The Premier League returned for Week 1 of the 2023-24 season and delivered intensity
with not a nil-nil to be found among ten games.
Reigning champions Manchester City kicked off the season and fired off a salvo to the rest
of the league on Friday with a 3-0 win against Burnley at Turf Moor, and there were
answers of varying strength from Arsenal, Newcastle United, Brighton, and Liverpool.
The opening weekend saw a number of talking points, from red cards to emphatic wins
and VAR dramas.
One of the key topic from the weekend was the 1-1 draw between giants Chelsea and
Liverpool. Stamford bridge witnessed a new look Chelsea take on Liverpool on Mauricio
Pochettino's debut. Luis Diaz and Axel Disasi were the goal scorers in a match Argentine
midfielder Enzo Fernandez consistently shined.
Arsenal, Manchester United both got off to great starts with home wins, Arsenal saw off
late Nottingham Forest pressure to secure a 2-1 win, while Manchester United saw off
Wolves thanks to a late Rapheal Varane header in a match that had probably the biggest
controversy of all. The match officials have since be relived off any duties on the second
game-week for their errors.
Defending champions got off to a flying start at Turf Moor thanks to a brace from Erling
Haaland and also Rodri capped a brilliant performance with a goal. Injury to Kevin De
Bruyne ensured it wasn't a perfect night for the Citizens, City's captain is set to miss the
rest of the year.
Sandro Tonali played a role in both of Newcastle’s goals to take a well-deserved a 2-1 lead
at St. James’ Park against Aston Villa who lost defender, Tyrone Mings to injury. The
injury perhaps spurred on the Magpies as they just cooked up dangerous chance after
dangerous chance in the second half. The match ended 5-1 with Alexander Isak, Callum
Wilson and Harvey Barnes all registering.
David Moyes was left frustrated with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth after his side led
for majority of the game.
Tottenham under new manager Ange Postecoglou had four debutants in the starting lineup
and it was one of them who was the star of the show. James Maddison got a brace of
assists in a 2-2 draw against Brentford. Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace all registered
opening day wins against Luton Town, Everton and Sheffield United respectively.