Recapping Opening Weekend of Premier League

Recapping Opening Weekend of Premier League

Global SoccerBy: Gabrielle Nordstrom

The Premier League is back in full swing as every team has played in their season opener. After an exciting opening weekend to the 2024-25 season, let’s recap the weekend and take a look at the standings. 


Friday, Aug. 16


Manchester United vs Fulham – 1-0


The opening match of the EPL season featured an exciting match between Manchester United and Fulham. A late goal for Manchester United by Joshua Zirkzee put United up 1-0 with minutes left in the game. This goal was just enough for Manchester United to pick up their first win of the season. 


Saturday, Aug. 17


Ipswich vs Liverpool – 0-2


A five minute timespan was the difference maker between Liverpool and Ipswich. Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah scored for Liverpool in the opener, lifting them to a 2-0 win over Ipswich. Ipswich only had two shots on target as Liverpool dominated the majority of the game.


Arsenal vs Wolverhampton – 2-0


Arsenal is picking up right where they left off last season. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz each netted a goal and assist to propel Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton on Saturday morning. 


Everton vs Brighton – 0-3


Brighton started off the season with a statement win, a 3-0 victory over Everton. Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra all found the back of the net in their opening win. Everton only registered one shot on net and struggled to control the play as they only had a possession percentage of 38.2%. 


Newcastle vs Southampton – 1-0


A Newcastle goal by Joelinton right as the first half was expiring proved to be the game-winning goal against Southampton. Despite Southampton having a possession percentage of 77.8% and four shots on target, Newcastle found a way to walk away with the 1-0 victory. 


Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth — 1-1


After being up 1-0 off a Chris Wood goal for the majority of the game, it looked like Nottingham was going to open up their season with a win over Bournemouth until Antoine Semenyo tied the game 1-1 in the 86th minute. 


West Ham vs Aston Villa – 1-2


Aston Villa started the scoring in the opening five minutes, Amadou Onana put them up 1-0. West Ham was awarded a penalty kick in the final minutes of the first half, allowing Lucas Paqueta to convert and tie the game. In the last ten minutes of the game Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran scored the game-winning goal and put the Lions up 2-1. 



Sunday, Aug. 18


Brentford vs Crystal Palace – 2-1


Brentford took on Crystal Palace in their opening match. Brentford’s Yaane Wissa put on a show as he collected an assist on Bryan Mbeumo’s goal and then scored the game-winning goal. Crystal Palace found the back of the net once thanks to Ethan Pinnock, but it was not enough as Brentford walked away with a 2-1 win.


Manchester City vs Chelsea – 0-2


The reigning champions played Chelsea on Sunday to open up their season. Erling Haaland got the scoring started and Mateo Kovacic added another just before the end of the game to put City up 2-0. 


Monday, Aug. 19


Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – 1-1


Despite Tottenham dominating in every aspect of the game, they only walked away with a 1-1 tie. Leicester City has not been in the Premier League since the 2022/23 season, but after a successful season in the second tier of English football, they have made their return. Pedro Porro started the scoring for Tottenham in the first half putting them up 1-0, but Leicester’s Jamie Vardy tied the game and ultimately led to each team starting their season with one point.


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