The opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign delivered a mix of drama, surprises and early talking points that set the tone for the season ahead.
At the Emirates, Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry, but the result was overshadowed by the continued uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger, who rejected a move to Galatasaray last week despite Arsenal agreeing a fee, was left out of the matchday squad entirely. Pundit Ian Wright criticized the club's handling of the situation, saying nobody at Arsenal had spoken to the 25-year-old about his future. "I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say: 'Yeah, it's time for him to move him on.' But there's ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave," Wright said, adding that Martinelli deserved more respect given his contributions to the squad.
Aston Villa endured a torrid start, thrashed 4-0 at Brighton in a match overshadowed by the absence of Ollie Watkins. The striker reportedly refused to play amid interest from Al-Hilal, though Villa insist no agreement is close despite rejecting multiple bids. Manager Unai Emery did not deny suggestions that Watkins had opted out of the fixture, leaving the club to manage the fallout ahead of their next game against Arsenal.
Manchester United's rebuild under Michael Carrick got off to a rocky start with a 2-0 defeat at Hull City. New signing Konstantinos Tzolakis impressed on his Hull debut, barely tested but composed throughout. "We bought him and we spent some money there," said Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic. "He's a national-team player of Greece, an Olympiakos player... For him, I think this is like a cup of tea." United's attack struggled, with Matheus Cunha ineffective as a makeshift striker and Benjamin Sesko unable to make an instant impact off the bench.
Manchester City edged Bournemouth 2-1 thanks to a stunning cameo from Rayan Cherki, who assisted both goals after being left out of the starting XI. Manager Enzo Maresca admitted the Frenchman had shown visible frustration before coming on, saying, "I know that he was not happy today but at the end I had to take a decision."
Elsewhere, Brentford's new midfield signing Mamadou Sangaré shone on his debut in a 3-0 win over Tottenham, outperforming a Spurs midfield reportedly worth over £175million. Newcastle drew 2-2 with Liverpool in a dramatic finish, with former Magpie Alexander Isak struggling on his return to St James' Park before Dominik Szoboszlai equalized from the spot in the 99th minute.
Ipswich Town pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over Sunderland, with manager Gary O'Neil deploying centre-back Dara O'Shea at right-back to combat aerial threats. "Aerially the Premier League is such a test now, from long throws and set pieces," O'Neil explained.
Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring a fine goal and dictating play. "I want to be better than last season... I know I have the ability to do it so fingers crossed I do," he said.
Finally, Leeds United began life back in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, giving manager Daniel Farke optimism after significant summer investment. "If we want to establish ourselves... we need to add individual quality," Farke said.
With Brighton, Arsenal and Brentford topping an early table decided on goal difference, the season promises intrigue from the outset.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.