Matchweek 1 Roundup: Newcastle crush Villa, smash and grab at Old Trafford, VAR wins at the Bridge

Week 1 came and went and it was nothing more than thrilling as us fans were treated to plenty of goals! If opening day is a sign for things to come, the 2023/24 Premier League season will be one to remember!!

Burnley 0-3 Manchester City

(Image via Goal.com)

Manchester City takes down newly promoted Burnley at Turf Moor. After just three minutes, the ball landed perfectly at Erling Haaland's feet who slotted it home to put the treble-winners 1-0 up. Although Burnley had a few opportunities to strike back, they couldn't find the net. In the 36th minute, Julien Alvarez laid the ball off to the Norweigan who curled the shot into the top corner, giving City a two-goal buffer heading into half-time.

The second half was more of the same with Man City controlling possession and shots. After a beautiful cross from Phil Foden causes the Burnley backline some confusion, the ball fell to Rodri who smashed it in to make it 3-0. Deep into stoppage time, Anass Zaroury committed a reckless challenge on Kyle Walker which saw him sent off.

Vincent Kompany should be pleased with his team's performance, especially in the first half. As expected, Manchester City secured the three points, showcasing their mastery in controlling matches.

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

(Image via The Independent)

A pulsating end-to-end contest unfolded as Newcastle emphatically defeated a helpless Aston Villa 5-1 at St. James' Park. Any doubts about Newcastle's top-four ambitions this season were put to rest, as they displayed a different level of prowess on Saturday. After eight minutes, Sandro Tonali marked his debut with a goal from the cross. Moussa Diaby followed suit shortly after, volleying the ball into the net to make it 1-1 after 11 minutes. Four minutes later Tonali whips the ball into Sven Botman who plays it across the box to Alexsander Isak who taps it home to put Newcastle 2-1 up at half-time.

The second half saw Newcastle truly come alive. Isak intercepted the ball from Villa defender Ezri Konsa and chipped the shot over Martinez, making it 3-1. Debutant Harvey Barnes broke through Villa’s defense and squared it to Callum Wilson who smashed in the fourth. Barnes himself sealed the victory with a goal, ending the game 5-1 in favor of the Geordies.

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings was forced off the field on a stretcher in the first half with a knee injury. Mings will be a blow for Villa but their new signing Pau Torres is a suitable replacement. Newcastle’s dominant performance signals their readiness to make a significant impact this season.

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool

(Image via NBC Sports)

Chelsea and Liverpool shared the spoils on opening day after a dazzling display from both sides. The match began with Liverpool creating more chances despite Chelsea having more of the ball. Mohamed Salah set up Luis Diaz, who slid the ball past Robert Sanchez to put the Reds in front. Salah found the net himself ten minutes later, but VAR chopped off the goal for offsides. Chelsea defender Ben Chillwall headed the ball back into the box for Axel Disasi knocked it in to put Chelsea level on the night. Two minutes later Ben Chillwell skipped past Allison and passed the ball into an empty net but again the goal was disallowed for offsides.

In the second half, Chelsea was by far the better team with more possession and shots on target. All their possession came to nothing though as the game finished level. Mauricio Pochettino’s influence on Chelsea’s style showed marked improvement from the previous season. Similarly, Klopp’s Liverpool displayed an enhanced compared to the previous year.

Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

(Image via The Independent)

Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, with Nketiah opening the scoring for the Gunners. Bukayo Saka scored one of the goals of the weekend to put Arsenal 2-0 up in the game. Deep into the second half, Anthony Elanga laid the ball off o Awoniyi to give Forest life but it was purely a consolation.

Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham

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Bournemouth and West Ham played out a 1-1 draw at the Vitality stadium. A stunning Jarrod Bowen strike put the Hammers ahead in the second half. In the 82nd minute, the ball landed at Solanke’s feet who knocks it around Areola and leveled the game for Bournemouth. The first match in the Andoni Iraola era ends in a draw but Cherries fans should be very optimistic.

Brighton 4-1 Luton Town

(Image via Sky Sports)

Brighton smashed Luton Town 4-1 at the Amex as Luton experiences life in the Premier League for the first time. Goals from Solly March, Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, and Evan Ferguson capped off a dominant display from the Seagulls. Carlton Morris’ goal offered a glimmer of hope for Luton, but the match ultimately favored Brighton.

Everton 0-1 Fulham

(Image via The Sun)

Fulham clinched a 1-0 away victory against Everton, with Bobby Reid’s goal in the 73rd minute proving decisive. Fulham bossed possession, while Everton struggled to find the back of the net, raising concerns for the home team.

Sheffield United 0-1 Crystal Palace

(Image via Sky Sports)

Crystal Palace emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Odsonne Edouard’s goal secured three points for Palace, who dominated possession and shots throughout the match.

Brentford 2-2 Tottenham

(Image via The Telegraph)

Brentford and Tottenham played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community stadium. Cristian Romero, Bryan Mbuemo, Yoanne Wissa, and Emerson Royal found the net in an exciting contest. Despite the absence of Kane, Tottenham’s goal-scoring ability was evident, while Brentford also showed their attacking potential.

Manchester United 1-0 Wolves

(Image via The Independent)

It was the old smash-and-grab at Old Trafford as Manchester United beat Wolves 1-0 thanks to Raphael Varane’s headed goal in the 76th minute. Wolves bossed this game and should have won. Matheus Cunha was at the heart of everything for his side but they could not put the ball in the net. United looked sluggish and unfit. Andre Onana saved United many times in the match. The controversy came when Onana crashed into the Wolves attacker in the 96th minute. It went to VAR who said no penalty and the Red Devils won the game.