With UEFA Euro 2024 taking centre stage this summer, the Premier League’s annual summer break wasn’t noticed. Of Course, it was Spain that reigned supreme in Germany, breaking English hearts in Berlin thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner. Now, those England stars have dusted themselves down ahead of their return to domestic matters.
The new campaign got underway on August 16th as Manchester United welcomed Fulham to Old Trafford, and they got things underway in a typical fashion. The Red Devils started brightly, before proceeding to be outplayed by a Cottagers side that could turn a few heads following the acquisition of former Arsenal man Emile Smith-Rowe. Ultimately though, it was United that emerged as somewhat fortuitous victors, netting a late winner through debutant Joshua Zirkzee.
There were plenty of talking points over the Premier League’s opening weekend, and here are the biggest of them.
Arsenal and Liverpool Both Make Winning Starts
In recent years, Manchester City has dominated the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side has emerged victorious in each of the last four seasons, and the odds with sports betting online at Bovada make them the +120 favorites to make it five on the spin this season. However, throughout their era of dominance, both Arsenal and Liverpool have pushed the Blues to their limits.
In each of the last two seasons, it was the Gunners that finished as runners-up. Last season, they took the title race down to the final day but were ultimately pipped to the prize. Now, Mikel Arteta knows that his side has to hit the ground running and win as many games as possible because their rivals at the Etihad simply do not slip up.
That message was clearly on display throughout Arsenal’s opening-day clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners headed into the contest as huge favorites and duly flexed their muscles. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were enough to secure a 2-0 victory at the Emirates, and now Arteta can turn his attention toward the future with three points under his belt.
Liverpool knows all too well about just falling short against City. They finished as runners-up to the Blues on no fewer than three occasions, two of which went down to the final day of the season. Now however, the Reds are without Jurgen Klopp, and many are wondering whether the new man at the helm Arne Slot can build on the foundation left for him by the Maverick German.
If the opening day is anything to go by, it looks as though the Dutchman certainly will. His side managed to weather an early storm away at newly promoted Ipswich Town. Throughout the first half, Liverpool were second best, but they clicked into gear in the second stanza and secured the victory thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
Everton In Trouble Already
The plight of Everton has been a common storyline in the Premier League in recent years. Back when Rafa Benitez took charge and brought with him the likes of James Rodriguez and Richarlison, it looked as though the Toffees might well start to assault the top seven. But unfortunately, things quickly fell off a cliff for the Spanish boss, and it has been downhill ever since.
The Merseyside outfit has been locked in a relegation battle in each of the last three seasons, finishing 15th last term despite suffering a ten-point deduction. Many thought their most recent great escape would see the club turn a corner, but if their opening day is anything to go by, they remain in turmoil. The Toffees had to endure a painful afternoon at Goodison Park, falling behind to a 25th-minute Kaoru Mitoma strike before things went from bad to worse.
Everton thought they had a penalty at the start of the second half, only for the decision to be overturned by VAR. They then proceeded to concede immediately thanks to Danny Welbeck’s goal, before Ashley Young was sent off barely ten minutes later. Winger Simon Adingra added a third late on, consigning Everton to the bottom of the table already.
Aston Villa Contenders Once More
Last season, Aston Villa were one of the stars of the show in the Premier League. They managed to pick up victories home and away against Arsenal, as well as defeating Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. Their impressive displays led them to secure a spot in the Champions League for the first time since the tournament rebranding in the 1990s, but many didn’t know if they could sustain their top-four push, especially following the departures of Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby.
However, if the opening weekend is anything to go by, the Villains are certainly contenders once more. They managed to defeat West Ham United on enemy territory thanks to goals from debutant Amadou Onana and striker John Duran. They will be aiming to build on their promising start in the coming weeks and cement their spot as top four contenders.
