United begin title defence in style under Moyes

Manchester United FC began their title defence in perfect fashion with a 4-1 opening-day victory at Swansea City AFC, while Liverpool FC, Southampton FC and West Ham United FC all won on a day to forget for Arsenal FC.

The champions looked in fine fettle in David Moyes' first competitive game since taking over as United manager from Sir Alex Ferguson. Robin van Persie picked up from where he left off last term, opening the scoring with an acrobatic volley in the 34th minute before Danny Welbeck doubled the advantage two minutes later. The Dutch international smashed in a third 18 minutes from time and, athough Swansea grabbed a late consolation through summer signing Wilfried Bony, it was to be United's day as Welbeck chipped in an exquisite fourth at the death.

In the opening game of the Premier League season at lunchtime, Liverpool FC triumphed 1-0 against Stoke City FC thanks to Daniel Sturridge's first-half drive into the bottom right-hand corner. Brendan Rodgers' side had new recruit Simon Mignolet to thank, though, as the Belgian international goalkeeper saved Jonathan Walters' late penalty and reacted sharply to keep out the rebound.

Elsewhere, it was a day to forget for UEFA Champions League play-off entrants Arsenal. The north London club had Laurent Koscielny sent off in a 3-1 home defeat against Aston Villa FC and their misery was compounded with full backs Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna going off injured.

Rickie Lambert's 32nd consecutive successful penalty was the difference between the sides as Southampton FC started with a win at West Bromwich Albion FC. Newly promoted Cardiff FC lost 2-0 at West Ham United, while Fulham FC were the day's other winners, beating Sunderland AFC 1-0 and Everton FC shared four goals with Norwich City FC.