Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and newly promoted Sunderland all began their Premier League campaigns with emphatic victories, while Brighton were left frustrated after conceding late against Fulham. Arsenal also ground out a statement away win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Wolves 0–4 Manchester City
Manchester City made an early statement with a commanding 4-0 away win at Wolves.
Erling Haaland opened his account with a brace, while new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net. Reijnders, particularly impressive on debut, orchestrated the midfield and scored City’s second after setting up the opener for Haaland.
Cherki rounded off the scoring with a curling effort late on, as City looked revitalised after last season’s disappointments. Wolves, missing the influence of departed forward Matheus Cunha, struggled to create chances and manager Vitor Pereira admitted his side need reinforcements.
Tottenham 3–0 Burnley
Thomas Frank’s first league match in charge of Tottenham ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Burnley.
Richarlison stole the headlines with a spectacular double, including an acrobatic bicycle kick, before Brennan Johnson added a third. Spurs dominated throughout, with Mohammed Kudus and Pape Sarr impressing in support.
Burnley, solid in the Championship last season, found the step up in class punishing and will need quick improvements to compete at this level.
Brighton 1–1 Fulham
Brighton were denied on home soil after a stoppage-time equaliser from Rodrigo Muniz snatched Fulham a 1-1 draw.
Matt O’Riley’s penalty had given the Seagulls the lead early in the second half, and Roberto De Zerbi’s side appeared in control until Muniz reacted sharply to a loose ball in the 96th minute.
Brighton’s midfield impressed, with O’Riley and Georginio Rutter linking well, but Fulham’s lack of attacking spark until Muniz’s late strike will concern Marco Silva ahead of the transfer deadline.
Sunderland 3–0 West Ham
Back in the Premier League after eight years, Sunderland marked their return with a resounding 3-0 win over West Ham at a jubilant Stadium of Light.
Eliezer Mayenda opened the scoring with a header before Dan Ballard doubled the lead from a corner. Substitute Wilson Isidor sealed victory in stoppage time, capping a dream return for Regis Le Bris’ side.
West Ham created chances through Jarrod Bowen but looked vulnerable at the back, leaving David Moyes with plenty to address.
Manchester United 0–1 Arsenal
Arsenal battled to a gritty 1-0 win at Old Trafford thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive header.
The Italian defender rose highest to meet Declan Rice’s corner midway through the first half, scoring his first and handed Mikel Arteta’s side all three points.
It was far from a fluent display, but Arsenal showed resilience and control in key moments to grind out the victory. United pressed late on but lacked precision in the final third.