Champions win as challengers draw a blank at Stoke

The two favourites for the Premier League title kicked-off their campaigns earlier today.

Last seasons Premier League runners-up Chelsea had the difficult task of visiting Stoke for their opening game of the season.

The game was a toughly contested one with both sides giving their all.

The first half was a cagey affair with both sides probing and testing the opponents defences out.

Stoke’s not so secret weapon Rory Delap’s long-throw caused Chelsea some problems but the Blues dealt with most of them relatively easily.

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas decided to give Spaniard Fernando Torres a start attack  ahead of veteran striker Didier Drogba. Although the former-Liverpool player didn’t score he looked sharper and much more like the Fernando Torres of his Liverpool days.

The first half was quiet with Chelsea having a lot of possession but not creating much. The home side however looked more of a threat on the break and through Delap’s long throws. Chelsea applied the majority of the pressure in the second period looking for a breakthrough.

A combination of a sturdy rearguard action and keeper Asmir Begovic pulling off some superb saves meant that the Potters held on to a hard earned point. Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas will look at this as two points dropped.

Elsewhere Premier League champions Manchester United got the defence of their title off to a good start with a 2-1 victory at West Brom. England winger Ashley Young made his competitive debut for United and had a big effect on the game.

However it was another England international who fired the Red Devils into the lead on 13 minutes. Striker Wayne Rooney firing home from the edge of the box after good work down the United left. United were the dominant force but couldn’t add to their lead.

United were made to pay for not taking advantage of their better possession in the 37th minute. On his West Brom debut Irish striker Shane Long fired past United keeper David de Gea from just outside the penalty area, the ball going under the arms of the Spaniard far too easily.

The Baggies then enjoyed a small amount of possession, as midfielder Chris Brunt fired a shot over the United goal. De Gea looked nervous again as he desperately clawed the ball from under his bar after Soren Tchoyi attempted a cross which turned into a shot.

West Brom fought hard to contain the visitor but came unstuck in the 81st minute as Steven Reid deflected Ashley Young’s cross past his own keeper. Although it was a decent start for the Red Devils they lost influential skipper Rio Ferdinand, who limped off after picking up a hamstring.

His central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic was also withdrew due to injury earlier in the game. The players injuries will give Sir Alex Ferguson some defensive headaches. Another concern for the veteran Scot is the form of young keeper David de Gea.

Questions are already being asked about whether he is yet good enough to play for United, after just two games for the champions. Only time will tell us but the youngster is highly-rated and is expected to be a future star.