Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrate
Title challengers Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all made winning starts but in contrasting fashion on the first weekend of the Premier League season.
Defending champions Liverpool needed late drama to beat Bournemouth on an emotional night at Anfield, City cruised to a 4-0 win at Wolves, while Arsenal fought a rearguard action to hold on to a 1-0 victory at Manchester United.
AFP Sports looks at three talking points from the opening round of fixtures.
A new-look Liverpool attack already looks an upgrade on the one that fired Arne Slot's men to the title with four games to spare last season, but an array of attacking weapons has come at a cost.
Hugo Ekitike scored and provided an assist for Cody Gakpo on his Premier League debut.
But the Reds needed two late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to see off the Cherries after blowing a 2-0 lead.
The second of Antoine Semenyo's double for Bournemouth will ring particular alarm bells for Slot as the Ghanaian was able to gallop unchallenged from just outside his own box before firing past Alisson Becker.
"How many players were ahead of the ball - maybe eight players - when they were winning 2-1," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
"That can't happen. It's absolutely shocking at this level."
More reinforcements at both ends of the pitch look set to follow as Liverpool pursue Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
However, Slot must find the formula to prevent his side from being wide open on the counter-attack, as a worrying trend from pre-season and the Community Shield continued into competitive action.
City are looking to bounce back from a campaign to forget that brought their run of four consecutive titles to an end.
Pep Guardiola's squad has been refreshed after finishing a distant third last season. Their new recruits impressed at Molineux.
Tijjani Reijnders stepped into the void left by Kevin De Bruyne's departure with a role in all of City's opening three goals.
The Dutch midfielder's quick feet opened up Wolves' defence for Erling Haaland's opener.
Reijnders, a 346.5 million signing from AC Milan, then slotted in his first goal for the club before teeing up Haaland's second.
"We knew he is a top signing for the coming years for City," said Guardiola.
"Lovely guy and has made an impact from day one."
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said the context of his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was "completely different" to the Red Devils torrid 2024/25 season, even if the scoreline told a familiar story.
United have invested 3200 million into transforming their forward line after scoring just 44 times in 38 league games last season.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and substitute Benjamin Sesko made their debuts but failed to find a way past the Gunners' disciplined defence.
The game was decided by a tale of the two goalkeepers.
United stand-in stopper Altay Bayindir was at fault for the only goal, scored by Riccardo Calafiori.
At the other end, David Raya stood strong to prevent Mbeumo and Cunha making scoring starts to their United career.
Arsenal's defensive display may have delivered an important three points in their quest to win a first league title in 22 years.
But Mikel Arteta's men must show more going forward if they are to end City and Liverpool's duopoly of the title stretching back to 2017.
Liverpool's asking price for Konate revealed amid Madrid interestAccording to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have informed all interested parties that they would demand a fee in the region of £35 million, amid strong interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been linked with a move for the French centre-back since last month, when it was reported that Konate had refused to sign a new contract.K...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man Utd 0-1 Corner FC Man Utd vs Arsenal 1st half Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace Viktor Gyokeres Chelsea The most touches by any player in Premier League history Onana on the bench watching Bayindir… Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...Former Tottenham and Roma midfielder Erik Lamela says his hip problems has forced him into retirement.The Argentine, while contracted to Sevilla, announced his retirement last week at the age of 33 and last night took to social media to explain his decision.Lamela said: "I want to announce that I have made the decision to end my profes...
Brentford concern as Man Utd, Spurs join Liverpool in Collins battleBrentford face a battle to keep hold of captain Nathan Collins this month.The 24 year-old defender is attracting interest from the Premier League's biggest clubs before the September 1 deadline.The Daily Mail says Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all targeting Collins as they seek a new centre-half addition.The Repub...
Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs PalaceChelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised new signing Estevao Willian after the Brazilian dazzled on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace. Introduced in the 54th minute for fellow recruit Jamie Gittens, he impressed Stamford Bridge with his speed and skillful play.Maresca has predicted that Willian will become an “important”...
BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder AlvarezWest Ham United are inviting offers for Edson Alvarez.The Mexico international has been transfer-listed by the Hammers as they seek to raise funds late in the summer window.TMW says West Ham boss Graham Potter has approved Alvarez's sale as he sees the Mexico captain as surplus to requirements.Despite Potter's opinion, Alvarez is attr...
Man Utd winger Sancho stalling Roma moveManchester United winger Jadon Sancho must accept a drastic pay-cut to complete a move to AS Roma.United and Roma have reached agreement over a fee for the England international. However, local media sources say the move is stalling due to Sancho's reluctance to accept Roma's current contract offer.United have accepted an offer of €23m from Roma for Sa...
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, left and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo fight for the ballThere was nothing to separate Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the first London derby of the new Premier League (PL) season, with a goalless draw extending the Blues’ unbeaten H2H run to 17 games (W14, D3) dating back to 2017.- Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three games in the Premier Leagu...
Man Utd turn to Palace youngster as Baleba alternativeManchester United are eyeing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.TalkSPORT says United are weighing up a move for the England international as an alternative to Brighton youngster Carlos Baleba.United have pulled out of talks for Baleba over Brighton's 3120m valuation.However, United manager Ruben Amorim is still demanding a new midfield add...
Ex-AC Milan captain Calabria signing with PanathinaikosFormer AC Milan captain Davide Calabria is signing with Panathinaikos.The defender moves to the Greek giants as a free agent after coming off contract at Milan this summer.Calabria said: "I'm very happy to be here. To begin a new adventure. I thank the president, the administration, and the people of Panathinaikos, who have shown they want me....
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 3 Hummels snubs son for match with new model girlfriend
- 4 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 5 Agent of Real Madrid defender David Alaba responds to Saudi Pro League transfer speculation as Spanish giants ponder selling 33-year-old after injury woes
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 8 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 9 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss
- 10 Alexander Isak goes on STRIKE! Forward Refuses to Play Newcastle Opener as Liverpool Linger