Premier League Saturday Recap - Matchday 1
- therookiereporters
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Viewers were treated to a thrilling opening Saturday of the Premier League season after a four-month summer, but what did each game have in store?
After months of anticipation, the Premier League returned with a bang these past two days. From two fast-paced draws to big victories, this opening weekend had it all!
Let’s get into the Saturday action and recap what went down in five of the ten opening matches.
Villa looked strong at home, but Newcastle did well to earn a point
Despite Aston Villa extending their home unbeaten run to 22, two short of the club record, Newcastle United looked like the stronger side for much of the match. Even when Villa were able to start creating chances in the second half, the Magpies were able to make things happen on the other end.
This was particularly true when Newcastle got defender Ezri Konsa sent off in the 66th minute after he fouled Anthony Gordon, denying the winger a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
While Eddie Howe and Co may be frustrated about the missed opportunity to steal all three points after the red card, they can no doubt be happy about ensuring a result.
Next up for the Magpies is a home game against Liverpool, while Aston Villa will travel to West London for a Matchday 2 encounter with Brentford.
Brighton and Fulham draw after Rodrigo Muniz rescues a point for the Cottagers
Despite Brighton dominating much of the major statistics, they will rue losing out on all three points after an intense match against Fulham.
While midfielder Matt O’Riley was able to convert from the penalty spot, giving Brighton a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute, Fulham were eventually able to secure an equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring the big goal from short range.
Next week will see Brighton head to Everton, while Fulham will play host to Manchester United.
Sunderland are back, living their Premier League dream!
Both West Ham and Sunderland had their chances to score, but it would be Sunderland who would be able to convert their opportunities.
Despite entering the half tied, Sunderland were able to get their first Premier League goal in over eight years just after the hour mark, with Eliezer Mayenda opening the scoring for the Black Cats. Daniel Ballard would follow this up with a 73rd-minute goal to make it 2-0, while Wilson Isidor made it 3-0 well into stoppage time.
On top of that, Sunderland looked like the much more energetic side, exploiting several chances on the counterattack while also forcing West Ham into key errors.
And if you’re not sold on the hype behind Sunderland’s Premier League return, make sure to take a look at the Stadium of Light’s reaction to the first goal:
Sunderland will look to continue their survival quest as they travel to Turf Moor to take on fellow promoted side Burnley. Meanwhile, West Ham will have to find a way to forget the loss quickly as they prepare to play Chelsea on Friday.
We lost in the Super Cup? No memory of recent heartbreak left after Spurs thrash Burnley
No Super Cup win? No problem.
Audiences saw a brand new and refocused Spurs side as they sent Burnley packing in their Premier League return by a score of 3-0.
Forward Richarlison scored a brace - with the two goals coming in the 10th and 60th minutes - while Brennan Johnson scored Tottenham’s third goal in the sixty-sixth minute.
Burnley will look to recover from the 3-0 defeat as they head home to take on Sunderland in what could be a key match in the early stages of this year’s relegation fight. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s next Premier League fixture sees them head to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.
Ait-Noüri dominates his former club as Manchester City put the league on notice
Wolves’ opening match of the Premier League proved how much they are going to miss the goal contributions of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Noüri.
You see, Wolves weren’t just beaten by Manchester City, they were dominated. Despite holding on for about half an hour, the defence broke down after Erling Haaland’s opener in the 34th minute. Tijjani Reijnders would score his first Premier League goal just three minutes later, while Haaland would add another at the hour mark and Rayan Cherki would make it 4-0 at around the 80th minute.
Wolves will look to find some form of confidence when they travel to play Bournemouth, while Manchester City will look to make it two wins out of two to open the Premier League season when they host Tottenham.
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Article written by Noah Guttman
