Ten-man Sheffield Wednesday hit back for an unlikely 1-1 draw at Molineux in a game of numerous talking points.
The relegated visitors had their ranks depleted in an English record-time of just 13 seconds when experienced keeper Kevin Pressman raced out of his area to block with his hands from a clear shot by Wolves' debutant Temuri Ketsbaia.
Pressman's departure lopped six seconds off the previous record - set when Crewe's Mark Smith was dismissed after 19 seconds in a game in 1994.
Leeds United manager David O'Leary is on the verge of becoming the highest paid manager in the English premier league. The 42-year-old Irishman is expected to sign a six-year contract with the club worth around £10 million sterling.
"I still had four years to run on my old contract but Leeds came to me and said they wanted to rip that up and put a six-year deal in place," O'Leary said.
Dennis Bergkamp is ready to agree a new four-year deal with Arsenal this week. The 31-year-old wants to commit the rest of his career to the Highbury club.
"Arsenal are a great club and I am happy to discuss a new contract," said the Dutch striker. "We haven't had proper talks yet but they are imminent and, all being well, I will sign on again."
Patrick Vieira has pledged his future to Arsenal following the departure to Barcelona of Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit. "I think Arsenal are improving and want to move up as well. My ambition is to stay here and grow with the club," he said.
It could only happen in a benefit match for "The Terminator" Julian Dicks. A 17-man brawl, a booking for Igor Stimac for a crashing tackle from behind, and captain Paolo di Canio slapping Spanish players on the face.
To cap it all, referee Barry Knight ordered West Ham manager Harry Redknapp to substitute hot-headed di Canio, and Bilbao coach Txetxu Rojo was told to take off Spanish international Joseba Etxeberria, in a bid to defuse the hostilities.
On the plus side, more than 14,000 fans turned up to pay tribute to Dicks, which gave the former left back a £200,000 pay day.
Nick Barmby marked his first appearance at Anfield in Liverpool's colours with an impressive display yesterday. The England midfielder caused a stir on Merseyside in the summer with his £6 million move from Everton.
But he seems to have settled in quickly across Stanley Park, scoring one and laying on another in a friendly against Parma. Liverpool gave a sparkling show, winning 50 against a side they could eventually face in the UEFA Cup.
Ugo Ehiogu last night performed a remarkable about-turn, committing himself to Aston Villa for the remaining two years of his contract.
After spending much of the summer at loggerheads with the manager John Gregory, and despite claiming that he needs a new challenge, Ehiogu has now stated a desire to stay, despite interest from Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Gareth Southgate has accused Villa of whipping up a hate campaign against him. The England defender, who is seeking a transfer, has been verbally abused by fans and has had his Jaguar XK8 vandalised.
