15 Biggest Opening Day Shocks in Premier League History
10. West Ham 3-1 Blackburn - 2005
Having scraped through the Championship play-offs, a nervous Upton Park wasn't sure what was in store for West Ham upon their return to the top-flight in 2005. They needn't have worried too much, as Alan Pardew's men set a precedent for a fine season which would culminate in a top-half finish and an FA Cup final appearance. Dispatching Blackburn Rovers with relative ease, the Hammers support had their bubble blowers out in force, with second-half strikes from Teddy Sheringham, Nigel Reo-Coker and Matthew Etherington having quelled the nerves inside the stadium, following Andy Todd's opening goal for the visitors. A dream start for the Hammers against a Blackburn side who would prove to be no push-overs that season, going on to defeat Manchester United home and away on their way to UEFA Cup qualification.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
