Blues, Reds off to a flyer

ENGLISH Premier League champions Manchester City, and Liverpool, who are strongly fancied to challenge City this season, put down markers with impressive victories in their opening games of the new campaign.

City won 2-0 away to Arsenal, who were sixth last season, and the nation’s highest off-season spenders Liverpool beat West Ham United 4-0.

The Citizens, trying to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the title, were too good for a Gunners side under Unai Emery.