The English Premier League returns - EUROPEAN FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

THE first of Europe's big football leagues has returned, as the Barclay's Premier League got off to a flying start last weekend. With mouth-watering clashes and surprising victories, this was definitely one of the best opening weekends in recent history.

Premier League champions, Chelsea got off to a flying start when they whipped newly upgraded, West Brom 6-0. A hat-trick from last year's golden boot winner, Didier Drogba, set the trend as the Blues ran rampant through a lacklustre, West Brom contingent. A brace from Florent Malouda, and another from Frank Lampard sealed the deal.

Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, right, celebrates his second goal against West Bromwich Albion during their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London, Saturday, August 14, 2010.

Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina (right), concedes a goal as Arsenal’s Marouane Chamakh (left), looks on during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Sunday, August 15, 2010. (Photos: AP)

Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina (right), concedes a goal as Arsenal’s Marouane Chamakh (left), looks on during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Sunday, August 15, 2010. (Photos: AP) 2/2

The contenders for the last two spots in the big four, had huge clashes against each other over the weekend. First, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs played to an interesting draw at White Hart Lane. Neither team could break the deadlock as the Citizens were found wanting up front and Spurs could not get past brilliant goalkeeping from City's Joe Hart. Hopefully, the addition of Mario Ballotelli will help City get over this issue.

The other two contenders, Arsenal and Liverpool played to an event-filled, 1-1 draw at Anfield. David Ngog opened the scoring in the 46th minute and seemed destined to be the hero of a ten man Liverpool outfit. It was not to be however, as veteran keeper Pepe Reina accidentally knocked the ball into his own net to give Arsenal a single point. Joe Cole was red carded on his debut match at the end of the first half for Liverpool, while Arsenal debutant, Laurent Koscielny also saw red in the dying minutes of the encounter.

The shock of the first round came from the Premier League newcomers, Blackpool, who registered an emphatic win away from home against Wigan. Rejected Premier League striker, Marlon Harewood got two goals to christen his renewed Premier League career while Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alex Baptiste got the others.

Aston Villa got off to a good start, despite losing their manager right before the start of the season as they beat West Ham 3-0. Stewart Downing, Stilian Petrov and want away midfielder, James Milner got the goals. The other contenders for the trophy, Manchester United, bowed into action yesterday against a Newcastle United side, keen on making their return to the Premier League permanent.

Another contender for the trophy Manchester United bowed into action yesterday against a Newcastle United side keen on making their return to the Premier League permanent. However, goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and veteran Ryan Giggs in the 33rd, 42nd and 85th minute respectively saw the Red Devils skipping pass the Magpies 3-0 at Old Trafford.

In other football news, Spanish champions Barcelona now has some very tricky waters to navgiate after going down 3-1, in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup finals. A brace from Freddy Kanoute and one from Luis Fabiano were enough to give Sevilla the advantage in the competition.

New Breath In Ramadan Campaign To Help Smokers Quit

KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Health Department is organising a campaign dubbed "Nafas Baru Bermula Ramadan" (New Breath Starts in Ramadan) in a bid to help hardcore smokers in the state to quit smoking.

Terengganu Health, Unity and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar said the month of Ramadan was the perfect time for smokers to launch their quit-smoking effort.

"The chances for them to succeed are higher during the fasting month," he told reporters from Thursday.

To this end, he said the department would set up "quit smoking" booths at Ramadan bazaars statewide during the Ramadan month to provide information on how to quit the habit.

"Smokers or anyone whose family members are smokers and in need of information to help them quit smoking can get those information at the booths or simply visit our quit smoking clinics," he said.

In other development, Abdul Rahman called on the Kuala Terengganu City Council to make improvement to Ramadan bazaar sites.

He also reminded Ramadan bazaar traders to pay extra attention to the cleanliness aspect and avoid selling "re-cycled" food to prevent food poisoning.

He said inspections mounted by the department at Ramadan bazaars in the state last year found that many of the food sold by the traders were contaminated and would turn foul easily.

-- BERNAMA

Jones reveals Kop memories

rad Jones hopes his Anfield debut turns out better than his last outing in front of the Kop.

The Aussie stopper - who is finalising the formalities of his move to Liverpool - was beaten by what he describes as a 'Stevie G worldy' when he visited Merseyside with Middlesbrough in April 2005.

The game left a lasting impression on Jones, whose mother is Scouse.

"It was brilliant up until Stevie G scored an absolute worldy against me. He did what he does best and it was a screamer," said the 28-year-old in an interview which can now be watched in full on LFCTV Online.

"The one memory I have is from when Stevie scored the goal: before I'd even hit the floor from diving I couldn't hear anything. The noise was unbelievable.

"I also got applauded by the Kop and I wasn't expecting it. It was a bit of a surprise. That was nice.

"Before the game I had goosebumps listening to You'll Never Walk Alone. I dare say it will be even better when I do it as a Liverpool player.

"I've stepped out as an opposition player and I think stepping out as a Liverpool player would be an ambition I can tick off my list. When it comes it'll be a dream come true."

Jones walking out at Anfield will also be a proud moment for his Liverpudlian mum.

"Mum's over the moon, as is my granddad," said Australia international. "It's nice. I have family round here, so it's nice to be in a familiar area.

"It's 50/50 in the family between Liverpool and Everton, but I'm sticking to the red side.

Watch the full interview now on LFCTV Online>>

"Obviously rumours fly around but I heard of the interest a couple of weeks ago. Growing up with a mum who's a Scouser, Liverpool was drilled into me and Liverpool's my team.

"It didn't take too long to think coming here through!"

Jones was at Anfield to watch the Reds draw 1-1 with Arsenal on Sunday.

It left him even more desperate to don a Liverpool shirt for the first time - but he admits Roy Hodgson has not made him any promises about first-team football.

"Watching the game the other day, the atmosphere was unbelievable. I'm just looking forward to being a part of it," said Jones.

"It's got to help you - an atmosphere like that, fans like that. I just sat there in awe on Sunday.

"They've told me they want me to do what I do and put pressure on Pepe Reina and Diego Cavalieri. That's fine, I'm happy to do that. I've got to give it a go.

"Roy Hodgson hasn't promised anything and I would never expect that from a manager. It's up to me to work hard and make his decisions for him."

Jones trained with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday morning and now faces the daunting task of trying to oust a man regarded as one of the world's best goalkeepers.

Despite there being less than a year between them in age, the former Middlesbrough man accepts he can learn plenty from World Cup winner Reina.

"It's not going to be easy to get past Pepe. He's shown over the last couple of years how good he is. You don't play for the clubs he's played for and the tournaments he's played in and not be world class.

"Obviously that side of it is going to be tough but I'll do what I can and try to put a bit of pressure on him.

"Age-wise we're the same but not experience-wise. He started at Barcelona very young and has played for some big clubs. There's going to be aspects that I'll learn from him and I'm looking forward to working with him."

The settling in process will be made easier for Jones by the presence of Liverpool's new Australian-led medical team, many of whom he knows through the Socceroos.

"Yes, I obviously know them very well and have spent a fair bit of time with them over the last few years," said the goalkeeper. "I was with them just before the World Cup. It's good to have familiar faces and people who I can ask for directions!"

Despite playing for Australia, Jones counts as a homegrown player due to his mum being English and his dad having a British passport.

He said: "Obviously with my mum being English, and my dad as well, I have a British passport. That helped me come over in the first place - and now it helps me with the new rules because I'm homegrown."