5 Best opening day Premier League matches

#2 Aston Villa 4-2 Manchester City (2008-09)

When the Villains welcomed the Citizens to Villa Park, it certainly felt as if a change was in the air. At the time, Villa was an impressive side with some quality players like Gareth Barry and Ashley Young in their prime, whilst Manchester City were on the verge of announcing themselves as the noisiest of neighbours.

At halftime, the score was 0-0 and the football was ordinary. John Carew gave Villa the lead before City's pre-Mansour Brazilian maestro, Elano, equalised from the spot with 25 minutes remaining.

What followed was a masterclass from Gabriel Agbonlahor as he tore a relatively young and inexperienced City side apart with a ruthless streak.

He volleyed his first one in from close range, before heading in a cross from future City player Barry and then side-footed for an insanely fast, seven-minute 'perfect' hattrick.

City did score a late consolation to add some drama to the game before they embarked on a road to success that has led them to today.

Just a few days later, Mansour would complete his takeover and Mark Hughes would unveil Robinho.