The Premier League officially kicked off at the weekend, and it was full of exciting action! There were plenty of goals, including some surprise results – let’s take a look at all of the matches that took place across the weekend.
With most of the top European leagues now underway, it’s safe to say that soccer is back! Thankfully, the MLS has carried us through the summer with some entertaining soccer, and will continue to do so between now and December. With that said, here’s a round-up of the top-flight of English soccer.
Brentford 2 – 0 Arsenal
In the opening game of the season, on a Friday night, newly-promoted Brentford hosted an Arsenal side looking to start the season on a positive note. However, the home side had other plans, and with a full-capacity crowd, Brentford took advantage of their support and momentum.
Sergi Canos opened the scoring with a thunderous strike in the 22nd minute, beating keeper Bernd Leno at his near post. With over 15 minutes to go, Brentford added a second through a Christian Norgaard header. Despite dominating possession and total shots, Arsenal were unable to create anything in the final third. What a start to Brentford’s first ever season in the top flight!
Manchester United 5 – 1 Leeds United
Starting Saturday’s action with an early kick-off was the two old rivals in Manchester United & Leeds United going head to head. Before the match, the home side unveiled their brand new signing – Raphael Varane.
A hat-trick for star man Bruno Fernandes, along with Mason Greenwood and Fred finding the back of the net, it was Manchester United’s day, dominating Leeds over the 90 minutes. The away side offered very little, whilst Paul Pogba made history, becoming the first ever Man United player to record 4+ assists in a single game.
Burnley 1 – 2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Burnley started the game quickly, and found themselves leading with less than 2 minutes gone. Centre-back James Tarkowski scored to put the home side ahead, but it was Brighton that turned things around.
Within the last 20 minutes of the game, Brighton came from behind to score twice in five minutes, with goals from Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister. Admittedly, the away team deserved the win, and it is an important three points to start the new campaign.
Chelsea 3 – 0 Crystal Palace
European champions Chelsea started where they left off, with a dominant 3-0 home win in their first league game of the season. Just before the half-hour mark, left-back Marcos Alonso gave Chelsea a deserving lead, before American Christian Pulisic doubled their lead before the break.
After the break, it was an impressive performance from Chelsea, who added a third through youngster Trevor Chalobah’s shot. A strong start to the season for Chelsea, while London rivals Crystal Palace offered very little throughout.
Everton 3 – 1 Southampton
New Everton manager Rafa Benitez (ex-Liverpool manager) started his Everton career with an impressive win at home against the Saints. However, it was Southampton that took the lead through Adam Armstrong – who scored his first goal in the Premier League. It was 1-0 going into the break.
Then, in the second half, Everton turned the gears up, and goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure & Dominic Calvert-Lewin got three points for the home side. A strong result for Everton, while Southampton travelled back to the south coast disappointed.
Leicester City 1 – 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last season’s FA Cup champions Leicester City also made a strong start to the season, with a hard fought victory against midlands rivals Wolves. Just before the end of the first half, Leicester’s main man Jamie Vardy scored with his first – and definitely not his last – of the campaign.
It was certainly a well-deserved three points for the home team, who had the better chances in the game, and got the all important goal. Meanwhile, Wolves worked hard, but did not create enough dangerous chances to score.
Watford 3 – 2 Aston Villa
Watford gained automatic promotion from the Championship last season, and started their season with a home game against an Aston Villa side that have just sold arguably their best player in Jack Grealish. In a high-scoring affair, it was the promoted side that scored three unanswered goals, including a debut goal for Cucho Hernandez.
Villa were able to pull a goal back through new signing Leon Bailey’s assist finding John McGinn, before Danny Ings added a second in the 97th minute. However, Watford managed to see off their opponents for the game, and got a great result in their first fixture of the new season.
Norwich City 0 – 3 Liverpool
Last season’s Championship winners suffered a 3-0 defeat at home in their first league game of the season. Liverpool were too strong for their opponents, and Diogo Jota opened the scoring for the reds in the 26th minute of the game.
The second half followed the same story as the first, with Liverpool looking the better side. Roberto Firmino doubled the lead for the away team, before Mo Salah put the game to bed with an impressive finish from the edge of the box.
Newcastle United 2 – 4 West Ham United
In the highest scoring tie of the weekend, Sunday kicked off with an exciting match for neutrals. The first half was an even contest, with Newcastle striker Callum Wilson scoring within five minutes to put the home side ahead. West Ham’s Aaron Creswell levelled the scoring, but Jacob Murphy scored for Newcastle to put them ahead in the first 45 minutes.
Shortly after the break, West Ham replied with an equalizer for the second time through Said Benrahma. Then, a surge from the away side through a penalty rebound from Tomas Soucek, along with a fourth from Michail Antonio secured all three points for West Ham.
Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 0 Manchester City
The 2020/21 Premier League champions were stunned in their opening game of the season, with a surprise victory for Tottenham at home. Despite creating chances throughout the game, City were unable to find the scoresheet.
After a close encounter in the first half, Spurs’ Heung-Min Son scored the only goal of the game. The home side stuck to their game plan well, and played as a team to stop their opponent’s from doing anything clinical. The question is, will Harry Kane stay at Spurs following this result? His transfer rumours are still ongoing – watch this space.
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