Just as one sparrow does not a summer make, one weekend of soccer does not a champion crown. However, the pundits, analysts and football's fortune tellers are no doubt juggling the results of the  opening weekend to glean some clues into one of life's greatest mysteries - which of the top four will win the EPL this year?

Whilst our crystal ball remains a little rather more opaque with modesty, we contemplate ourselves what the first weekend of the new season managed to serve us.

Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about English Premier League (EPL, BPL) fantasy analysis and European football news.

Manchester United Disappoints vs. Tottenham

The first kick-off saw Manchester United take on Tottenham and a flukey own goal was barely enough to give the Red Devils their first three points of the new campaign. However, it was nowhere near good enough and a performance by United so inept that they had to wait until the 65th minute for their first shot on goal. Understandably, the new signings will need some time to form a cohesion but new boy Depay underwhelmed and Schweinsteiger, coming on as a substitute, looked a little exasperated by the pace of the English game.

However, Schneiderlin's passing was acute and sharp and man-of the-match Chris Smalling was good enough to successfully contain the threat of Harry Kane. Some positives for the Manchester men, psychologically a big win but a performance that needs significant improvement.

Arsenal Downed 2-0 by West Ham

Following their victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield, Arsenal fans were presumably jostling with the dream of actually winning a real trophy this year with league title stars in their eyes. Not so fast. A two nil loss to West Ham, at home, was as imperfect a start that Wegner would have wanted for his team with Petr Cech glaringly at fault for at least one of the "Hammer's" goals. It was apparent that the newly signed 'keeper will need to open lines of communication with his defense whilst his manager keeps lines of communication open with Madrid for potential target Karim Benzema.

Olivier Giroud was ineffectual up top, although in fairness he worked honestly, but the gunners need another striker if they are to seriously impact the title charge this season.

Swansea Surprises Chelsea with 2-2 Draw

Although they lead twice, reigning champions Chelsea were ultimately held to a two all draw by the nimble footed men from Swansea. The second half of last season saw Chelsea erect a fortress to protect their goal and if defenses can win titles, Jose Mourinho's men did just that. However, against Swansea John Terry et al. looked torpid and uncomfortable and when dealing with the pace of the team from Wales displayed an unusual vulnerability.

In fact, Swansea had 10 shots on target, a tally no team has reached since at least 2003 and it might just be the impetus needed to bring a certain John Stones from Everton to bolster an aging defense. Chelsea only conceded 32 goals last year and this is surely to be a variable in Mourinho's thinking maybe even before this weekend's mammoth clash at Manchester City.

Sky Blues Dominate vs. West Brom

Speaking of the "Sky Blues", it is fitting that we keep the best for last. Manchester City's performance against West Brom was succulent, oft times spectacular, with sparkling choreography from mastermind Yaya Toure and footballing wizard David Silva. The city faithful will rejoice in Toure's performance in particular and his spectacular goal will help reassure that, following last season's inept displays, this Ivorian is far from finished.

Silva sprayed passes like he was spraying pesticides on a lawn and we tabulated that he played just under 100 passes with an accuracy level of about 95%. Remarkable. Inevitably, Raheem Sterling was a boisterous distraction and as EPL debuts go, the young player did rather well. Evidence of his pace was plentiful and his performance will only serve to bolster his confidence further.

The cynics may argue that City were 'only' playing West Brom. Well, Chelsea were 'only' playing Swansea and Arsenal 'only' West Ham but city's performance was one of determined intent. This weekend's clash against Chelsea will reveal more, obviously, but if City can repeat, then the champions are not only in for a long arduous afternoon but an arduous season.

Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-60" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]