Image: Source

Arsenal – Overall depression. Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas are but signed, sealed and delivered to Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively, it seems. Who does that leave Wenger? Not a bad crop, but not enough quality for a title that’s been missing from Arsenal’s trophy room for quite a while now. Robin Van Persie looks around and sees it’s still Rosicky, still Arshavin. Gervinho managed a few nice dribbles before getting sent off. We didn’t even get to see goals – instead of the 4-4 classic from last season we settled for a 0-0 draw in Newcastle. A bad sign for the season or just early troubles?

Liverpool – Kenny Dalglish has super talented player in Luis Suarez. Besides that? Liverpool have a shaky defense with too old, or too fragile, or too young and inexperienced players. Jose Enrique however seems like a good signing. Still, even a team that lacks a real threat upfront like Sunderland were able to embarrass, and score, against Liverpool. The midfield? Dalglish’s signings have made it very deep, and very hard to decide from. Right now, Jordan Henderson should be left on the bench. Charlie Adam’s ability to play the deep playmaker role and be more involved offensively is a key in the near future, until Steven Gerrard returns from yet another injury.

Money Spent is Better Than Money Had – Blackburn and QPR have quite wealthy owners – Venky for Blackburn, a few rich guys for QPR. Both teams, despite some declarations from their managers regarding a successful season in 2011-2012 with Blackburn aiming at a top 6 finish, had an awful opening day. QPR were thrashed by Bolton at home, while Blackburn dropped an early lead, losing at home as well to Wolves. Both teams failed to make big news in the transfer market, which probably means both teams will battle for their survival.

Image: Source

Ivan Klasnic – Scored a goal and set up another one for Muamba as Bolton have the lead of the Premier League for at least one week after their 4-0 win. Klasnic was one of the best strikers in the Bundseliga before suffering from Kidney failure in 2007. Since then he’s been with Nantes and with Bolton, failing to return to his form from earlier years. Still, every time he scores and/or has a great game like yesterday, I’m thrilled for him. He was away for the game for nearly a year and nearly retired. He might not reach European heights or more titles with Bolton, but it’s great, every time, to see him play, and from time to time actually show glimpses of his younger version.