City kick-off title defence

Manchester City begin the defence of their Premier League title this afternoon.

They host newly promoted Southampton at Eastlands.

European champions Chelsea are also in action at Wigan, who finished last season strongly to avoid relegation.

Yesterday. Liverpool got off to a terrible start, losing 3-0 at West Brom in Brendan Rodgers' first game in charge.

Elsewhere, Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1 at St. James' Park, while West Ham were 1-0 victors over Aston Villa on their return to the top flight.

Fellow newly promoted side Reading drew 1-1 with Stoke, Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at home to Sunderland, and there were emphatic 5-0 wins for Fulham and Swansea, against Norwich and QPR respectively.