Bernie’s Sports Focus - Monday 20th August 2012

Premier champions Valletta began the defense of their title with a narrow 1-0 win against Tarxien Rainbows, Jonathon Caruana heading the winner late in the second half.

Hamrun Spartans and Balzan had a lively start to their season with a 2-2 draw.

In the weekends opening matches Qormi squeezed past Rabat Ajax with a solitary goal while Sliema Wanderers and Floriana finished 1-1.

Tonight Hibernian’s take on a much strengthened Mosta and B’Kara play newly promoted Melita.

Manchester City got their new season off to a shaky start with a 3-2 win against newly promoted Southampton.
It was a dramatic win for the champions who took the lead through Tevas, then saw Southhampton strike twice to go in front.

No champion side has ever lost their opening game in the Premiership and just as it looked as though that fate would befall City, Dzeko put them level and Nasri hit a late  winner to ease City’s jitters.

Earlier Chelsea beat Wigan 2-0.

At the moment Fulham top the table with Liverpool, who lost 3-0 to West Brom in the bottom three.
Goodison Park will be full to capacity tonight as Everton entertain Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson is still furious that his side lost the premier race on goal difference and insists that will not happen again. He will be looking to new signing Robin Van Persie to add to United’s already potent strike force.

Everton always seem to start the season slowly and with Cahill gone and Fellaini facing a late fitness test, manager David Moyes knows he will have another tough season on his hands.

No such problems for Barcelona who cruised to a 5-1 victory against Sociedad, Lionel Messi scoring twice as Barca went top of La Liga.

Their arch rivals Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Valencia.

Honda’a Dani Pedrosa won the Indianapolis Moto GP to close the gap on championship leader Jorge Lorenzo who finished second.
Andrea Dovizio was third on his Tech 3 Yamaha while Casey Stoner did well to take forth place despite racing with multiple injuries following a crash in qualifying.