Um...have we started?

In London the saying goes that you spend ages waiting for a bus, only for three to come along at once. It may well be a phrase used much further afield than the capital - I've not heard it over here in Australia yet but probably that's because their bus network seems to be a damn sight more efficient than it was back home. Either way, the phrase should resonate with football fans at this time of year - having spent what feels like a lifetime waiting for football to return, before you know it we're off and running with more action than a day out with Steven Seagal and Jason Statham.

Unfortunately, the drawback so far has been the action, or lack thereof...Messrs Seagal and Statham would surely not be impressed with the way things have kicked off in the English Premier League. Trying to pick out a highlight from the opening weekend was like trying to pick your favourite part of a colonoscopy.

That is perhaps stretching things a bit too far (much like a colonoscopy) but it has not been the most gripping of starts in my opinion. A host of draws with fewer goals than ever on the opening day, it took until Monday for City and most notably Sergio Aguero to provide some razzle dazzle. Larsson and Cahill might be able to argue their case but for me nothing really got the pulse racing.

This has unfortunately carried over into the second week, with the stand-out fixture so far coming yesterday at the Emirates. Arsenal, heavily depleted due to injury and a somewhat baffling phobia of shopping, were beaten 2-0 by a Liverpool side who were good value for it, despite the fortuitous and potentially illegal nature of their goals (both had strong hints of offside). I had been eagerly anticipating this match and watched it in perfect surroundings: a busy, loud pub full of passionate fans, big screens aplenty and the commentary turned up nice and loud (none of this music malarkey when the game's on, thanks) so all the ingredients were there. Sadly, being honest, I did not think it was a classic game at all. Lacking in clear chances, and an increasingly infuriating ineptitude/bluntness from the home side, I imagine it would have been an incredibly frustrating and miserable experience for fans of the Gunners. Certainly the Donny Tourette lookalike behind us was not enjoying himself, and he doesn't much like Samir Nasri don't you know. Pottymouth.

Whether it spells quite the apocalyptic disaster for Arsenal that many are predicting (I like Wenger's quote comparing a defeat to an earthquake, for the record) will remain to be seen. They are almost certainly going to lose to United next week, you'd be a brave person to bet against a home win there. Of far greater importance is the midweek tie at Udinese to reach the Champions League group stage. I think they'll do enough to get through, and can then pick up the pieces of a poor start to salvage plenty from the long months ahead.

Arsenal aside, the excitement and quality surely has to improve now. There are signs - QPR shocking Everton by taking all three points from Goodison was at least a noteworthy result, whilst Monday's clash between United and Spurs should be tasty. It's obviously very early days and I am not for a minute suggesting that the season won't bring the usual fun and games (relax, I'm not a Neejurk) but it just hasn't been quite the stellar opening that I have been hoping for since May. Patience, friends, patience

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In your search for happier and far more exciting footballing times, look no further than the Championship. Southampton: 4 games, 4 wins, 10 goals scored, on a 11 match winning streak in all competitions and sitting pretty on the top of the pile! It can't and won't go on for ever but hell if I care, it's a great start and we couldn't have asked for more. Come On You Reds!!!