This week’s main talking point is Sliema Wanderers’ first league defeat. Having won all their previous eight matches, the reigning champions were expected to stretch their record against Pieta Hotspurs on the last day of the first round.

But football remains always unpredictable. A bunch of youngsters, talented by no means, but not as experienced as Sliema’s myriad of stars, managed to put the brakes on the runaway leaders, not only matching them but also beating them. Other more quoted teams have failed so far.

There are various reasons leading to Sliema’s defeat last Saturday, not least Pieta’ s collective hearty efforts and motivation. The Hotspurs relished their chances as their opponents looked far from unbeatable on the day. Obviously Pieta were the underdogs, without any pressure, but were highly motivated and showed more endeavour in order to defy the odds against the league leaders.

Having said that, Sliema Wanderers were an understrength side on Saturday. They missed no less than five key players and although their large squad possesses strength in depth, one cannot deny that players like Brincat, Giglio, Turner or Anonam are not easily replaceable. Still Sliema were good in the first half and they twice hit the Pieta post by the first half hour.

Sliema were dealt yet another setback towards the end of the half when their experienced defender Darren Debono’s ingenuity, elbowing an opponent off the ball, brought about his dismissal. The Wanderers were forced to play with ten men for the entire second half and suffered by his absence.

Thirdly, pressure had been mounting on Sliema recently. They had been grinding results without playing to their best. Their opponents, week in week out, were trying to stop them and gain some prestige. The fact that Sliema’s march looked unstoppable was worrying many critics, fearing a lack of interest in the Premier League.

Without doubt, this defeat will enable the champions to keep their feet on the ground. They will come all out to restore their dented pride in the next round, adamant to keep their stranglehold on the championship.

Sliema’s defeat enabled their close rivals to gain some ground. Mainly Hibernians who against Marsaxlokk demonstrated all their power with a splendid second half display.

Like Sliema Hibernians were without key players like Mbong and Zahra, and even lost star Andrew Cohen after 30 minutes. But they confirmed that they can be Sliema’s main rivals this season and their direct clash next Saturday can put more light on the Paolites’ potential.

Birkirkara capitalised with their sixth win out of the first nine matches. Albeit a narrow one against lowly Floriana, it was enough to serve their purpose. Birkirkara might not have had a bright first round so far but they can improve and still prove themselves serious title contenders. Come January, Birkirkara might be tempted to trim their squad,especially their defence which have conceded an alarming 16 goals so far. Birkirkara miss Dronca's replacement.

Floriana have failed again to break the jinx. Rooted at the bottom of the standings, they are the only side without a win in this first round. That might be in the air but Floriana need to act fast – time is running out and they need to keep in touch with their rivals above them in the table.

Valletta also breathed a new lease of life this week-end, following their again narrow win against Mosta, to make up for the previous match’s drubbing by Hamrun Spartans.

They could have emerged more comfortable winners at the end, as they squandered too many chances, including a second half penalty.

Valletta had a turbulent first round with injuries to many of their players and were unable to find a settled team. They were dealt with a severe blow by Milen Penchev’s injury and his eventual termination of his contract. Given more time, Ndubisi Chukunyere might prove useful but the Valletta midfield still lacks hegemony. The team remains very Gilbert Agius dependent and it shows when he is on the pitch.

Mosta, on their part, need to turn their chances more ruthlessly into goals if they harbour any chances of holding to their status. They only managed one point in their last four matches. An encouraging win against Msida on the first day was followed by defeats against teams above them in the standings. Maybe the most exciting match of the week-end was the match between Msida and Hamrun, with the former winning in style against the high riding Spartans.

Msida thus finished the first round in fourth place, a great feat indeed. As for Hamrun, the result brings the team back to their senses after their five-star performance against Valletta.

However Hamrun should not be down hearted by the result and the performance as they still have room for improvement.