On This Day – 15th August
15th August 1992
It was on this day back in 1992 that the Premier League began. The 22 clubs had formed a breakaway league away from the Football League, changing the whole complexion of football in the process.
There were new rules for players to get used to, with the most notable being a change to the backpass rule. Goalkeepers could no longer pick up a kicked backpass, but they were still allowed to handle a headed pass from a team mate.
Referees and linesmen were also treated to a garish-looking kit. Gone were the black shirts and in came bottle green shirt with thin black pinstripes.
The first ever goal in the Premier League was scored by Sheffield United striker Brian Deane in a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Bramall Lane.
Defending champions Leeds United began their campaign with a 2-1 win at home to Wimbledon. Pre-season favourites Arsenal blew a two goal lead at home to Norwich City, conceding four late goals to lose the match 4-2.
Alan Shearer scored twice on his Blackburn Rovers debut in a 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace. Shearer had moved from Southampton in the summer of 992 for a British record fee of £3 million.
In the other matches played on the opening day of the season, Coventry City beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at Highfield Road and there were 1-1 draws between Chelsea and Oldham Athletic, Ipswich Town and Aston Villa and Everton and Sheffield Wednesday. The only goalless game of the day came at Ayresome Park between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United would go on and win the first ever Premier League title, their first league championship win in 26 years.
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