Premier League Matchday 1 | OneFootball

It’s the return of the all sass, no class summary of the Premier League’s fixtures and this much is true: it was a rum run for those in claret and blue.

Liverpool 4 – 2 Bournemouth

This was everything you want from a season opener. High emotion. High drama. Controversy. High energy.

The pre-game tribute to Diogo Jota was especially poignant, and the solemnity and gravity of his passing visibly affected the Liverpool players. But it didn’t weigh them down. They were magnificent in the first half, with two goals announcing in no uncertain terms “I am worth every penny” from new signing Hugo Etitiké (one he scored; the other was his assist).

Aston Villa 0 – 0 Newcastle United

As thrilling as the Liverpool watch was; this was the opposite.

It was ninety-plus minutes of what-could-have-been soccer. An Isak-less Newcastle dominated the game but could only muster three shots on frame, the same total as 10-man Aston Villa (Ezri Konsa saw red in the 66th minute).

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 – 1 Fulham

Sitting with a one goal lead in the 95th minute, the Seagulls thought they had it done.

But Rodrigo Muniz pulled out a shocking equalizer two minutes later and only seconds before the final whistle. Fulham didn’t even get to kickoff.

Sunderland 3 – 0 West Ham United

Eight years, two months. That’s how long between Premier League matches at the Stadium of Light.

West Ham certainly had the Black Cats cross their path. Three times, to be precise. It was a magical start to the campaign for Sunderland, and one has to be asking serious questions about West Ham… already.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 – 0 Burnley

265 miles to the south, another promoted side was getting a proper shellacking.

Burnley certainly had their shots (14 attempts; 4 on target) but it was in the defense they fell short. Mohamed Kudus ran rampant through the Clarets’ lines, setting up both of Richarlison’s goals. It’s still too early in Thomas Frank’s tenure to see if he’s banished Spursiness, but they certainly looked the business on this day.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 – 4 Manchester City

Oof. Ouch. This was a straight up ass-whooping from a resurgent City side.

Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki earned high marks for their spark, scoring and service. City supporters will also applaud Erling Haaland’s brace as a return to form. But James Trafford, who got the start over Ederson, who is reputedly going to move to Galatasaray, made his declaration that maybe he should be the #1 the side needs.

Chelsea 0 – 0 Crystal Palace

Once again, Crystal Palace once again took on a wealthier and (on the books at least) more talented foe and prevailed.

And let’s be honest, a draw against this Chelsea side is very much a win. For the second year in a row, Eberechi Eze had a free kick goal in an opening match called back for some obscure violation of the Laws of the Game. This time it didn’t cost them. Chelsea really pressured the Eagles hard in the end. If Andrey Santos hadn’t completely bottled a golden opportunity in the waning minutes the full points would’ve gone to the Blues.

Nottingham Forest 3 – 1 Brentford

Hate to say it, Brentford fans, but get used to this.

Forest fans will simply be relieved to see goals, after a very dry pre-season spell. For Brentford, it was their first Premier League loss on opening weekend since they were promoted.

Manchester United 0 – 1 Arsenal

These are the wins Arsenal needs: gritty, ugly and with a hint of luck.

Manchester’s goalkeeping pain continues despite sidelining André Onana; backup Altay Bayındır was complicit in the set-piece debacle that led to Arsenal’s only goal. The upside for the Red Devils is, keeper blunder aside, the team performed moderately well.

Leeds United 1 – 0 Everton

Everton supporters will feel hard done by on this one.

The game swung on the referee’s decision to grant a penalty for James Tarkowski’s “handling.” I use quotes here, because Chris Kavanagh’s on field decision wasn’t going to be overturned. Had it been deemed non-handling, that probably would’ve stood as well. At least VAR didn’t spend an eternity dilly-dallying over it. Fresh-legged Lukas Nmecha (subbed on five minutes earlier) was given the shot; he drilled it perfectly into the right corner leaving Pickford no chance even though he dove the right direction.