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Blackpool enjoyed a dream return to English footballs top flight when they lit up the opening day of the Premier League season by thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 ...

Blackpool enjoyed a dream return to English footballs top flight when they lit up the opening day of the Premier League season by thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 on Saturday. Marlon Harewood,one of a rash of midweek signings for the club that has languished in the lower divisions since 1971,scored twice as travelling fans clad in Blackpools traditional orange colours celebrated a result beyond their wildest dreams.

Champions Chelsea demolished West Bromwich Albion 6-0,shrugging off poor pre-season form to launch their campaign in style. Didier Drogba grabbed a hat-trick and Florent Malouda scored twice as promoted West Brom were picked apart at Stamford Bridge. Malouda put Carlo Ancelotti8217;s side ahead after six minutes and Drogba doubled the lead with a free kick shortly before the interval.

The Ivory Coast striker grabbed his second after 55 minutes before Frank Lampard8217;s clinical finish and another for Drogba with a deflected effort. Malouda completed the rout late on.

Free-spending Manchester Citys assault on silverware began with a 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur,the side who pipped them to fourth spot last season,thanks to a sensational goalkeeping performance by Joe Hart. Aston Villa responded to the shock resignation of manager Martin ONeill with a 3-0 win over West Ham United with winger James Milner,playing despite a looming move to Manchester City,scoring his sides third goal.

Blackburn Rovers beat Everton 1-0 and Wolverhampton Wanderers were also home winners,beating Stoke City 2-1. Ten-man Birmingham City grabbed a later equaliser to draw 2-2 at Sunderland and Fulham and Bolton Wanderers finished goalless.

Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday and Manchester United face Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday. Favourites for relegation and with their dated Bloomfield Road ground still undergoing a makeover,Blackpool stole top billing as the worlds most-hyped league opened for business. Their rout of Wigan put them top of the embryonic table and had manager Ian Holloway praising his players to the hilt.

This is a great group of lads and we had a great day today, Holloway,who gained promotion via the playoffs last season,said.

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I had to throw in three boys today who had literally just met each other. If we stay together we may cut it and have half a chance to stay above three teams at the end of the season.