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Nasri fires Gunners to opening day win

Debut wins were the order of the day at the start of the new Premier League season as Samir Nasri, Paul Ince and Hull City AFC all made notable introductions.

Samir Nasri celebrates his early strike
Samir Nasri celebrates his early strike ©Getty Images

Missed chances
Arsenal got things under way at lunchtime and soon broke the deadlock when summer signing Nasri guided Denilson's cut-back into the far corner after a fine passing move. It was the perfect start for Arsenal, who dominated for long periods thereafter but Emmanuel Adebayor, in particular, missed a host of chances to extend the advantage. The profligacy never really looked like being punished, however, even if West Brom striker Kim Do-Heon's movement troubled the Arsenal back line at times.

Inspirational Ince
Ince's reign as Blackburn manager also began notably with a 3-2 win at Everton FC. Yakubu Ayegbeni and Mikel Arteta looked to have put the hosts in command after David Dunn's early goal but Roque Santa Cruz levelled before André Ooijer snatched an added-time winner. Middlesbrough FC were 2-1 victors against Tottenham Hotspur FC with David Wheater and former Spurs striker Mido on target while Dean Ashton's early double was the catalyst for West Ham United FC's 2-1 win at home to Wigan Athletic FC.

Stoke succumb
Bolton Wanderers FC gave promoted Stoke City FC a harsh welcome to the top tier with first-half efforts from Gretar Steinsson, Kevin Davies and debutant Johan Elmander setting up a 3-1 success, though Hull fared better in their first-ever top-flight contest. Seol Ki-Hyeon (8) threatened to spoil the party as he put Fulham FC ahead but summer acquisition Geovanni equalised 14 minutes later and Caleb Folan fired in to make it 2-1 for Phil Brown's side late on. Liverpool FC overcame Sunderland AFC 1-0 in the late game with Fernando Torres (83) wresting the points for the visitors.