The Premier League got underway this weekend and the big six teams had differing levels of success, with Chelsea the only team to lose.
It was time for 20 top flight sides to shake off the cobwebs and get back to work as the 2024/25 season got off to a flyer.
Here are how the big six sides got on…
Zirkzee’s dream United debut
Manchester United were the first team in action on Friday night against Fulham in what was the opening game of the season. They left it late in picking up the win, with the only goal of the match coming in the 87th minute courtesy of debutant Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker came on in the 61st minute and scored a lovely goal, starting the move himself and finishing it with a deft finish into the corner of the goal.
United dominated the game, as seen with their 2.43xG compared to Fulham’s 0.44. But Fulham were defensively resolute and for a long time it looked as though the game was heading towards a draw, before Zirkzee announced himself to the United faithful.
Liverpool’s winning start under Slot
On paper, Liverpool had the easiest fixture of the big six teams this weekend against Ipswich, but it certainly didn’t play out that way. Ipswich were very impressive and in the first 45 minuted they looked the more likely team to open the scoring.
Eventually in the second half their legs started to go and Liverpool were able to make their quality count. A goal and assist from Mohamed Salah, with Diogo Jota notching the other, were enough to give Arne Slot a win in his first game.
Business as usual for Arsenal
The Gunners are title contenders once again this season and made light work of Wolves in a 2-0 win. Kai Havertz scored and maybe raised some doubts over whether Arsenal actually need a striker this summer. Bukayo Saka scored the other with a beautiful curled goal, his trademark finish.
The result was a necessary one, as Arsenal’s next four opponents are Aston Villa, Brighton, Tottenham and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta will be pleased his side looked well-oiled in the first game and will be hoping they continue in that vein.
Pep finds way to win without Rodri
City also got off to a win in their opening game, with a comfortable 2-0 win over Chelsea. The win was particularly impressive given the look of the City starting XI. There was no Phil Foden, Rodri, Kyle Walker or John Stones.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring early, in the 18th minute, and from there City controlled the game nicely and never looked too threatened. Savinho impressed on debut and gave Marc Cucurella a very tough game.
Maresca must solve squad issue before their season can properly start
Playing at home under their new manager, the Blues would have hoped for a better start to the season but ultimately they were second best to the reigning champions. Headlines were made before kick-off with Raheem Sterling’s camp coming out and asking for clarity as to why he wasn’t even in the squad.
The performance, however, gave some hope, with Romeo Lavia having a solid outing and Pedro Neto looking dangerous when he came on. There were, though, problems with the formation and starting XI that Maresca opted for. Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer were the wingers and neither player looked comfortable out wide. Enzo Fernandez also did not look best suited in the number 10 role. Maresca will have to work out his best team as the season progresses.
Same old Spurs issues cost Ange opening day win
Tottenham opened against newly-promoted Leicester and looked very strong in the first half, but ended up drawing 1-1. Pedro Porro scored in the 29th minute and new signing Dominic Solanke looked very dangerous. He had three shots on target in the game and probably should have scored at least two of them.
Leicester were poor in the first 45 but after the break they caused Spurs all sorts of problems and cult-hero Jamie Hardy scored the equaliser. Ultimately Spurs just couldn’t finish their chances and threw away the three points.
