The eternal wait for Premier League football finally came to an end over the weekend as we were treated to an exciting round of fixtures.
Defending champions Leicester City traveled to newly promoted Hull City in the lunch time kick off and set an unwanted record. The Tigers shock 2-1 victory means that the Foxes are the first team in Premier League history to begin their title defence with a defeat. Claudio Ranieri’s side only lost three times last season on route to a phenomenal title win but could lose ground on the new campaign’s early pace-setters, especially if they lose star man Riyad Mahrez before the end of the transfer window.
Game of the weekend came at the Emirates where Liverpool defeated Arsenal by four goals to three. Much of the debate before the game was about the Gunners’ centre back partnership of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers. Questions were raised over whether the inexperienced pair could cope with Liverpool’s high energy style, although it was Liverpool’s back four, namely Alberto Moreno, that struggled in the first half. Theo Walcott gave Arsenal the lead just over a minute after missing a penalty, but Philippe Coutinho’s sumptuous free-kick levelled the score just before half time. Jurgen Klopp’s side improved in the second half and ultimately turned the game around, going 4-1 up courtesy of another from Coutinho, Adam Lallana and a debut goal for Sadio Mane. Arsenal pulled two goals back through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers but start with a home defeat for the second successive season.
The two Manchester clubs, tipped to take part in a two horse race for the title, both began the season with victories. Pep Guardiola’s reign as City boss got underway with a 2-1 home win over Sunderland, while Jose Mourinho’s United defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on the South Coast. A late Paddy NcNair own goal gave City a late victory in what was a tough start for former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola. Mourinho’s start was much more convincing, goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic means United are top after the first set of games.
Chelsea will hope to challenge the two Manchester sides come May, but they left it late to overcome West Ham United in Antonio Conte’s first game in charge. Diego Costa, who should have been sent off earlier in the game, fired home as the clock ticked into injury time after James Collins had cancelled out Eden Hazard’s penalty.
Two sides who aim to be in the Europa League qualification places at the end of the season are Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. They met on the opening day and could not be separated, with Ross Barkley and Erik Lamela scoring in the draw at Goodison Park. The Toffees will be boosted by the addition of Yannick Bolasie from Palace, who disappointingly lost to West Bromwich Albion courtesy of a Salomon Rondon goal.
The three newly promoted sides, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Burnley started with a win, a draw and a defeat respectively. While manager-less Hull beat Leicester, Burnley lost by a single goal to Swansea City, while Middlesbrough’s draw with a strong Stoke City side was very credible. Aitor Karanka has built a side that looks like it can challenge the mid-table places and certainly will not get caught up in a relegation battle. New striker Alvaro Negredo scored in the draw and keeping him fit could ultimately decide the fate of Boro.
Claude Puel and Walter Mazzarri both made their English football debuts when their Southampton and Watford sides met at St Mary’s. Etienne Capoue gave the visitors the lead with a powerful strike but debutant Nathan Redmond, who Puel likened to a certain Thierry Henry, volleyed home the equaliser in the second half. Former Eagle Ben Watson earned the first red card of the season, which meant the Hornets had to cling on to their point late on but both managers will be happy with a draw as they look to stamp their own identity on their respective sides.
