Tromsø enjoy turnaround

Title hope
And after 12 years of domination by Rosenborg BK, many outside Trondheim will hope that Tromsø and second-placed Odd Grenland will be able to build on their good starts to mount serious title challenges.

Slow starters
Rosenborg are traditionally slow starters, but critics believe there are critical flaws in new coach Ola By Rise's ageing side. On Monday, the Trondheim club lost 4-1 at Tromsø, with 21-year-old Lars Iver Strand, Ole Martin Årst (2) and Norway's new golden boy Morten Gamst Pedersen getting the goals.

'Not good enough'
Rise said that the performance was "simply not good enough" but promised, "we will be back". After five rounds of the season, his team lie five points behind the leaders in fifth place.

Occean breezes
Just two points separate Tromsø from the other surprise package, Odd. Many people's tip for relegation, the Skien-based side have impressed, with Canadian striker Olivier Occean in particularly good form. The 22-year-old, signed from MLS franchise the MetroStars during the winter break, has settled in very quickly.

Viking disappoint
At the other end of the table, SFK Lyn and Viking FK are struggling to find their stride. Lyn have been lacklustre despite experienced additions to their squad in Jo Tessem and Øyvind Leonhardsen, while Viking are bottom and yet to record a victory.

Racial taunts
Meanwhile, Sogndal IL defender Robbie Russell was subjected to racial taunts from opposition supporters during his team's 3-1 home win against local rivals SK Brann on Sunday. American international Russell has decided not to press charges and the police have chosen not to pursue the matter.

Supporters banned
The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) issued a statement condemning all forms of racism. The federation has yet to decide what action it will take, but NFF general secretary Karen Espelund praised Brann for their swift reaction in banning the supporters involved.