Reading have come up from Old Trafford with a precious point after they held Premiership champions Manchester United to a 0-0 draw on Sunday. The Royals managed to keep the clean sheet thanks to a fine performance from their American keeper Marcus Hahnemann, who had to face more than 25 goal attempts by the home side. The Red Devils suffered a major blow when they lost striker Wayne Rooney at half-time after the England forward injured himself in a challenge with Michael Duberry. United will be frustrated to lose two points from their first Premiership fixture, especially after their arch rivals have registered victories. Earlier on Sunday, Chelsea and Arsenal came from behind to beat Birmingham City and Fulham 3-2 and 2-1 respectively in their first matchday of the Premiership's new season. At Stamford Bridge, Mikael Forssell stunned his former club with a 15th minute opener to give newly-promoted Birmingham a startling lead. However, Steve Bruce team's celebrations lasted for just two minutes as Chelsea's new boy Claudio Pizarro leveled the scoring swiftly, before Florent Malouda grabbed the second after 31 minutes.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea set a new unbeaten home record The resilient Birmingham refused to surrender as new signing Olivier Kapo equalized five minutes later with a superb left-footed scorcher from the edge of the area. Bruce preferred Collin Doyle in goal ahead of Northern Ireland experienced keeper Maik Taylor, but the choice proved to be flawed as Doyle cost his team dearly. Five minutes into the second half, Michael Essien fired a powerful shot from 20 yards out, but the Birmingham keeper, who got his hands to the swerving shot, failed to hold on to the ball which hit the net to give Chelsea the three points. The Blues have set a new Premiership record of 64 unbeaten home games, meaning that the team has never been defeated at home under Jose Mourinho's management. At the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners' first league game without Thierry Henry was eagerly anticipated by the fans, who were desperate for a Day1 victory. Arsene Wenger's men produced a late show to survive a 50th second goal by Fulham's new signing David Healy. Robin Van Persie scored an 85th minute penalty to level the scoring, before Alexander Hleb sent the Gunners' fans into raptures with a 90th minute killer.
