won for the first time in 50 years when they lost only once last season.

Arsenal, last season's runners-up and FA Cup winners, host an injury-hit Newcastle side striving to improve under Graeme Souness.

The Gunners could be weakened by the loss of Patrick Vieira, who handed in his captain's armband with a £13.75m transfer to Juventus in July.

And for the first time in many years, Manchester United started off the season without the favourite tag. Nevertheless, I hope that the team, despite under the unpopular new American owners will defy the odds to topple Chelsea and Arsenal to reclaim its glory in English and European football.

As for Liverpool, I doubt that they could challenge the top 3 teams from last year despite winning the Champions League.

In the stylish victory against Everton today, United's goals were scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney, before and after the interval respectively.

Park Ji Sung made his debut for United today but failed to score on two attempts while the other new signing, Edwin Van der Sar managed a few good saves and looked solid as the new first choice goalkeeper for Manchester United.

Things certainly look good for United from the two games played so far. Hopefully Sir Alex Ferguson will find his lost touch this season.