Premier League Opening Day

The beginning of the premier league campaign

It had been an 82 day rest for some, whereas others had just limbered away from their national teams after the Euros and Copa America. After these eventful summer tournaments, anticipation was high leading into the new season. Could Arteta’s Arsenal finally topple Pep’s City? How would Slot perform at Liverpool? Could Ange end Spurs' trophy drought? Would Chelsea’s abundance of new signings finally deliver? And could any of the promoted clubs defy the odds and avoid relegation? 

Friday Night Football

The new season kicked off under the lights at Old Trafford, where Manchester United edged Fulham 1-0. New £36 million signing Zirkzee came off the bench to score the winner in the 87th minute, giving United a deserved victory. Bruno Fernandes was slick in the ‘False 9’ role, and after a slow opening 20 minutes, he created two great chances in the first half, only to be denied by the brilliant Leno. Fulham looked dangerous at the start of the second half through the imposing figure of Traore, but the absence of Palhinha was glaring, both defensively and as an outlet in possession.

Saturday’s Fixtures 

In the early Saturday game, Liverpool topped Ipswich 2-0. In a cagey first half for the Reds, the Tractor Boys provided the intensity, passion, and fluidity that were associated with their mightily impressive Championship campaign. But with a few tactical tweaks at half-time, Slot's Liverpool looked a different beast, with two brilliant quick-fire goals from Jota and Salah.

In the 3 o’clock games, Arsenal defeated Wolves 2-0, with Saka and Havertz each contributing a goal and an assist in what was a typically robust performance at the Emirates under Arteta. Under the youngest ever manager in the Premier League, Brighton humbled Everton 3-0, with new signing Minteh shining and providing the assist for Mitoma, before unfortunately being taken off with a head injury. Dyche will be disappointed with Everton’s performance; after their solid defensive displays towards the end of last season, they looked sluggish across the pitch and vulnerable on the counter. Meanwhile, 10-man Newcastle had to be resolute to overcome Southampton 1-0. Schar was sent off early in the game for allegedly head-butting Diaz, and despite playing with an extra man, Southampton impressed with their possession-based approach, racking up 70% possession in the first half. However, a lapse in concentration from Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy gifted Newcastle a goal just before halftime. In Nottingham, Semenyo fired late to rescue a point for Bournemouth against Forest, with the match ending 1-1 and canceling out Wood’s opener. In the late Saturday game, Duran scored a late winner as Aston Villa began their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over West Ham.

Super Sunday

On Super Sunday, the omission of Toney amidst an ongoing transfer saga dominated the build-up to Brentford’s game against Crystal Palace. However, in Toney’s absence, Wissa and Mbeumo stepped up, each scoring in a 2-1 win. Even during Toney’s betting ban, they managed an impressive 21 league goals between them. Crystal Palace is hoping to avoid ‘second season syndrome’ under Glasner, but Brentford is always a difficult place to travel. Eze inexplicably had a terrific free-kick ruled out, which might have shaped the game differently. The defending champions, Man City, beat a new-look Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Kovacic, stepping up in Rodri’s absence, delivered a superb display against his former club, capping it off with a late second-half goal. Haaland had earlier given City the lead in the 18th minute with a fine chip over Sanchez. While Chelsea looked promising in patches, Maresca has a monumental task ahead of him in transforming this young and ever-changing squad into a team capable of challenging for trophies.

Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football provided a classic, as Leicester battled to a 1-1 draw against Spurs. Tottenham started the first half at a blistering pace, with Maddison pulling the strings in the No. 10 role and Solanke seamlessly slotting into the No. 9 position. Everything seemed to be going smoothly when Porro gave Spurs the lead from a Maddison cross, but they would rue their missed chances in the first half. The momentum shifted after halftime, with the crowd sensing an equalizer was imminent. Jamie Vardy, as so often before, was there to knock home an inviting cross from Fatawu. He even had a golden opportunity to give Leicester a 2-1 lead but was denied by a strong arm from Vicario. Despite the praise Ange has received for his attractive ‘Angeball,’ he emphasized the importance of "outcomes" over merely playing aesthetically pleasing football in his post-match comments.

Team of the week:

Flekken (Brentford), Porro (Spurs), Maguire (United), Saliba (Arsenal), Gvardiol (Man City), Onana (Aston Villa), Kovacic (Man City), Joelington (Newcastle), Saka (Arsenal), Havertz (Arsenal), Mitoma (Brighton)