The English Premier League kicked off with notable performances from Liverpool and Arsenal on the first Saturday of the season, as both teams secured victories.
Liverpool, entering a new chapter under manager Arne Slot, earned a 2-0 win against newly promoted Ipswich Town. Mohamed Salah’s second goal of the match marked his ninth goal in the opening round of a Premier League season, surpassing legends Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, and Frank Lampard, who all had eight.
Arsenal, the league’s runner-up for the past two seasons, also triumphed with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton at home. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka led the Gunners to their win.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are considered primary contenders to challenge Manchester City for the title, as City begins its title defense against Chelsea on Sunday. The season commenced with Manchester United defeating Fulham 1-0 on Friday.
In other matches, Newcastle managed to secure a 1-0 win against Southampton, even after defender Fabian Schar received a red card for a headbutt. Joelinton scored the match’s only goal. Meanwhile, Everton faced challenges after Ashley Young was sent off, resulting in a 3-0 home defeat to Brighton.
Brighton’s lineup included James Milner, who at age 38, set a record for the most seasons played in the Premier League with 23. Milner is seven years older than his manager, Fabian Hurzeler, who started his career in English football after moving from St. Pauli in Germany.
Aston Villa defeated West Ham 2-1, with Lucas Paqueta scoring from the penalty spot. Paqueta faces allegations regarding match-fixing and could face disciplinary actions if found guilty. Villa’s Jhon Durán netted the decisive goal in the 79th minute after Amadou Onana opened the scoring early in the match.
Ipswich’s renowned supporter, pop star Ed Sheeran, watched the game from a VIP box following his recent acquisition of a small stake in the club. This season marks Ipswich’s return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002, and the team is expected to provide an entertaining style of play, despite potential defensive vulnerabilities.
Salah’s contribution included assisting Diogo Jota for Liverpool’s first goal before scoring himself, while Saka’s performance for Arsenal highlighted his ability to quickly become a crucial player following international duties over the summer.
In conclusion, the first day’s matches showcased exciting performances and set the stage for a competitive Premier League season ahead.