LONDON (Reuters) -- Reading enjoyed a memorable first taste of the top flight on Saturday as they came from 2-0 down at home to beat Middlesbrough 3-2 on the first day of the Premier League season.

That match was one of seven that produced 22 goals and three red cards, with champions Chelsea and Manchester United both still to play on today.

Arsenal's new era at the Emirates Stadium started with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, where 17-year-old England international Theo Walcott finally made his debut and created the Londoners' late equalizer.

Sheffield United, promoted behind Reading last season, drew 1-1 at home with Liverpool but Watford, the third new side, lost 2-1 at Everton.

Portsmouth thrashed Blackburn Rovers 3-0 with the visitors ending with nine men while Newcastle United beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 and West Ham United beat Charlton Athletic by the same score.

Reading fans had spent the summer itching to see their club, formed in 1871, playing at the top level for the first time but it appeared to be all going wrong after Stewart Downing and Aiyegbeni Yakubu had Middlesbrough 2-0 up after 21 minutes.