The Premier League returned this afternoon with 6 games all kicking-off across the country.

Known for it's surprises, the opening day of the 2012/2013 season was no different. After a squad overhaul, expectations were high at Loftus Road, and with the visit of Swansea, QPR had a great opportunity to get three points on the board. However, Michael Laudrup's Swansea side had other plans, with new signing Michu scoring a brace, Nathan Dyer also claiming a brace and Scott Sinclair bagging a fifth goal to seal an emphatic victory for the swans. Mark Hughes was left disgruntled after a disappointing start to the season. QPR 0 - 5 Swansea

Elsewhere in London, Martin Jol's Fulham side were evidently eager to get their season started with swagger, with Damien Duff,  Alexander Kacaniklic and Steven Sidwell all scoring and new signing Mladen Petric bagging himself a brace. Chris Hughton's Norwich simply could not impose themselves in midfield and suffered a telling loss. Fulham 5 - 0 Norwich

A new era at Anfield was ushered in by the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager. However, a trip to the Hawthorns to face Steve Clark's West Bromwich Albion proved difficult for Rodgers and his Liverpool side. A goal before the break from Zoltan Gera placed West Brom firmly in the driving seat, and matters got worse for Liverpool as Daniel Agger was sent off in the 57th minute. Shane Long missed the resulting penalty, but this was soon amended as Peter Odemwingie struck 5 minutes later and loan signing from Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku, rounded out a fantastic win with a third. West Bromwich Albion 3 - 0 Liverpool

At Upton Park, West Ham returned to the Premier League with a win over Aston Villa, with Kevin Nolan scoring the winner just before the break. Reading's return to the Premier League was not so glorious, as they conceded in the first half with Michael Kightly scoring on his debut for Stoke. However, the Royals rallied and earned themselves a penalty, with Adam Le Fondre converting from the spot in the 90th minute. Arsenal began life without Robin Van Persie with a goalless draw against Sunderland, whose resolute defense never looked like conceding. West Ham 1 - 0 Aston Villa, Reading 1 - 1 Stoke, Arsenal 0 - 0 Sunderland

So what have we learnt from this afternoon's action? Have any players in particular stood out for you?