World NewsEPL Wrap: United Held As Chelsea Score Four |
Manchester United's desperate need for a striker was laid bare at Old Trafford as the Premier League champions began their title defence with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Newcastle.
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Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to get too stressed at the loss of two points, given United finished top last term despite collecting only two from their opening three games.
But he ended Sunday's match with Patrice Evra providing Wayne Rooney with support up front.
He will also know that, unless the gap in his desired pool of four forwards can be filled before the transfer window closes in a fortnight, it may be asking too much of his team to complete a championship hat-trick - after they could find only a Darren Fletcher equaliser to Obafemi Martins' early opener.
Chelsea had no such problems as Luiz Felipe Scolari got his reign up and running with a 4-0 victory over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were criticised for being cautious under Jose Mourinho but Scolari's first match in charge suggested he wants style as well as substance, and they continued to push forward once Joe Cole opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
Nicolas Anelka, Scolari's only senior forward available, headed in his first goal at home for Chelsea before Frank Lampard put the result beyond doubt just before the break, scoring a penalty just five days after sealing his new five-year contract at the club.
Former Barcelona playmaker Deco, on his debut, added a fourth from long range just before the end.
Gabriel Agbonlahor scored an eight-minute hat-trick as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 4-2 at Villa Park.
John Carew put the hosts ahead only for City to level through an Elano penalty.
Agbonlahor then took centre stage with a rapid treble to take the game away from Mark Hughes' side.
Vedran Corluka pulled one back late on but it was nothing more than a consolation.
For the Manchester United game...
For the Chelsea game...
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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