The Premier League season kicked off with wins for Liverpool and Arsenal, with Mohamed Salah and James Milner making history.
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, started with a 2-0 win over Ipswich, featuring Salah’s record-breaking ninth opening-round goal. Arsenal also won 2-0 against Wolverhampton, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Both teams are expected to challenge Manchester City’s bid for a fifth consecutive title. City begins its defense against Chelsea on Sunday, following Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Friday.
Saturday’s Premier League matches saw some intense action! Newcastle pulled off a 1-0 win against Southampton, despite Fabian Schar getting a red card in the 28th minute for a headbutt – Joelinton’s goal made all the difference.
Meanwhile, Everton had a tough time, losing 3-0 to Brighton at home, and things only got worse when Ashley Young got sent off.
Saturday’s Premier League action saw a record-breaker! Brighton’s James Milner, an incredible 38 years young, kicked off his 23rd season in the league, surpassing the record he shared with Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.
Milner’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, had a dream start to his English soccer journey after joining from Germany’s St. Pauli.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa edged West Ham 2-1, while Nottingham Forest’s match against Bournemouth ended in a 1-1 draw, marred by a nasty injury to Forest’s Danilo, who suffered a broken ankle in a awkward landing from an aerial challenge – hopefully, he recovers soon.
Ipswich’s return to the top flight after a 21-year absence promises to be an exciting one, with their open and expansive style likely to entertain fans, even if it means conceding some goals along the way.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, took some time to find their rhythm but eventually cruised to a 2-0 win over Ipswich, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah. Salah, in particular, was impressive, setting up Jota’s goal before scoring himself.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s stars, fresh from their international exploits, were quick to find their stride.
Bukayo Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton, crossing for Kai Havertz’s opener before scoring himself with a neat finish.
Arsenal’s defense, the best in the league last season, was solid once again, thanks in part to goalkeeper David Raya’s impressive saves.
Brighton, with James Milner making history by starting his 23rd Premier League season, thrashed Everton 3-0, with Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, and Simon Adingra on the scoresheet.
Everton’s Ashley Young made an unwanted record, becoming the oldest player to receive a red card in the Premier League.
Newcastle, despite Fabian Schar’s red card, managed to beat Southampton 1-0, thanks to Joelinton’s goal.
And in other matches, Aston Villa edged West Ham 2-1, with Jhon Durán scoring the winner, while Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, marred by Danilo’s nasty injury.
As the Premier League’s opening weekend draws to a close, the stage is set for a thrilling Sunday showdown.
Brentford and Crystal Palace will kick off the day’s action, followed by the highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Will City’s title defense get off to a strong start, or will Chelsea cause an upset? One thing’s for sure – the drama and excitement of the Premier League is only just beginning.
The Premier League’s opening weekend lived up to its promise, delivering thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and a glimpse into the excitement that’s to come.
