To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)
By Chris Bevan
1956: And that is about all from me too ladies and gents. Thanks for your company and join me tomorrow when champions Manchester United begin their defence of their Premier League title against Birmingham and Tottenham take on Liverpool in another heavyweight encounter. I'm looking forward to it already - see you then.
1952: Everton captain Phil Neville after his side were crushed 6-1 by Arsenal: "How we defended at today was totally out of character - it was schoolboy at times. We didn't defend as a team and collectively we weren't at the races."
1947: It's been quite a day of football hasn't it? But it's not over yet. Not by a long shot. You can discuss all of today's results right now in 606 with Alan Green on BBC Radio 5 live and watch highlights from all today's Premier League games on Match of the Day at 2200 BST on BBC 1 That is followed immediately by all the goals from the Championship, League One and League Two on the Football League Show at 2320 BST. If you can't stay up for the latter, you can see it on the Red Button until midday tomorrow or on iPlayer for the rest of the week.
From anon on 81111: "I wonder if that was a ploy by Joleon Lescott to put David Moyes off keeping him?"
1942: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on his side's thumping win at Goodison Park: "We have an attitude and a desire, we know everybody in our team can score goals. We believe in our qualities and we will keep going, game to game."
1940: Two-goal Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas on his side's 6-1 win at Everton: "We wanted to win, this is a great start but let's face it, we are not going to win 6-1 every week. It is just one game - it is the first of many for the title race and we just want to keep going."
From Scott in Stoke on 81111: "I wonder if that was a ploy by David Moyes to put Mark Hughes off buying Joleon Lescott?"
1935: How about that for a Premier League opening day then folks? Sorry Wigan fans, as good as your win was at Villa Park, I'm going to have to rethink my performance of the day award. That, quite obviously, goes to the magnificent Arsenal for their six-goal rout of Everton at Goodison Park.
1931: Only one word to describe that Arsenal display: Wow!
1930: FULL-TIME Everton 1-6 Arsenal
Well, at least Everton have got a consolation. Steven Pienaar bursts into the penalty area and, although his shot is blocked by Manuel Almunia, the ball falls for Louis Saha to fire the rebound home.
1929: GOAL FLASH Everton 1 Arsenal 6
1928: The misery continues for Everton. We've got three minutes of added time to play.
Andrey Arshavin toe-pokes the ball goalwards in a crowded penalty area and it takes a slight deflection before bouncing on to a post. Who is first to react? Eduardo of course, and the Croatian taps home the loose ball from close range to mark his Premier League return with Arsenal's sixth goal.
1925: GOAL FLASH Everton 0-6 Arsenal
1923: Lots of empty seats at Goodison Park now, which is hardly a surprise given the scoreline. It makes for a strange old atmosphere though as the visiting Arsenal fans are the only ones making any noise.
1920: Aaron Ramsey has quite an optimistic pop at goal from 25 yards, but his effort is well off target. Arsenal are still probing, and it is damage limitation for Everton now, with five minutes left.
From Mark from Luton on 81111: "If Arsenal get seven will Moyes get the sack!?"
1915: We've just had the final whistle at St James' Park - it's been a great night for Shola Ameobi, who scored all three of Newcastle's goals in their 3-0 win over Reading in the Championship. Who said the Magpies were a crisis club?
1913: The Gunners supporters are now chanting 'boring, boring Arsenal'. This performance has been quite a statement on the season's opening day. Plenty to chew over for Everton manager David Moyes though...
1911: The Arsenal fans at Goodison Park are buoyant, and who can blame them? With 15 minutes to go, they are chasing goal number six. Everton haven't given up completely yet, though, and Louis Saha has just fired narrowly wide after Marouane Fellaini nodded down a high ball on the edge of the area.
1909: That goal was Cesc Fabregas's final contribution - he has come off to be replaced by Aaron Ramsey. And can I give a warm welcome back to Eduardo, who comes on for Robin van Persie? It's the Croatian's first Premier League appearance since that dreadful broken leg 18 months ago.
This is now a rout. The Everton defence backs away to allow Cesc Fabregas to advance to the edge of the area and fire a low shot past Tim Howard and into the bottom corner of the net. The Spaniard hoists a shirt in memory of his close friend Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol player who died after a cardiac arrest last week.
1906: GOAL FLASH Everton 0-5 Arsenal
1903: Whatever you can say about Everton's defending today (and it hasn't been great), we should give credit to Arsenal too. They've played some great football and Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song have been exceptional in the centre of midfield. Who needs Patrick Vieira?
1901: Blimey, Shola Ameobi is unstoppable! He's just bagged his first Newcastle hat-trick, completing it with a confident spot-kick after Shane Long handled the ball in the box. The Magpies now lead Reading 3-0.
1900: Arsenal's first change of the game sees Emmanuel Eboue replace Nicklas Bendtner. We've got roughly 25 minutes left in this one.
1856: A free-kick in a dangerous position for Everton sees Steven Pienaar go for goal...but his effort is straight down the throat of Manuel Almunia, who bizarrely decides to punch clear. Jack Rodwell has a go at goal seconds later but his effort is high and wide. Still, at least the home side are still trying to salvage something from this game even if it is likely to just be pride.
1854: Yep, Louis Saha is on for Leon Osman but David Moyes isn't finished with one change. Jack Rodwell also replaces Jo and Dan Gosling is on Tony Hibbert. Time for something different from the Toffees.
1853: Hmmm, Everton's defending continues to look less than convincing. David Moyes is preparing to throw on Louis Saha up front.
1850: Leighton Baines bends in a free-kick as Everton look to reduce the deficit but it is easily plucked out of the air by Manuel Almunia. A few home fans have seen enough and are heading for the exits - with 35 minutes left.
1846: There's been another goal at St James' Park too, and it is remarkably similar to the first. A pin-point cross swept in by Ryan Taylor is met by Shola Ameobi at the far post with a cute header back across the keeper and into the far corner. Newcastle lead Reading 2-0.
A fantastic breakaway goal from Arsenal, who go from one end to the field to the other in the space of a few seconds and three passes. The move ends when Robin van Persie crosses from the left for Cesc Fabregas and he confidently slots the ball through Tim Howard's legs. Arsenal look home and dry now.
1842: GOAL FLASH Everton 0-4 Arsenal
1840: As well as scoring Arsenal's second goal, Thomas Vermaelen has looked pretty solid at the back for the Gunners. He boots clear a Tim Cahill cross and Everton will have to do better than that to break down the visitors' defence.
1838: Arsenal get the second-half under way. No changes to either side yet, but you can bet David Moyes had a few words with his players at half-time.
From Ben Coley on 81111: "No Currystains, three Premier League titles in 13 years and one of the worlds best managers at the helm - Arsenal were always title contenders."
1834: Right then. Arsenal are half-way to becoming the sixth Premier League side to manage an away win today (out of eight matches). On a similar theme, caz9999 is finding it hard to remember an opening day of the Premier League season that hasn't featured a single draw. I'm afraid I don't remember things like that either! Can Everton change all of the above in the next 45 minutes? We're about to find out.
From Andy from Corby on 81111: "Let's stay calm fellow Gooners. We've still got a long way to go."
1823: Boos ring out around Goodison Park - and they are not all aimed at Joleon Lescott this time. Everton's defence has been all over the place and Arsenal go in at the interval with a 3-0 lead, and surely with the three points in the bag.
1822: HALF-TIME Everton 0-3 Arsenal
1820: The Everton defence is still at sixes and sevens and Tony Hibbert has to tidy up after a misunderstanding with his goalkeeper Tim Howard.
From from Liam in Crawley on 81111: "Excellent start to season by Arsenal, I really think this will be our season."
If anybody spots the Everton defence, could they let David Moyes know. The Toffees go AWOL again at another set-piece and William Gallas is completely unmarked as he meets another Robin van Persie delivery to put the Gunners even further in front.
1816: GOAL FLASH Everton 0-3 Arsenal
1815: Just five minutes of the first half left and it doesn't look good for Everton at the moment. They're getting out-passed by Arsenal and, even worse, will have to face the ire of their manager David Moyes at the break.
This had been a decent debut by Thomas Vermaelen but it has just got even better. Arsenal's new centre-back escapes Marouane Fellaini and meets Robin van Persie's free-kick with a powerful header at the far post. The Gunners look well in control now.
1812: GOAL FLASH Everton 0-2 Arsenal
1808: Everton have been enjoying all the recent pressure and come mighty close to an equaliser. Leighton Baines sends over a corner and the giant afro of Marouane Fellaini meets it with a towering header that Denilson has to clear off the line.
1806: Oops, Alan from Woking wasn't the only person to let us know that Carlos Vela has been in Mexico - I've changed that now!
1804: We've had a goal at St James' Park too. Newcastle take the lead after a wicked swinging cross from left-back Jose Enrique finds the forehead of the diving Shola Ameobi, who directs the ball down and past Adam Federici.
1802: Robin van Persie seems to have been given licence to go for goal from every set-piece, no matter what the distance. His latest effort, again from about 40 yards, hits a team-mate and trickles out for a goal-kick. Arsenal still on top though, and leading 1-0.
Bang! Pick that one out. After some tidy work by Nicklas Bendtner on the left, Cesc Fabregas feeds Denilson, who slams home a superb swerving show from 30 yards - the ball flies into the top corner, beyond the despairing dive of Tim Howard. That was pretty special.
1801: GOAL FLASH Everton 0-1 Arsenal
1800: Everton are trying to use their wingers and Leon Osman is seeing plenty of the ball on the right. He's not been able to do too much with it so far though.
1755: Arsenal are still pushing forward and testing the Toffees defence but it is holding firm so far, despite a slip by Joleon Lescott that briefly lets in Robin van Persie. We've been playing for almost 25 minutes and neither goalkeeper has had a real save to make.
1751: Robin van Persie tries his luck with a free-kick for Arsenal, but he is about 40 yards out and the end-result is a comfortable save for Tim Howard. At the other end, Jo seems to have picked up where he left off last season by being caught offside at every opportunity.
1749: Joleon Lescott is still getting his fair share of boos but they don't seem to be affecting him, or his team-mates. Everton are having their best spell of the match, putting pressure on the visitors without managing to find an opening. Toffees boss David Moyes shows his approval by applauding his troops.
1747: Portsmouth manager Paul Hart following Pompey's home defeat by Fulham: "We're disappointed with the result, but we did enough to get at least a point. We had 15 chances and only one on target so it's easy to see what went wrong. But it's a good sign that we're creating chances and I thought the performance overall was good."
1746: A first half-chance for Arsenal, who seem to be waking up. Nicklas Bendtner, he of the new shirt number, knocks a cross down for Robin van Persie, whose shot is deflected wide.
1744: Bacary Sagna is down and having treatment after an innocuous-looking challenge from Everton's Tim Cahill. The home fans seem to be accusing the Arsenal defender of making the most of that foul - and he is roundly booed when he next gets the ball. He's still limping and feeling his thigh though.
1742: A couple of probing passes from Arsenal's Denilson, who is trying to get behind the Everton defence, but they come to naught. No joy yet for the Gunners - The Toffees are keeping things tight.
1741: Not much happening in the early stages at St James' Park either, but the Magpies have just had an early sniff. Winger Jonas Gutierrez outpaces the Reading rearguard to get a clear sight of goal but, just as he seems poised to pull the trigger, the ball bobbles, he stumbles and the chance is gone. A bright start for the Magpies though, with Mike Ashley in attendance.
1739: A scrappy old start at Goodison Park - both sides have packed their midfields and it is already looking very congested in the middle.
1737: Manchester City boss Mark Hughes after his side's 2-0 win at Blackburn: "You saw great character from City today. Many people might have been looking at what we were going to do today and see if we were going to fall flat on our face - I thought we gave a great response."
1736: Arsenal's new £10m defender Thomas Vernaelen gets an early touch on his competitive debut for the Gunners. Joleon Lescott is getting a mixed reception from the Everton fans - some of them are booing him, some of them are chanting his name.
From lots of people on 81111: "Arsenal's Carlos Vela is being rested after the Gold Cup in Mexico City where he was also on the receiving end of several nasty challenges."
1734: Everton get us under way, following another minute of warm applause for the late Sir Bobby Robson.
1729: The Everton and Arsenal players are out on the Goodison Park pitch. Both of these sides have been affected by Manchester City's millions over the summer - The Gunners lost Emmanuael Adebayor and Kolo Toure to the Eastlands club, but the Toffees have, so far, refused to sell Joleon Lescott to Mark Hughes' side despite the England international putting in a transfer request. Lescott starts tonight, and he even gets a cheer from the home crowd when his name is read out, although not a very loud one.
1727: Burnley boss Owen Coyle after their first Premier League game ends in defeat by Stoke:"There's a mixture of emotions. I'm disappointed to come away with nothing. We lost two poor goals but I thought we contributed enough to get something. We showed that we can pass and create chances, but the margins for error in the Premier League are minimal and we were harshly punished for ours."
1725: Lots to report on from League Two, too. A humdinger of a second half at Dagenham and Redbridge saw seven goals fly in, resulting in a 5-3 win for the hosts over Torquay. Free-scoring Notts County beefed up their goal difference with a 4-0 win over Macclesfield that keeps them top of the division, and there were also big wins for Crewe against Grimsby and Burton Albion over Morecambe.
1722: Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill after his side's defeat by Wigan: "We started pretty well and when Wigan scored it knocked us back more than it should have done. I thought Wigan played very well. We are a lot better than that - we know that and have to do something about it."
From Dave in Bristol on 81111: "What?! Where's Carlos Vela? Arsene Wenger must be in cloud cuckoo land if he's totally leaving the wonderkid out of his squad. "
1719: 'What happened in League One today?' I hear you ask. Quite a lot, it seems: A day after sacking Bryan Gunn, and with assistant manager Ian Butterworth's hand on the tiller, Norwich earn a 1-1 draw at Exeter to grab their first points of the season. Elsewhere, Southampton's tough start to life in the third tier continues with a 3-1 loss to Huddersfield. But it is a good day for John Barnes as he celebrates his first win in the Tranmere hot-seat after his side score twice in the last 17 minutes to beat Gillingham 4-2.
1717: Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce after his side's 2-0 loss to Manchester City: "I think the result was very harsh on us. Our failing today was in the quality of our finishing but Shay Given also made superior saves that kept them in the game."
1715: News from the Championship now and Coventry made it two wins out of two with a 2-0 victory at Barnsley, meaning they top the table as the only side with a 100% record left intact. Middlesbrough's first away win in 13 matches, 3-0 at Swansea, means they continue their good start, and leave the Swans as the only team without a point. In an entertaining match at Glanford Park, Scunthorpe twice relinquished the lead but ultimately beat Derby 3-2.
1712: News from Fratton Park where Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says his side have agreed a fee for Newcastle winger Damien Duff and the Republic of Ireland winger will be in west London for a medical very soon, if he hasn't had one already.
1710: Sorry folks. I've just found out the hard way what a mess this page looks like with too many FULL-TIME images. I apologise. Just two more games left to go tonight then: Everton v Arsenal in the Premier League at 1730 BST and Newcastle v Reading in the Championship at 1720 BST.
1705: Wigan manager Roberto Martinez after his side's 2-0 win at Aston Villa: "It's a very good start. Any away win in the Premier League is a good one but it is down to the players - they have worked extremely hard in pre-season and I was delighted to see them play so bravely at a top club."
1701: TEAMS Everton v Arsenal Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Neville, Cahill, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jo. Subs: Nash, Saha, Vaughan, Gosling, Rodwell, Duffy, Baxter. Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Bendtner, van Persie, Arshavin. Subs: Mannone, Eduardo, Ramsey, Silvestre, Eboue, Gibbs, Merida.
1700: It may be after only one game, not everybody has even played yet and it is only alphabetically, but big-spending Manchester City are top of the table as things stand. Can Arsenal or Everton change that? A 2-0 win for either would be enough - using, erm, alphabet rules...
1659: TEAM NEWS Everton v Arsenal Everton have had a quiet summer, and this is reflected in a similar looking starting eleven. Jo, who re-signed on loan from Manchester City in the summer, starts up front after overcoming an ankle knock. Manchester City target Joleon Lescott starts at the back. Arsenal's new signing Thomas Vermaelen starts at centre-back. Nicklas Bendtner partners Robin Van Persie in attack, plugging the gap left by Emmanuel Adebayor's summer exit. Theo Walcott is missing with a back injury.
1656: Boos ring out at Villa Park at the final whistle. Disappointment for the home fans but what a start to life in the Premier League for Roberto Martinez. That remains my result of the day folks, and it was a day for the away sides wasn't it?
FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan Athletic
FULL-TIME: Bolton 0-1 Sunderland
1653: Frantic scenes in injury time at Bolton, where Sean Davies lashes a close-range shot, straight at Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop, as his side hunt for a last-gasp equaliser.
FULL-TIME: Stoke City 2-0 Burnley
FULL-TIME: Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham
FULL-TIME: Wolves 0-2 West Ham
FULL-TIME: Blackburn 0-2 Manchester City
From VillaFour on 606:
"Hopefully this result will light a fire under Martin O'Neill to get some good quality, established players in quick!"
Cool as you like from Stephen Ireland, who breaks clear of the Blackburn defence and, although he is forced wide by Paul Robinson, composes himself before passing the ball past the goalkeeper and home defenders who are on the line - beating them with a controlled finish. It looks like £94m of summer spending by Mark Hughes has brought his side three points here...
1649: GOAL FLASH Blackburn 0-2 Manchester City
1647: There have been more goals in the Championship too: Doncaster have equalised against Preston thanks to an Adam Lockwood goal, Scunthorpe are back ahead against Derby again thanks to Martyn Woolford and Middlesbrough look like they have sealed their first away win in 12 attempts after Tuncay puts them 3-0 at Swansea.
1646: Not many signs of life from Aston Villa either. Steve Sidwell has probably had their best chance of pulling a goal back against Wigan, but he put his header wide.
1644: Kanu has not made much of an impact after coming on for Portsmouth but it looks like Paul Hart is about to throw another striker on in David Nugent too - a last throw of the dice, as Fulham are looking comfortable with their 1-0 lead with only a few minutes left.
1643: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has just limped off for Wolves, who are down to 10 men because they have used all their substitutes. They are still 2-0 down too, so this does not look like being an opening day to remember for them.
From I82People on 606:
"City look very much a John Terry type leader short of being a top four team. They have just got a sort of mindless attack-attack-attack approach."
From Xav on 81111: "I would just like to point out to Nostradamus that Jason Roberts has come off for Franco Di Santo. But I can still Blackburn winning this."
1639: More impressive play by Wigan. Jordi Gomez's goalbound angled drive is palmed around the post by Brad Friedel as the Latics look for a third goal at Villa Park. Over at Ewood Park, Blackburn's Benni McCarthy sees a 25-yard free-kick fizz just over the bar before, at the other end, Carlos Tevez finds space but sees his low effort stopped by Paul Robinson. Rovers are not down and out yet.
1636: Portsmouth have just brought on a striker - Kanu - for a midfielder - Papa Bouba Diop as they look for an equaliser against Fulham. Time is running out for Paul Hart's side though.
From Nostradamus on 81111: "No balance in the Man City team, expect a Rovers equaliser by Roberts in the next 10 minutes."
1633: Back in the Championship, and Sheffield United's £3m summer signing Ched Evans has put the Blades 2-0 up against Watford. Elsewhere, Peterborough have equalised against Sheffield Wednesday through Craig Mackail-Smith's goal. Derby have made it 2-2 at Scunthorpe from the penalty spot with substitute Kris Commons scoring and Barnsley are still 1-0 down against Coventry but now only have 10 men after Rob Kozluk's red card.
1632: After being totally out-classed in the first half, Bolton have come back into things at the Reebok, and Marton Fullop has just had to claw a looping Kevin Davies header off the line to maintain Sunderland's 1-0 lead.
Mark Noble swings in a corner and Matthew Upson escapes Jody Craddock at the far post to power a header past Wayne Hennessey. West Ham lead 2-0 and are looking good for the three points.
1628: GOAL FLASH Wolves 0-2 West Ham
1627: Welcome to...Blackburn. Carlos Tevez is off the bench for his competitive Manchester City debut. It took a while to make the substitution, as Craig Bellamy came off initially, before Mark Hughes intervened to point out it was actually Robinho who was being replaced.
1626: Burnley's big summer signing, Steven Fletcher, has just let fly with a powerful shot that Thomas Sorensen tips around the post - Stoke still lead 2-0 against the Clarets but Owen Coyle's side have looked a lot more lively in the second half.
1624: Ouch! A nasty clash of heads at Molineux where West Ham's Herita Ilunga and Wolves' Kevin Foley are both out for the count. Over at Fratton Park, Andy Johnson has just missed an absolute sitter from about six yards out. He was in front of goal with nobody near him and should have put Fulham 2-0 up.
1622: Franco di Santo, on a season long loan at Blackburn from Chelsea is warming up and could be about to come on. Manchester City have come back into things slightly and almost extend their lead when Robinho tries a low shot, curling it towards the far post, but it is brilliantly stopped by Paul Robinson, who turns the ball around the post.
From Hazel in Preston on 81111: "Blackburn deserve a goal they certainly have given Man City a run for their money."
It gets better for Wigan, worse for Aston Villa. Charles N'Zogbia picks up the ball in his own half and drives at the home defence before finding Jason Koumas in space on the left of the area. Koumas takes a touch before slotting the ball through Brad Friedel's legs to make it 2-0 with a lovely finish.
1619: GOAL FLASH Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan Athletic
1617: Blackburn are still on top at Ewood Park, where Shay Given has made another fantastic save to keep out Jason Roberts' downward header which flew through a crowd of players. Manchester City hanging on to their 1-0 lead by Given's fingertips right now.
1615: Back to the Premier League and Molineux, where West Ham have gone within a whisker of going 2-0 up. Julien Faubert's speculative ball forward eludes the defence and is taken out wide of the keeper by Jack Collison, but his goalbound shot is cleared off by line by Kevin Foley. A very lucky escape for Wolves.
1613: And here's a Championship update for good measure...Chris Cohen has bundled Jonathan Greening's cross into his own net to give West Brom an early 1-0 second half lead at Nottingham Forest. And Middlesbrough are looking good to break their away-day hoodoo as Marvin Emnes extends their lead to 2-0 at Swansea.
1611: Some quick news on how our old friend Sven-Goran Eriksson and Notts County are getting on in League Two: Very well, actually. Richard Ravenhill and Stephen Hunt strikes gave the Magpies a 2-0 lead over Macclesfield at half-time. Elsewhere, Burton Albion are going great guns in their first-ever League game at the Pirelli Stadium, taking a 3-1 adavantage into the break against Morecambe.
From anon on 81111: "For those of you already writing Burnley off, they lost 4-2 to Sheffield Wednesday on the first day of last season, but ended up in the play-offs!"
1610: Almost a dream start to the second half for Wolves - in the opening seconds of the second half, Nenad Milijas's shot from the edge of the box is tipped over by Robert Green and, from the resulting corner, Jody Craddock tries a shot from a tight angle, only for the England keeper to produce a fine one-handed block.
1607: It is hammering down with rain at Ewood Park which is probably why the second half hasn't got going properly yet. Big Sam probably relishes weather like this though.
1603: Wade Elliott, who scored Burnley's winner in the play-off final that they won to reach the Premier League, has just grazed the top of the Stoke bar with a rising drive from 25 yards. We've restarted play at the remaining Premier League grounds now, just 45 minutes to go folks!
From blake2108 on Twitter:
"Re 1532 Rodallega - goal of the month, easily. Have we have had the goal of the season in the first lot of matches? Stunning!"
1600: We're back under way at Blackburn, and at Stoke - no changes at either ground.
1555: Most impressive opening day performance so far? I'm going for Wigan. I know it's only half-time but it is Roberto Martinez's first match as a Premier League manager, and they are playing Aston Villa - who are quite good. It was some goal too by Hugo Rodallega. Wigan have never won on the opening day in the top flight...it's only half-time but that might be about to change.
1552: News from the Football League now, and there is a bit of a running theme in League One. Bristol Rovers lead 2-0 at Stockport. Early pacesetters Colchester are also 2-0 up in their home clash against Yeovil and strikes from Deon Burton and Nick Bailey have given Charlton a 2-0 advantage over Hartlepool. The only other side winning are Walsall, by a single goal in their game against Southend.
BBC Sport's Phil McNulty tweeting at Stamford Bridge:
"Carlo Ancelotti very happy with life but admits Chelsea have to improve. Big praise for Didier Drogba's display. Hull manager Phil Brown disappointed with the result but happy with the performance. He hopes to sign a "top class number nine" before Wednesday."
From Damian in Nottingham on 81111: "Looks like Burnley are gonna be this season's whipping boys!"
1546: Half-time whistles have been blowing around the Premier League grounds and there is plenty to think about for everybody at the interval. So far, it is the away teams who are on top Wigan, Manchester City, Sunderland, West Ham and Fulham are all in front - Stoke are the only home team to be leading...at the moment.
1545: Fulham seem to have switched off at Fratton Park. First, Nadir Belhadj has a glorious opportunity to level for Portsmouth as he gets free in the area, but unmarked he missed his header from five yards, before Brede Hangeland threw himself in the way of Piquionne's goalbound effort. Pompey are still behind, though.
1543: Only Brad Friedel's outstretched leg stops Hugo Rodallega putting Wigan 2-0 up at Villa Park. We're close to half-time around the Premier League grounds, plenty of goals around at the moment - not been a bad opening day, has it?
1540: News of some madness at Molineux. In the space of two minutes, Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey blocks Carlton Cole's goalbound effort, Jody Craddock clears off the line from Kieron Dyer, and from the resulting corner Herita Ilunga has a header tipped over by Hennessy. From the second corner, Hennessy is called into action again as he blocks Dyer's cheeky backheeled effort. After all that, West Ham are still 1-0 up.
From CreatingSpace on 606:
"Stunning strike by Rodallega! A deserved goal for Wigan as well. Bright start for Wigan but I can't say the same for Villa."
Stephen Jordan becomes the first Burnley player to find the net on their return to the top flight after a 33-year absence. Unfortunately for the defender, it is past his own goalkeeper after he rises highest and glances a trademark Rory Delap throw-in into his own goal to make it 2-0 Stoke.
1536: Hmmm, it seems that, for all their new players, Manchester City haven't learnt from last season. Gareth Barry is struggling as the only holding player in the middle - and he has not been helped by a number of poor passes he has received from his new team-mates. Morten Gamst Pedersen, in particular, is driving Rovers forward.
1534: GOAL FLASH Stoke City 2-0 Burnley
Er, scratch that - we've just seen an early contender for goal of the season. Hugo Rodallega runs on to a bouncing ball on the edge of the area but there seems no danger, well not until he lets fly with a dipping volley that flies past Brad Friedel and into the top corner anyway. What a scorcher.
1532: GOAL FLASH Aston Villa 0-1 Wigan Athletic
1530: That game at Villa Park is the only one in the Premier League without a goal so far. Back at the Britannia Stadium, Burnley have just had their first corner. That's my last first of the day, I promise...
1528: Phew! Villa survive another scare. A Wigan cross is flicked on to the far post where Hugo Rodallega heads towards goal but sees his effort cleared off the line by James Milner.
1526: Blackburn are still behind against Manchester City but they are piling on the pressure at Ewood Park, creating three chances in quick succession. First, Jason Roberts lifts a volley over the bar from 12 yards, then Samba's powerful header forces a superb save from Shay Given before Benni McCarthy's shot is deflected over from six yards.
Carlton Cole feeds Mark Noble, who is unmarked about 30 yards out. He looks up, then curls a wicked shot over Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and into the top corner. A lovely finish.
1525: GOAL FLASH Wolves 0-1 West Ham
1523: Things have been wide open at Villa Park so far. Charles N'Zogbia just went close to opening the scoring for Wigan when his low 22-yard shot beat keeper Brad Friedel but hit the foot of the post. So close.
Liam Lawrence's free-kick is met by Ryan Shawcross, who rises unchallenged at the far post to nod the ball into the opposite corner of the net and put Stoke ahead against newly-promoted Burnley.
1519: GOAL FLASH Stoke City 1-0 Burnley
1518: Plenty of endeavour and enthusiasm from both sides in the glorious sunshine at Molineux, but no serious scares for either goalkeeper. Andy Keogh should have done better for Wolves when he failed to connect with Greg Halford's knock-back from the right, and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake headed over when left unmarked by the West Ham defence in a threatening position.
1516: We've had some goals in the Championship too, you know. The first goal came at Oakwell where Leon Best's goal gave Coventry the lead over Barnsley. Since then, Michael Chopra has put Cardiff ahead at Blackpool, whilst Sheffield United are in front against Watford at Bramall Lane, courtesy of a Jamie Ward strike
We've had a lot of 'firsts' today, it being the opening day of the new Premier League season. Here's another one: First jammy goal of the new campaign goes to Fulham, when Clint Dempsey's shot hits team-mate Bobby Zamora and flies in the opposite corner of the net, leaving Pompey keeper David James completely stranded. Poor old Pompey aren't having the greatest luck are they?
1513: GOAL FLASH Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham
From dahitman55 on 606:
"Well worked goal and brilliant finish from Adebayor. The top four wont be the same this season."
1510: BBC Sport's Andy May at Fratton Park: "Pompey fans here on the south coast are gutted their best players have been sold and a take over has still not been sorted out. A year ago Portsmouth had Harry Redknapp, the FA Cup and European football to look forward to. Fulham will fancy their chances of bagging a first opening day win for five years."
After Emmanuel Adebayor's early strike for Manchester City, another big-money signing is off the mark for his new club - Darren Bent rises at the far post to nod home Steed Malbranque's looping cross and Sunderland have an early lead at Bolton.
1506: GOAL FLASH Bolton 0-1 Sunderland
1505: No goals at the Brittania Stadium but we've had just had our first long-throw of the season from Rory Delap. Some things never change.
Hmmm, not a bad start to the season for Man City's millionaires! Emmanuel Adebayor is straight off the mark, smashing in a right-footed drive after latching on to a Shaun Wright-Phillips cross from the right. It was £25m summer signing Adebayor who started the move, and he finished it in style to mark his debut after only three minutes.
1502: GOAL FLASH Blackburn 0-1 Manchester City
1501: WOLVES v WEST HAM TEAMS Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Foley, Mancienne, Craddock, Stephen Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas, Jarvis, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake. Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Edwards, Stearman, Surman, David Jones, Vokes. West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Collison, Dyer, Cole, Jimenez. Subs: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Spector, Payne, Hines, Stanislas, Nouble.
1500: We're having our minutes' applause for Sir Bobby Robson around most of the Premier League grounds. Over at Ewood Park, Blackburn and Manchester City have already paid tribute to the former England manager and have kicked off.
1457: TEAM NEWS BOLTON v SUNDERLAND Gavin McCann has recovered from a hamstring injury for Bolton, and Andy O'Brien (groin) is fit enough to make the bench, while Sean Davis, Zat Knight, Sam Ricketts and Paul Robinson made their league debuts. Record signing Darren Bent starts up front for Sunderland, with fellow new arrivals Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana also making their league debuts, while Marton Fulop replaces the injured Craig Gordon in goal.
1453: WOLVES v WEST HAM TEAM NEWS Wolves include on-loan Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne for their return to the top flight, but Christophe Berra misses out after picking up a hamstring injury playing for Scotland midweek. Record signing Kevin Doyle is out with a groin injury so Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and Andy Keogh start up front. West Ham start with new loan signing Luis Jiminez up front alongside Carlton Cole. Youngster Frank Nobule starts on the bench and defender Danny Gabbidon is also on the bench, after 18 months out with abdominal and back problems.
1452: Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant is on the pitch at Molineux, not sure what that was all about but he wasn't singing. Those six 1500 BST kick-offs are now just minutes away...
From anon on 81111: "Heartbreak for Hull."
1447: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge:"Hull assistant manager Brian Horton was laughing in disbelief as the fourth official signalled six minutes of added time. Phil Brown seemed suitably amused (or should that be bemused?). No smiles now though after Didier Drogba gives Chelsea victory. Tough on Hull that. Tough."
1445: TEAMS Aston Villa v Wigan Aston Villa: Friedel, Beye, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Milner, Delph, Petrov, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Heskey. Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Gardner, Clark. Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Brown, Thomas, N'Zogbia, Gomez, Koumas, Rodallega. Subs: Pollitt, Edman, Cho, Scotland, Sinclair, Boyce, King.
1444: TEAM NEWS Portsmouth v Fulham Portsmouth hand debuts to former Blackburn midfielder Aaron Mokoena and on-loan Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne, while David James has recovered from shoulder surgery and starts in goal. There are no new faces in the Fulham starting line-up as manager Roy Hodgson keeps faith with players that helped the club finish seventh last season. Bobby Zamora starts alongside Andrew Johnson up front, with new signings Stephen Kelly and Bjorn Helge Riise on the bench.
1443: FULL-TIME Chelsea 2-1 Hull City
1442: Not that the Tigers have given up yet. Kamel Ghilas tries his luck from the edge of the box but his curling shot lands on the roof of the net.
1441: Hull are now having to pour forward in search of an equaliser and Chelsea almost capitalise when Salomon Kalou's rasping shot flies just over. Hull will feel they deserved a point here, despite being under pressure for most of the match. I'm not sure they will get one now.
Not sure whether that was a cross, or a shot by Didier Drogba but Carlo Ancelotti and the Chelsea fans won't care. He picked up possession on the left-hand side over the area and dinked the ball over Boaz Myhill. Chelsea take the lead in the 92nd minute - four more still to play at Stamford Bridge.
1438: GOAL FLASH Chelsea 2-1 Hull City
1437: We are going to have SIX added minutes at Stamford Bridge...
1436: Blimey. After all their pressure, Chelsea were nearly beaten by a dodgy deflection. Kamel Ghilas runs down the right and his cross deflects off Jose Bosingwa and almost loops over Petr Cech. The big goalkeeper sticks out an arm to push the ball over the bar. The home fans breathe again.
1433: Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech needs a spot of treatment after a collision in his penalty area, but he is back on his feet now. That could mean a bit more stoppage time and it looks like his side will need it if they are going to snatch a winner - less than four minutes of the 90 left.
1432: TEAMS Blackburn v Man City: Blackburn: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Givet, Warnock, Diouf, Andrews, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Roberts, McCarthy. Subs: Brown, Grella, Khizanishvili, Gallagher, Olsson, Hoilett, Di Santo. Man City: Given, Richards, Dunne, Toure, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Barry, Robinho, Adebayor, Bellamy. Subs: Taylor, Onuoha, Zabaleta, Petrov, Tevez, De Jong, Weiss.
1430: TEAM NEWS Aston Villa v Wigan England Under-21 midfielder Fabian Delph makes his debut for Aston Villa in their opening day home fixture against Wigan. He is partnered in the centre of the park by Stiliyan Petrov who has recovered from a dislocated shoulder. The Villains also include Habib Beye, who joined them from Newcastle last week, at right-back. In manager Roberto Martinez's first match in charge at Wigan he includes summer signing Jordi Gomez in midfield, whilst fellow new signing Jason Scotland starts on the bench. Also included in the starting XI is Honduran midfielder Hendry Thomas, who joined the club in July.
1429: Oh dear. Salomon Kalou's first touch is a header, six yards from goal, when he meets Deco's cross. He has the chance to be an instant hero for Chelsea but, instead, he gets underneath the ball and it flies over the bar. Chelsea are running out of time to get a winner.
1428: TEAM NEWS Stoke v Burnley Stoke's summer signing from Sunderland, Dean Whitehead, makes his debut in midfield while Danny Higginbotham passes a late fitness test to start. Burnley also hand a start to their £3m signing, Steven Fletcher, who joined the Premier League newboys from Hibernian. He will partner Burnley's top scorer from last season Martin Paterson, who scored 19 goals in all competitions, up front.
1427: Hull bring on Geovanni, much to the delight of their supporters. Not sure the Brazilian is what you need when your backs are against the wall but there you go. Chelsea make a change too - Salomon Kalou is on for Nicolas Anelka.
1426: TEAM NEWS Blackburn v Man City Manchester City include three new faces - Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Barry - in their starting line-up but Carlos Tevez is only on the bench, with Craig Bellamy included up front. Blackburn hand debuts to summer signings Lars Jacobsen and Steven Nzonzi.
1422: Another chance for Chelsea - Jose Bosingwa makes space for a stinging shot that Boaz Myhill pushes away. Any ideas for man of the match folks?
1419: Hull are taking their time with throw-ins, goal-kicks and pretty much every chance they can waste a few seconds. They are happy with their point, and who can blame them? Chelsea, meanwhile, are trying to find a winner and Michael Essien goes close with a looping shot that drops just wide. I think Boaz Myhill would have got there if it was on target though.
1417: Just 20 minutes to go for Chelsea to find a winner...or Hull of course. Tigers' new-boy Kamel Ghilas finds himself in a great position on the left-hand side of the area but his low cross is nowhere near Caleb Folan. Chance gone.
1415: Plenty of boos, predictably, as Hull goalscorer Stephen Hunt comes off to be replaced by Kamel Ghilas. I wonder if the Chelsea fans will get the hump with Kamel too?
1413: This game is wide open now and Chelsea are leaving spaces at the back as they throw more players forward. For a second, Hull had a couple of men unmarked in the Chelsea area when Stephen Hunt sends in a deep cross - the ball drops for George Boateng but he is crowded out before he can get a meaningful shot away.
1410: You guessed it, Chelsea are on the attack again. Frank Lampard fights his way into the area and looks like he has got round Anthony Gardner to give himself a shooting chance. The big Hull defender has other ideas and sticks out a leg to stop him in his tracks.
From blake2108 on Twitter:
If Chelsea are going to do well with their 'diamond' Michael Essien needs to be in the holding role. John Mikel Obi never looks comfortable."
1406: Hull are still level, of course, and credit where credit is due - they are battling on here despite all the Chelsea pressure. I'm not sure Nick Barmby has touched the ball too often since coming off the bench for the Tigers, though, their frontmen are not seeing a lot of the action right now.
1403: I'm not sure how Hull have survived but somehow they are still level. First, the Tigers manage to hack the ball clear after Nicolas Anelka takes an air-shot from close range at the end of an almighty goalmouth scramble. Then the ball comes back to Didier Drogba to drill in a fierce shot from close range but, like so many of Chelsea's efforts today, it is straight at Boaz Myhill. Phew!
1400: Another chance for Chelsea, and this time it is Andy Dawson who comes to Hull's rescue. Nicolas Anelka is bearing down on goal and shaping to shoot but the Tigers defender gets a toe to the ball and whips it away from the striker. He needed to be precise there too, if he caught the man first then he'd have conceded a penalty and be facing an early bath.
1357: More pressure from Chelsea but Hull are holding out at the moment. This is very much the same pattern as we saw at the start of the first half but the Blues seem to have a bit more of a zip about them now.
1355: Boaz 'Busy' Myhill is at it again, punching clear a Florent Malouda free-kick. The ball is soon back in the danger zone, however, and Frank Lampard smashes an angled drive into the side netting from the edge of the area. Good start this, from Chelsea.
1353: Erm, have Chelsea got something about carving out great chances in the opening minute of each half? After Didier Drogba went close in the first few seconds of the match, it is Nicolas Anelka who goes close this time - Drogba finds him in space right in front of goal but he scuffs his shot and Boaz Myhill saves.
1351: Hull get us going in the second half. Chelsea have won their opening Premier League matches in each of the last seven seasons, but they have got work to do here to maintain that impressive record.
1349: Looks like a change for Chelsea - Michael Ballack is going to come into their midfield for the second half, in place of John Mikel Obi.
From mccollio09 on 606:
"I know it's early days, but Chelsea's formation looks a bit unorganised, players keep on running into each other in the middle. Can still see them coming out and winning comfortably in the second half though."
1342: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge:"Entertaining start to the Premier League season here at Stamford Bridge and Hull have played their full part. Phil Brown will be unhappy his side did not protect their lead for longer, especially as they looked unhappy with the free-kick that led to Didier Drogba's equaliser. Chelsea ended the half in the ascendancy - now lots of ground-staff working on the Stamford Bridge surface. Cut up a little in the opening 45 minutes."
1339: Right then. That's the first 45 minutes of the season out of the way for Chelsea and Hull, not much between them at the moment. Plenty of you lot on 606 seem a bit aggrieved by the way Chelsea won their free-kick that led to their equaliser - it looks like John Mikel Obi went down very easily. I'm sure Hull boss Phil Brown will have something to say about that later...
1337: HALF-TIME Chelsea 1-1 Hull City
1336: Another decent effort by Michael Essien, again from the edge of the area - but his shot flies straight at Boaz Myhill, who could be called Busy Myhill making a succession of saves as this half draws to an end.
1335: The tackles are still flying in, and Hull's Bernard Mendy sends Florent Malouda flying - almost into the crowd. It looked worse than it was, in fairness, but Mendy is still the first man to be shown a yellow card in this season's Premier League.
1333: In the build-up to that Didier Drogba effort, Hull's Dean Marney goes down with a nasty looking injury - not sure exactly what the problem is but he got his studs caught in the turf. He is taken off, to be replaced by Nick Barmby - Barmby played in the very first Premier League season, in 1992/93, don't you know?
1330: Didier Drogba has another pop, from open play but roughly the same distance as his free-kick. This time, the shot is straight at Boaz Myhill, who saves comfortably.
From redboychris on 606:
"Despite Chelsea levelling things up Hull are putting up a hell of a fight - can they keep it up though?"
1327: Michael Essien lets fly from about 30 yards out and Boaz Myhill gets down well to his left post to save. Especially well when you consider the ball flew through a crowd of players. It would be harsh on Hull if they went in at the break behind.
Chelsea are behind for only nine minutes. Hull concede a softish free-kick 25 yards out when Seyi Olofinjana blocks John Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba steps up to imperiously curl the ball past Boaz Myhill and into the corner of the net. That was a beautiful strike.
1324: GOAL FLASH: Chelsea 1-1 Hull City
1321: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge:"Carlo Ancelotti collared the fourth official for what he perceived as Hull City's time-wasting seconds before the free-kick that led to Stephen Hunt's goal. "You're getting sacked in the morning" sing Hull's fans to the Italian. Hull boss Phil Brown is a drama on his own on the touchline - whistling, waving, barking, gurning and now celebrating."
From CPFC Olly in South Wales via text on 81111: "Re 1315: That's one in the eye for the Chelsea boo-boys."
1317: No real response from Chelsea yet after going behind, although Didier Drogba is still putting himself about well up front. Hull fans might want to look at our natty 'as it stands' Premier League table on the right of this page. As it stands, they are top. We've still got a while to go in this one though...
Wowsers. Not sure I saw that coming. A hoisted Hull free-kick isn't properly cleared and George Boateng's shot deflects off the path of John Mikel Obi and into the path of Stephen Hunt, who slots into an unguarded net from about eight yards out. Hunt is going to be even more unpopular with Chelsea fans now...Hull lead 1-0.
1315: GOAL: Chelsea 0-1 Hull City
1312: Lovely stuff. Chelsea's best move of the match sees Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba combine to tee up Florent Malouda with a shooting chance just inside the area. The Frenchman gets his effort away but it is blocked by Anthony Gardner. Hull still defending with determination.
1311: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge:"Hull City boss Phil Brown - complete with trademark headset - is an increasingly animated figure, doing an impromptu touchline jig as his side show real signs of life, first when Dean Marney heads over and then George Boateng forces Petr Cech to save with his legs. Opposite number Carlo Ancelotti, hands in pockets, remains impassive."
1309: Chelsea cannot get past that orange line on the edge of the Hull area at the moment. Ashley Cole does break through, but his run is curtailed by the linesman's flag - more good defending by the Tigers.
1307: This game has settled down a bit now. It's taken 20 minutes mind. Hull will probably be happiest with the way their season has started - they saw out the early Chelsea pressure and have created some decent openings of their own.
From anon via text on 81111: "Moved to Bucharest a month ago. Took my wife, boy and seven-week-old daughter. New country, house and job - no problems. Start of Premier League season? So homesick I cannot be consoled..."
1303: Another good chance for Hull with George Boateng again trying his luck when a corner is not properly cleared. He fires in a bouncing shot from the edge of the box and Chelsea only just hack it clear, thanks to a combined effort from Michael Essien on the line and his goalkeeper Petr Cech.
1300: John Terry heads just over from a corner and, for all their pressure, that's probably the closest Chelsea have come to a goal in the first 15 minutes.
From Toon4...sigh...Premiership on 606:
"As a Newcastle fan, I made a pledge to not follow the Premier League at all and only focus on the Championship, but now that it's here it's just too tempting to resist!"
1258: Despite that chance for the visitors, Chelsea are still enjoying the lion's share of the possession. Hull are shaping up well, however and they are finding gaps in the home defence - Stephen Hunt's cross from the left finds Dean Marney in space but he cannot guide his header on target.
1255: Hull's turn to threaten. George Boateng has never scored a goal for the Tigers, but he has just gone mighty close - his shot from the edge of the box flew inches wide.
1253: I thought it was Blackburn who had promised to "kick lumps" out of Manchester City? So far, Hull are trying the same thing against Chelsea. We've had plenty of free-kicks to the men in Blue, and the Tigers are defending in depth, and in numbers.
1251: Stephen Hunt is still getting booed whenever he goes near the ball. It's been all Chelsea in the first few minutes though. John Mkel Obi is the latest player to try his luck for the home side, sending a rasping shot flying just past the post.
1248: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge: "Even before that challenge on Lampard, Hull City's new signing Stephen Hunt had received what can safely be described as a hostile welcome from the Chelsea fans inside Stamford Bridge. A leftover from the incident involving Petr Cech when Hunt was at Reading that resulted in Chelsea's keeper sustaining a fractured skull."
1247: A nice slow start at Stamford Bridge. Stephen Hunt slams into Frank Lampard with a high challenge that catches the England midfielder in the upper thigh. Seconds later, Michael Essien crosses from the right and Didier Drogba volleys narrowly wide from inside the box. The Premier League is pretty boring isn't it?
1246: Yey! Chelsea kick-off and we are under way in west London.
1245: There will be a minute's applause at every Premier League ground this weekend to honour
former England manager Sir Bobby Robson,
who died aged 76 on 31 July. The most poignant tribute will be at Fratton Park, where Fulham are playing - the Cottagers are the club where Sir Bobby spent the majority of his playing days, and also began his fantastic managerial career. The Chelsea and Hull fans are paying their respects now.
1243: A note of caution for Hull fans before we get going. They have never won at Stamford Bridge in any competition. Still, there is a first time for everything...
1240: The players are in the tunnel now. Chelsea will be led out by John Terry, who looked for a while like he might be starting this season wearing a slightly lighter shade of blue when Manchester City were after him earlier this summer. He didn't go anywhere, obviously.
1235: Right then. Just 10 minutes to go until we get the 18th Premier League season underway. 2009/10 starts at Stamford Bridge...very soon.
From Fandangos via text on 81111: "Re 1222: Come on Phil Brown, you have as much chance of beating Chelsea as Man City have of finishing in the top four (none)."
1230: Ha, yes I know I wrote at 1156 that Liverpool are playing Liverpool tomorrow...but I've changed it now. That would have been an interesting way for them to kick off their season though...
BBC Sport's Phil McNulty tweeting at Stamford Bridge:
"Hull City chairman Paul Duffen now being interviewed in Stamford Bridge press box. Busy man - and Phil Brown will be keeping him active in the transfer market. Duffen has said he hopes to know in the next week if a deal can be done for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo."
From blueboyrob on 606:
"Can't wait. Bit annoyed we won't be seeing Yuri Zhirkov yet or that Joe Cole isn't back, but otherwise should be a good day."
1222: Hull City manager Phil Brown: "Since we came back on 1 July, everyone's mindset has been on Chelsea and Stamford Bridge. It's been brought forward for TV so now it's even bigger and of course it's Carlo Ancelotti's first game so it's very exciting. It's the best stage in the world and we're on it again - who knows, we might even be top of the league before everyone else kicks off."
From Steve, Rovers fan & realist via text on 81111: "Dream on Man City. Even if you beat us today, you ain't gonna win the League."
1220: TEAM NEWS Chelsea v Hull: Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti starts with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in attack but there is no place for midfielder Michael Ballack in his first Premier League line-up. Hull forward Geovanni made a storming start to last but starts this one on the bench along with recent signing Kamel Ghilas. Fellow summer arrivals, midfielders Seyi Olofinjana and Stephen Hunt, both start.
1218: Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti: "This is my first season outside Italy so it is a bit different, but I want to do well with my team. I am happy, not afraid. There's no tension or pressure. It is new but not the unknown. I'm not in the dark. I know my team very well. I appreciate the squad over the month I've had here, and the quality of this team.
1213: As I said earlier, the Football League season began last weekend and, just for you, here's a quick treat - the best goals from the opening games and the first round of the Carling Cup. My favourite? A screamer of a volley into the top corner from a tight angle by Millwall's Neil Harris against Bournemouth...shades of Van Basten in Euro '88?
From Jonny Fieldman (City fan) via text on 81111: "The journey starts here for Man City. I hope they crush Blackburn one of the most boring teams in football now Sam has taken over, any long balls?..... I think so for Blackburn."
1205: Phew. We're in for a busy day. But before all that kicks off I'd like to hear from you lot. Yes you. You can holler if you like - but I'd much prefer it if you use
or get in touch via text on 81111. You can even use
Twitter too. All the mod cons here...
From Jamie via text on 81111: "Ah football season. Here again to ruin my mood. How I've missed thee."
1200: Three managers take charge of their first Premier League match today - Ancelotti at Chelsea, Roberto Martinez with Wigan and newly-promoted Burnley's Owen Coyle. Look out for Wolves boss Mick McCarthy too - both of his two previous seasons as a boss in the top flight finished with Sunderland rock-bottom of the table, and the Molineux club also finished dead last in their last campaign in the Prem - 2003/04. Room for improvement there then...
1156: But there is plenty more going on as well. Oh yes. The defending champions, Manchester United, and last season's runners up, Liverpool, don't join the party until tomorrow, when they take on Birmingham and Tottenham respectively, but we have six other top-flight matches at 1500 BST today, including money-bags Manchester City at Blackburn and penniless Portsmourth against Fulham, and a tasty-looking late clash between Arsenal and Everton.
1153: We've heard all the chat, now let's see some action. So, where do we start? Erm, how about Chelsea v Hull, at 1245 BST. Carlo Ancelotti's first competitive match as Blues boss (the Charity Shield doesn't count) is against the Tigers, who began last season like a train. They didn't end it quite so well though, did they?
1151: Of course, we've had plenty of football in the last week to whet our appetites. The Football League and Blue Square Premier began last weekend, and since then we've had about a million Carling Cup games and some internationals too. All good fun
(unless you're Scottish)
but something was missing. Not anymore though...
1149: Actually, don't climb out of any windows. I'd hate it if you fell, especially from a rooftop. And try not to spontaneously combust, like I clearly am doing, either. You can dance about a bit, though, and wave your hands in the air - the return of top-flight football after 84 days is worth a bit of a celebration, isn't it? Yes, even if you're a
1147: Yes folks, it's back. Open your windows, climb out and shout it from the rooftops - the Premier League starts today!
1145 BST: Excited? Er, I think I actually may be about to explode...
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.