[Photo courtesy of AFC]
Manchester City kicked off their title defence in style with striker Harling Haaland picking up where he left off last season. The Norwegian did not take long to break the deadlock, scoring in the 4th minute after being set up by Rodri.
The Norwegian added a second goal in the 36th minute to put the citizens 2 goals to the good after being set up by Julian Alvarez. Rodri added to his assist by putting the game to bed by netting City’s third in the 75th minute.
Last season’s runner-up Arsenal kicked off their season with a win against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners took the lead through Eddie Nketiah after Gabriel Martinelli brilliantly beat two defenders to set him up. Bukayo Saka put the Gunners two goals ahead with a beautifully curved left foot shot.
Nottingham forest however made the game a nervy ending pulling one back through a well orcahstrated counter by Anthony Elanga and Taiwo Awoniyi. The Gunners saw the fame out as 2-1 victors.
At St James’ Park, Newcastle run riot against Aston Villa, thrashing them 5-1. Tonali opened the scoring for his team in just the 6th minute, setting the tone for an action-packed game. Villa replied well with Diaby in the 11th minute but that would be their only consolation. Isak quickly responded in the 16th minute with a precise strike, leveling the score.
Isak found the net again in the 58th minute, displaying his clinical finishing. Callum Wilson’s contribution couldn’t be ignored as he netted a goal in the 77th minute, keeping the match intense. Barnes sealed the victory for his side with a last-minute goal in stoppage time.
Brighton thrashed Luton 4-1 with goals from March in the 36th minute before Joao Pedro converted a spot kick in the 71st minute.
Luton pulled one back Carlton Morris’ penalty kick but their efforts were undone by Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson in quick succession who netted Brighton’s third and fourth in the 85th and 95th minutes respectively.
Brentford held Spurs to a 2-2 draw fighting back from a goal down as Romero gave Tottenham the lead in the 11th minute. Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford on leveled terms after converting a spot kick in the 27th minute before Yoane Wissa put them ahead in the 36th minute. Spurs got on leveled terms again when Emerson Royal brilliantly found the back of the net in first half stoppage time.
In London Chelsea took on Liverpool in what ended in a 1-1 draw. The Reds started well with Luis Diaz converting a brilliant cross from Mohamed Salah in the 18th minute. The Blues got themselves on level terms in the 36th minute through Alex Disasi after being set up by Ben Chilwell.
Manchester United are set to take on Wolves at old Trafford in the final game of Match week 1