Five of the Best Opening Day Moments

Sheffield United 2-1 Manchester United, August 15 1992

Brian Deane became the first player to score a goal in the newly-formed Premier League as his Sheffield United side defeated eventual champions Manchester United at Bramall Lane. Deane also converted a second half penalty, before Mark Hughes' goal on the hour mark set up a nervous finish. Deane finished with 15 goals in the inaugural Premier League season, putting him joint sixth in the goalscoring charts. Sheffield United went on to finish 14th in the table.

Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United, August 19 1995

It was the game that signified the start of a new era, we just didn't know it at the time. Aston Villa made light work of Manchester United at Villa Park, racing to a 3-0 lead within 36 minutes with goals from Taylor, Mark Draper and future United striker Dwight Yorke. David Beckham's late strike proved mere consolation, and led to ex-Liverpool defender Alan Hansen proclaiming on Match of the Day that "you'll never win anything with kids" in reference to Alex Ferguson's youthful selection, which included Beckham, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes. United, who had been beaten to the Premier League title by Blackburn the season previous and had sold established players such as Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis, went on to win a league and cup double.

Wimbledon 0-3 Manchester United, August 17 1996

David Beckham became a household name in this season opener. He spotted Wimbledon 'keeper Neil Sullivan off his line and hit a shot from the halfway line that floated over the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal was voted Premier League Goal of the Decade in 2003. United won the game 3-0, with Beckham's goal coming at the end of the game following earlier strikes by Eric Cantona and Denis Irwin. United went on to win the their fourth league title in five years.

Norwich 1-7 Colchester, August 8 2009

It was the eye catching result of the opening weekend in the Football League. Colchester thumped seven past relegated Norwich at Carrow Road, who started the game as favourites for promotion from League One this season. Kevin Lisbie and Clive Platt hit two goals each to stun the home crowd. Less than a week later, Norwich boss Bryan Gunn was sacked, and ironically replaced days later by Paul Lambert, the Colchester manager.

Everton 1-6 Arsenal, August 15 2009

All the talk during the summer was about it being the year Arsenal slipped out of the top four for the first time in years. Who's to say what will happen, but they certainly defied their critics with this opening day thumping of Everton at Goodison Park. The win could signify the start of a new era at Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger of the belief that his team of youngsters can win the Premier League. Goals from Denilson, new signing Thomas Vermaelen, William Gallas, Francesc Fabregas (2) and Eduardo helped the Gunners to a perfect start. How the rest of their season goes remains to be seen...

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