Norwich City had a tough start to their campaign as they faced the European champions at Anfield. It was looking pretty grim for the Canaries as Liverpool raced into a 4-0 lead before half time but a spirited second half performance saw them pull one back through Finnish international Teemu Pukki. Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Divok Origi were amongst the goals for Liverpool and it was a harsh welcome to the Premier League for Norwich defender Grant Hanley as he netted at the wrong end. There’ll be easier days for Norwich on the road, meanwhile the Reds are looking to go one better domestically and win their first title for 30 years. 

It was business as usual for Pep’s Manchester City as they ran out 5-0 winners against West Ham at the London stadium. Raheem Sterling bagged a hat trick, Gabriel de Jesus opened his campaign and Sergio Aguero scored from a second attempt from the penalty spot after a VAR decision confirmed encroachment as well as Fabianski being off his line. The Hammers handed a start to new summer signing Sebastien Haller as well as a half time debut for attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals but it they were outclassed by a rampant City who look set to retain their title for a third successive season. 

Bournemouth and Sheffield United shared the spoils at the Vitality Stadium. Welsh international defender Chris Mepham opened the scoring for the Cherries and veteran striker Billy Sharp bagged a late equaliser for the Blades as they put in an impressive display away from home. The last time these two teams met was back in 2013 in League One where Sheffield United ran out 1-0 winners. A certain young Harry Maguire was in defence for the Blades that day. What a difference a few years makes...

Burnley enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 home win on the opening day against Southampton. Ashley Barnes bagged a superb brace earning him man-of-the-match and Icelandic international Johann Berg Gudmundsson netted Burnley’s third in a twelve minute second half spell as the Saints were condemned to defeat at a very wet and blustery Turf Moor. It was a clinical display from Burnley but defensive errors cost Southampton who now go on a tricky run of fixtures starting with Liverpool at home next weekend. 

Crystal Palace managed to fend off strong interest from Everton for Wilfried Zaha who remains a Palace Player despite handing in a transfer request pre-season. Zaha started on the bench for the Eagles and was introduced on 65 minutes and despite chances at both ends, the match finished 0-0. Morgan Schneiderlin was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 76th minute but Palace couldn’t take advantage as Jordan Pickford made a couple of crucial saves late on to secure a point for the Toffees. 

Watford hosted Brighton at Vicarage Road and were far too hospitable as the Seagulls ran out 3-0 winners. An own goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure helped Brighton on their way in the first half and two goals from second half substitutes Florin Andone and debutant striker Neal Maupay sealed a very impressive victory for Graham Potter’s side. Potter’s first game in charge brought a change of system and a new style of play which the Hornets had no answer to. A dream start for Brighton and for Potter and an afternoon to forget for Watford. 

Aston Villa’s return to the top flight started with a tough away fixture at Spurs. Villa went in 1-0 up at the break after an excellent first half display and a well taken goal from Scottish international midfielder John McGinn. Villa held the lead until the 73rd minute and despite heroics in defence from Tyrone Mings and Tom Heaton, Spurs raised their game late on and their quality was too much for Villa to handle. Club record signing Tanguy Ndombele equalised with a superb strike from range and a Harry Kane brace in the last 4 minutes sealed the victory for the North London side. 

VAR was in action again at the King Power stadium as Wolves had a goal chalked off for a handball. Belgian international Leander Dendoncker had the ball in the back of the net only to be denied by the powers that be at Stockley Park. Both sides seem to cancel each other out as the game ended in a 0-0 draw. The Foxes enjoyed plenty of possession but failed to register a shot on target until the 83rd minute. Wolves showed little signs of a Europa League hangover and were at times the better side but there was little to separate these two and the points were shared. 

Attendance at St.James’ Park was noticeably depleted with a crowd of around 5,000 less than average as some fans staged a boycott to protest at Mike Ashley’s club ownership. Arsenal were the visitors who had only registered one clean sheet on the road in the Premier League last season. Despite a bright start from the Magpies, Steve Bruce’s reign began in defeat as Arsenal talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game on 58 minutes to seal victory for the Gunners. 

Manchester United put on an emphatic display at Old Trafford against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea registering a 4-0 victory. It was a harsh introduction to Premier League management for the Chelsea legend as he put faith in youth by handing starts to striker Tammy Abraham and midfielder Mason Mount. Marcus Rashford opened his account for the season by scoring a penalty in the 18th minute. Anthony Martial slotted home from close range midway through the second half and two minutes later Rashford had added his second and United’s third. A debut goal for new signing Daniel James wrapped things up for United and the Blues were left licking their wounds. 

Next Week’s Fixtures:

Saturday 17th August

Arsenal v Burnley 

Aston Villa v Bournemouth 

Brighton v West Ham

Everton v Watford

Norwich City v Newcastle 

Southampton v Liverpool

Manchester City v Tottenham

Sunday 18th August

Sheffield United v Crystal Palace

Chelsea v Leicester

Monday 19th August 

Wolves v Manchester United