Hull City marked their first Premier League appearance in nine years with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium, headlining a dramatic afternoon of English football action.
The Tigers, widely tipped for an immediate return to the Championship, produced a disciplined and clinical display against their illustrious visitors. Both goals arrived from set-pieces, with centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy on the scoresheet as Hull built a two-goal cushion before holding firm against a strangely lethargic Manchester United side throughout the second half.
Head coach Sergej Jakirovic, who guided Hull back to the top flight, had already made clear before kickoff that his side would not accept the tag of relegation certainties, insisting they had not arrived in the Premier League "by accident" and would fight to prove doubters wrong.
Elsewhere in the top flight, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United shared a goalless draw at the City Ground in the season opener for both clubs, with Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford producing a crucial stop to deny Igor Jesus. At Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton and Crystal Palace also played out a stalemate, with Jean-Philippe Mateta squandering an early opportunity for the visitors and Jordan Pickford later denying Eddie Nketiah with a fine save onto the post. Prime Minister and lifelong Everton supporter Andy Burnham was among the crowd, arriving alongside former Toffees midfielder Peter Reid.
Crystal Palace also moved to address speculation surrounding winger Ismaila Sarr, who was absent from the matchday squad. Head coach Pierre Sage dismissed suggestions that Sarr's absence was linked to a push for a move to Galatasaray, stating instead that the player was carrying an injury.
Ipswich Town got their afternoon off to a bright start against Sunderland, taking the lead through Emersonn Da Silva after 22 minutes. The forward capitalized on a defensive mistake by Luke O'Nien before finishing off a pass from Julio Enciso. The Tractor Boys also handed debuts to six new signings as they look to bounce back in the top flight.
Friday night's curtain-raiser saw champions Arsenal begin their title defense in style with a comfortable 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz opening the scoring after 15 minutes. Martin Odegaard also impressed as he continued his recovery from an injury-hit campaign.
In the Championship, there was late drama at St Andrew's as Birmingham City snatched a 2-2 draw against Bristol City through a stoppage-time penalty converted by Demarai Gray, after Rob Atkinson was penalized for handball. Millwall eased to a 3-0 win over a struggling Norwich City, who also had defender Jose Cordoba sent off for a second booking. Portsmouth secured an impressive 3-1 win at Lincoln City, while other second-tier fixtures across the country saw goals flow at venues including Pride Park, the Racecourse Ground, and St Mary's.
Away from Saturday's action, Manchester United confirmed a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with the deal reportedly worth an initial £65m ahead of a medical this weekend. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur's head coach Roberto De Zerbi addressed his side's heavy summer spending, claiming rival clubs had wanted to "kill" Spurs last season as he prepared his team for their trip to Brentford.
Attention now turns to Sunday's meeting between Newcastle United and Liverpool, where Alexander Isak is expected to receive a hostile reception from his former supporters following his high-profile departure last summer.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.