United make impressive start

Manchester United FC made a triumphant start to the new English Premiership campaign with a 2-0 victory over fellow UEFA Champions League hopefuls Everton FC, while there were also opening-day wins for Tottenham Hotspur FC, Charlton Athletic FC and newcomers West Ham United FC.

Scoring return
Ruud van Nistelrooij scored the first goal of the English top-flight season when he gave United the lead at Goodison Park, in the first game of the day. The Dutch striker broke the deadlock just before the break, converting John O'Shea's low cross from close range. Sir Alex Ferguson's side's doubled their lead within a minute of the restart when Everton's Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo played a stray pass on the edge of his own penalty area and Wayne Rooney was on hand to score against his former club.

Liverpool held
Dominant in Europe last season, Liverpool FC were unable to match that form in the Premiership and that disparity looks to be continuing this term. The Champions League holders were unable to overcome ten-man Middlesbrough FC at the Riverside as a combination of Mark Schwarzer saves and profligate shooting meant Rafael Benítez's side were unable to capitalise on Ugo Ehiogu's 76th-minute red card.

Early goals
Four goals in six minutes failed to produce a winner between Aston Villa FC and UEFA Cup participants Bolton Wanderers FC. Kevin Phillips, making his Villa bow, scored after five minutes, but Bolton were leading by ten minutes after goals from Kevin Davies and Ivan Campo. Steven Davis completed the scoring when he levelled the scores again a minute later.

Long-awaited win
Tottenham overcame Portsmouth FC to claim their first league win at Fratton Park since 1956. Andy Griffin put through his own net to give the visitors the lead in first-half added time, before Jermain Defoe sealed the points for Tottenham when he rounded Sander Westerfeld to score on 64 minutes.

Newcomers triumph
Teddy Sheringham, Nigel Reo-Coker and Matthew Etherington were all on target as West Ham recovered from conceding an 18th-minute Andy Todd goal to defeat Blackburn Rovers FC and record a winning return to the Premiership. Blackburn's misery was compounded when substitute Paul Dickov was dismissed late on.

Debut joy
Two goals from summer signing Darren Bent helped Charlton win at newly-promoted Sunderland AFC. Danny Murphy was on target, while debutant Andy Gray scored Sunderland's reply. Elsewhere, Fulham FC against Birmingham FC and Manchester City FC's encounter with West Bromwich Albion FC both ended goalless.

Champions wait
Premiership title holders Chelsea FC face Wigan Athletic FC on Sunday.