August - A month in football with talkSPORT


The first month of the season always provides fans with new hope, unrealistic expectation and panic buying as the transfer window nears its conclusion.
Plenty has happened on-the-field and there has been some unbelievable stuff spotted too by TalkSport. Here is a round-up of some things you may have missed.
Four top videos & pictures
1. Manchester City’s recent Asian tour saw David Platt roll back the years. The former Arsenal, Bari and Sampdoria midfielder produces this stunning overhead kick which Mario Balotelli would have been proud of.
Sergio Aguero looks worried and who can blame him!

2. The Robin Van Persie transfer saga certainly left a lot to be desired. Should he stay at Arsenal? Would he go to Manchester United? We of course know the answer now but an excellent spot on Twitter by @CP_Jock. Maybe it was just destiny. 
3. August is a time when Arsenal are busy in selling their players. Last season, it was Fabregas and Nasri and this season, it was RVP and Alex Song. TalkSport had to poke a bit of fun at the Gunners and their incredible new third away kit.
4. The revolving door that was Loftus Road saw QPR make a late addition, by signing Julio Cesar from Inter Milan. However, we’re not sure how pleased the Brazilian was to make the move to West London…

Six opening day crackers
The 21st season of the Premier League has begun and TalkSport now looks back at six opening day crackers from the past 20 seasons that have set the standard for the season to come.
1. CRYSTAL PALACE 3-3 BLACKBURN ROVERS: 15 AUGUST 1992
It was the first weekend of the newly formed Premier League and Alan Shearer was making his debut for Blackburn.
The formidable striker had just made his British record breaking transfer from Southampton and certainly lived up to his £3.3m price tag by scoring two goals, including a curling volley from 25 yards.
Even a young Gareth Southgate got on the scoresheet for Palace in an entertaining opening day draw. Kenny Dalglish's Rovers side went on to finish fourth in the league, while Palace endured a painful relegation on the last day of the season.
2. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 3-4 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: 20 AUGUST 1994
Jurgen Klinsmann scored on his debut and showcased his famous diving celebration to make himself an instant Tottenham hero.
Spurs' attack combined to go 2-0 up at Hillsborough through Teddy Sheringham and Darren Anderton, but were pegged back until Nicky Barmby and Klinsmann's match winner secured a dramatic win in typical attacking style under Ossie Ardiles.
3. MIDDLESBROUGH 3-3 LIVERPOOL: 17 AUGUST 1996
Grey-haired Italian Fabrizio Ravanelli, fresh from winning the Champions League for Juventus and a shock move to Teeside, scored a hat-trick on his debut for Middlesbrough, after Liverpool had put themselves in front three times.
Goals from Robbie Fowler, John Barnes and Stig Inge Bjornebye meant this six-goal thriller at the Riverside opened the season in style.
4. READING 3-2 MIDDLESBROUGH: 19 AUGUST 2006
Steve Coppell's Reading had just secured promotion to the Premier League, but things started badly at the Madjevski Stadium when Stewart Downing and Yakubu put Boro 2-0 up within 20 minutes.
An emphatic comeback from the Royals ensued, with goals from ginger duo Steve Sidwell and Dave Kitson levelling the score.
Reading had waited 135 years to score in the top flight and with two already in the bag, Leroy Lita grabbed the winner on 55 minutes, as Reading made a dramatic three-goal comeback and nabbed three points on their Premier League debut.
5. EVERTON 1-6 ARSENAL: 15 AUGUST 2009
Every so often Arsenal hand out a footballing masterclass and on the opening day of the season in 2009, it was Everton on the wrong end of a thumping Gunners win.
Goals from Denilson, Thomas Vermaelen, William Gallas, Eduardo and two from Cesc Fabregas left Goodison Park stunned.
Louis Saha managed to score in injury time to prevent a whitewash, but by then most of the home supporters had already left.
6. WIGAN 0-4 BLACKPOOL: 14 AUGUST 2010
With an eccentric manager and a severe lack of funds, Premier League new boys Blackpool weren't expected to go far, but on the opening day they travelled to Wigan's DW Stadium and came home with all three points in emphatic fashion.
Two goals from Marlon Harewood helped the Seasiders to a fine win on their top flight comeback.
Unfortunately, Ian Holloway's side hit terrible form after the new year and Blackpool were relegated on the final day, while Wigan narrowly avoided the dreaded drop.
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By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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