The Premier League is back and it could not have a better start than it did this weekend. 10 games, 31 goals and countless talking points later; let’s look at what we’ve learned from the opening weekend!
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Lacazette scores after 84 seconds: Arsenal 4-3 Leicester City
Alexandre Lacazette could not have dreamed of a better start, when after 84 seconds, a snapped-cross from Elneny, whizzed into the box, found Lacazette; who very graciously guided it into the back of the net for his and the Premier League’s first ever goal! It was the ideal start to both the campaign and Lacazette’s Arsenal career. More of the same please!
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Liverpool and their set piece woes: Watford 3-3 Liverpool
Liverpool seemed on course of starting their season with a well-deserved victory over a resilient Watford side, but sadly what wasn’t to be. Goals from Mane, Firmino and Salah had handed them a 3-2 lead heading into the dying minutes of the game. Their undoing came from the last corner of the game, as Wijnaldum failed to deal with a corner and Britos profited from the situation to prod Watford level.
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Chelsea’s blues at the Stamford Bridge: Chelsea 2-3 Burnley
The Champions saw two red cards and conceded three goals to relegation candidates for the season, Burnley. While they did manage to bring 2 back, it was all too late and too much of an ask for the Blues. Alvaro Morata opened his account for the club, one of the very few positives on the night. But things aren’t looking good for the Champions as they head into an important run of fixtures in the beginning of the season.
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Huddersfield shock Palace: Crystal Palace 0-3 Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield managed to pull off an upset on the very first day of the season, with a sensational 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Record signing Mounie helped himself to a debut brace. Palace manager de Boer has some serious work to do after falling to a shocking defeat in his first game in the Premier League.
Read: 5 talking points from Chelsea’s season opener.
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Rooney scores… for Everton! Everton 1-0 Stoke City
Only the Premier League can write scripts such as this. An Evertonian at heart, Wayne Rooney scored for his boyhood club on his return to Goodison. His decisive header being the difference between the two clubs. Largely left out of action by Mourinho last season, could we be seeing a resurgence of one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League?
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Swansea hold on against Southampton: Southampton 0-0 Swansea City
Swansea City somehow managed to hold onto a draw on their visit to St. Mary’s. The Saints had 29 efforts on goal, but no end result to show for; as they settled for a draw against the Swans. Both the teams look towards an uncertain season, and know that winning such games could be crucial in the overall scheme of things.
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West Brom’s Pharaoh gets them the 3 points: West Brom 1-0 Bournemouth FC
Ahmed Hegazi, a new name to the Premier League leapt highest to nod West Brom ahead against the Cherries. With Mohamed Salah also opening his account for Liverpool; it was the first time two Egyptians scored on the opening day, since 2008!
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Manchester City start on the front foot: Brighton 0-2 Manchester City
Manchester City are seen by many as title-favorites after splashing the cash in the summer. New signings Walker and Danilo featured, with Bernardo Silva on the bench. Aguero scored from a defensive error and the second goal was an own-goal. Positives for Brighton too, as they stuck to their game plan for 60 minutes and were defensively solid, apart from a few errors which are normal given the opening day jitters that is natural for the newcomers.
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Dele scores, Tottenham win: Newcastle 0-2 Tottenham
Dele Alli is an instrumental player for Tottenham. His tactical prowess and attacking ability is an added bonus to his creativity. It is also a fact that Tottenham always wins when he scores, and it was no different that day as Spurs won 2-0 over a disappointed Newcastle side who weren’t helped by Shelvey’s sending-off.
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A new look Manchester United? Manchester United 4-0 West Ham
Manchester United sent shockwaves through England after their 4-0 hammering of the Hammers. Lukaku helped himself to two goals on his home debut for Red Devils; and Pogba and Martial scored two good goals to cap off a marvelous team performance. Matic was the man of the match for his masterclass in midfield.
With their disposal of a strong side in West Ham, who had a good summer themselves, did Manchester United send a statement that they are title contenders too?
With just 10 matches done, and another 370 left to play. We are in for a treat!
