The soccer world was allowed some indulgence this past weekend as the Premier League kicked off the 2014-15 season.

There are expectations that this season might feature an excruciatingly tight race for the title and the first nine games certainly offered up some promise.

Here are the big takeaways from the weekend:

1. Manchester United Off to a Woeful Start

Manchester United were supposed to be rejuvenated under manager Louis van Gaal. The new 3-5-2 system was supposed to give the team more attacking edge. And with Wayne Rooney as the captain, the team was expected to compete for the title. Some of those pieces fell into place in the opening game at the Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney was spectacular on his volley goal. Juan Mata had a solid game.

However, this is a team that should have won its home opener, and it did not. The three-man backline was suspect throughout the game against Swansea City, and David De Gea was poor on the second goal. Javier Hernandez continued to prove why he does not belong on this team while Ander Herrera, and Darren Fletcher did little in the middle to inspire confidence. This team is not quite there yet. Van Gaal must make changes.

2. Arsenal Still Susceptible

For most of their encounter with Crystal Palace, it seemed that the Gunners were going to continue disappointing their fans. Santi Cazorla, usually a top player for the team, was absolutely atrocious with the ball at his feet, while Jack Wilshere was mediocre in the middle. The team dominated the encounter, but it never really had the finishing touch that is necessary to win these "easy games." Credit is obviously owed to Crystal Palace for its stingy defense, but the Gunners were expected to runaway at home. Aaron Ramsey proved to be the hero, as did Alexis Sanchez, who looked greater in his Premier League debut.

However, against stronger sides like Manchester City and Chelsea, this Arsenal side could continue to sink.

3. Manchester City Looks Good in Title Defense

It was not a great performance at Newcastle, but it was good enough to get the three points. Manuel Pellegrini's defending champions were woeful on the road last year, but they looked solid in this encounter. David Silva was the top player on the pitch with and without the ball. His commitment to pressuring up high was second to none and his goal was well taken. The team also enjoyed a brief appearance from Sergio Aguero who came on the pitch and immediately added the insurance goal.

4. Liverpool & Tottenham Look Weaker

Both Liverpool and Tottenham got off to solid starts to their 2014-15 campaigns, but neither performance was particularly convincing. Kyle Naughton was ejected before the half hour was past for Tottenham, and the team was lucky that Mark Noble completely missed on his penalty shortly after. The team was then fortunate to see West Ham's James Collins get his second yellow to even things up. The last gasp goal got them the three points, but it was ever so close of becoming an opening day debacle for the Spurs.

Liverpool lacked the attacking punch without Luis Suarez but still defeated Southampton thanks to a late goal from Daniel Sturridge. The team dominated possession but still managed less shots on goal than its opponents. That basically tells you how poor the attack was in the final third. It could be a long season for Brendan Rodgers and company.

Schedule

Schedule for Champions League games can be found here.

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