New-look Portsmouth were inspired by new signing Paul Merson during a comfortable first day victory over Nottingham Forest.
Portsmouth were ahead in the seventh minute when Deon Burton swept home a left-foot shot from 15 yards and added another just before the break with a header from Vincent Pericard.
Burton was denied two more goals by excellent saves from Forest's goalkeeper Darren Ward while at the other end Shaka Hislop twice denied David Prutton.
Merson showed glimpses of the form which earned him 21 England caps in his heyday with an inspired midfield display as Nottingham Forest were comfortably beaten at Fratton Park.
Merson was particularly effective in the first half and Forest had no answer to his skill and positioning.
Porstmouth were ahead in the seventh minute when Pericard had a shot blocked but Burton swept in the rebound from 15 yards, the day after signing from Derby on loan.
Prutton should have equalised in the 15th minute but shot straight at goalkeeper Hislop from 12 yards with the whole goal to aim at.
Portsmouth went further ahead in the 44th minute when Pericard stooped to head home a centre from Gary O'Neil.
Forest manager Paul Hart introduced Jack Lester and Marlon Harewood for the start of the second half and Forest were an improved outfit.
Prutton delayed his shot when clear and David Johnson shot into the sidenetting.
But Portsmouth always looked likely to score again with exciting full-back Matt Taylor shooting narrowly wide and then forcing a good save from Ward.
Ward also did well to push away a fierce left- foot shot from Burton and Merson set up a chance for Burton again in the last minute but once more Ward was equal to it.
Portsmouth Harry Redknapp introduced eight new faces and was delighted by the performance.
He said: "I thought we were excellent at times and Merson was different class.
"These are early days but we showed enough there to suggest we could be in for a hell of a season."
Forest boss Paul Hart said: "I picked a team to come here today to make things tight and on reflection it was wrong.
"I am taking responsibility for getting the tactics wrong.
"We gave away two soft goals and I only hope we learn from our mistakes."