Away teams dominated on the first day of the Premier League season as Manchester City began their campaign with a victory at Blackburn. Goals early and late from Manchester City gave boss Mark Hughes the perfect start as they defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Ewood Park.
New signing Emmanuel Adebayor gave City a third minute lead and Steven Ireland sealed the match with an injury time strike.
Rovers always pushed for a leveller but it was the visitor's who created the bulk of the chances.
In the Midland's Martin O' Neill's saw a disappointing Aston Villa succumb 2-0 to visitors Wigan who were fully deserved of the three points.
Colombian Hugo Rodallega Colombian gave the Latics a first half lead with a brilliant strike and Jason Koumas doubled their advantage early in the second half.
At the Reebok Stadium Bolton went sown 1-0 to visitors Sunderland who should have won more comfortably.
Summer signing Darren Bent got the winner and was a constant threat alongside his strike partner Kenwyne Jones.
The Black Cats almost paid the price for not taking their chances as Sean Davies almost levelled in the final seconds.
Burnley in their first start to a Premier League campaign were well beaten 2-0 at Stoke City, both goals arriving in the first half through Ryan Shawcross and an own goal from Stephen Jordan.
The Clarets improved after the break but still rarely threatened the Stoke goal.
Wolves, after a bright opening, paid the price for poor defending as they crashed 2-0 at home to West Ham.
After a six year absence from the top flight the home side fell to goals either side of half time from Mark Noble and Matthew Upson.