The launch of the new premier league got off to an emphatic start as Bran Deane of Sheffield United became the first premiership goal scorer after just five minutes in a match against the eventual champions, Manchester United.
The team that got off to the most spectacular start was Norwich, as they took ten points out of a possible 12 in their opening four matches.
Alan Shearer signed to Blackburn from Southampton in the summer and he got off to an outstanding start, scoring a hat trick in his first match against Crystal Palace. More was to follow through out the season as he put on a marvellous show in Blackburn’s 7-1 thumping of league leaders Norwich. Norwich went into December however, with a lead of eight points at the top of the table.
Manchester United started off the season slowly, however they were gaining momentum, the signing of Eric Cantona for a bargain of £1.2 million from Leeds United transformed them and they were looking like title contenders while entering December. An emphatic 5-0 victory over Coventry City tied them up at the end of the year on 41 points which was level with Aston Villa and Norwich.
Manchester United continued their brilliant form through out the season, including a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield and beating Chelsea 3-0. The title race between Manchester United and Aston Villa remained tight through out the season, a match against Sheffield Wednesday proved to be crucial, as Manchester United was 1-0 down, Steve Bruce scored twice during injury time, and the 2-1 victory led United to the top of the league, Aston Villa suffered a defeat at the hands of Oldham Athletic and Manchester united were crowned champions with two matches spare. The title parade came after their 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United were champions.
Liverpool’s premiership campaign was a season of transition as Jamie Redknapp, Steve Mcmanaman and Rob Jones made their break through to the team, their away form through out the season seriously let them down as they only won three of their away games and conceded 37 goals in the process.
Sheffield Wednesday had a fine season; new signing Mark Bright was in terrific form over the entire season. Despite a slow start, they finished a very impressive 7th in the league and they also reached the FA Cup Final and League Cup Final, losing in both cups to Arsenal. The goals of David Hirst pulled Wednesday all the way to the two respective finals.