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The first match of the new season saw Liverpool, hoping to start afresh without Owen and Houiller, and Spurs. Steve Finnan was the only Irishman to begin the game for Pool, while Gary Doherty came on as a second half sub for Spurs. Robbie Keane missed the game through injury and after yesterdays performance Jacues Santini will want him back sooner rather than later. It finished at White Hart Lane 1-1.
David O'Leary's Aston Villa started this season just as they finished the last. The Birmingham side will be hoping to stay in the Big 6 this year and they got off to a flyer with a 2-0 win over Southampton. Rory Delap appeared as a second half substitute for the Saints.
Richard Dunne played a steady game at centre back for Manchester "Jekell and Hyde" City at home to Fulham. Dunne's side managed a 1-1 draw. Another 1-1 draw on the opening day was at Fratton Park where there was no Kenny Cunningham but Clinton Morrison flew the Irish flag for Birmingham as they made do with a 1-1 draw after going ahead through Robbie Savage.
Finally, Shay Given and Steven Carr featured as part of the Newcastle defence that conceded two equilisers against rivals Middlesbrough. Nothing for Brian Kerr to worry about though, as the Magpies had a suspect defensive pairing of Elliot and Hughes as Andy O'Brien, who looks likely to start the World Cup games, was out with the eye infection plauging Newcastle.
Today sees, Manchester United take on Chelsea. Surprisingly, with all the foreign transfers being made by the top clubs, this game has the most Irish interest than any. John O'Shea, Roy Keane and Liam Miller all will start for United while Damien Duff may begin the game for Chelsea. Also today Kevin Kilbane will be in action as Everton start the season in the worst possible way, playing Arsenal.