LONDON: Blackpool lit up the opening day of the Premier League season with a 4-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic to celebrate their long-awaited return to the top flight of English football in style.

Manchester City paraded 70 million pounds worth of new signings in a 0-0 lunchtime draw at Tottenham Hotspur, but it was Blackpool, in the wilderness since 1971, who stole top billing with new signing Marlon Harewood scoring twice in a dream away win.

Aston Villa responded to this week`s shock resignation of manager Martin O`Neill with a 3-0 win at home to West Ham United with winger James Milner, playing despite a looming move to Manchester City, scoring his side`s third goal.

Blackburn Rovers beat Everton 1-0 and Wolverhampton Wanderers were also home winners, beating Stoke City 2-1 while 10-man Birmingham City grabbed a later equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Sunderland.

Fulham and Bolton Wanderers finished goalless.

Champions Chelsea face West Bromwich Albion later on Saturday with Liverpool at home to Arsenal on Sunday and Manchester United concluding the opening round of fixtures on Monday against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

BDST: 2210HRS, August 14, 2010