EPL Roundup: Brighton shine bright as Arsenal, Liverpool kick off title quest with wins

The 2024/25 Premier League season got underway on Saturday, with Brighton setting the tone with a 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool began their title quests on a winning note, defeating Wolves and Ipswich respectively.

Brighton 3-0 Everton

Brighton’s new head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, marked his Premier League debut with a convincing 3-0 victory over Everton. Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, and Simon Adingra scored the goals, leaving Everton’s final-season farewell to Goodison Park off to a demoralizing start.

The match was marred by controversy when referee Simon Hooper awarded a penalty to Everton, only to reverse his decision after consulting the VAR. Ashley Young’s red card in the 66th minute further compounded Everton’s misery.

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored the goals, giving Mikel Arteta’s side an ideal start in their quest to end a 21-year wait for the title.

Despite a comfortable win, Arsenal faced challenges in the second half, with Wolves having chances to level the score. However, Saka’s 74th-minute goal settled the nerves, securing the win for the Gunners.

Newcastle 1-0 Southampton

Joelinton fired 10-man Newcastle to an opening-day Premier League victory over promoted Southampton. The Brazilian’s 45th-minute strike secured a 1-0 win, despite Newcastle playing with a numerical disadvantage for over an hour after Fabian Schar’s red card.
Southampton dominated the game but failed to make the most of their opportunities, learning a harsh lesson about life in the top flight.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

Liverpool forwards Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah spoiled Ipswich’s Premier League return and handed new boss Arne Slot a debut victory.

Ipswich were back in the top flight for the first time in 22 years after consecutive promotions under Kieran McKenna and edged a tight first half in front of a buoyant crowd.

However the Reds were in their element in the second half; scoring two goals that ensured they pick the maximum points in the day’s early kickoff.

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth

Nottingham Forest endured a tough start to their Premier League campaign, letting a lead slip late on to draw against Bournemouth. Chris Wood’s first-half goal was canceled out by Antoine Semenyo’s close-range strike in the 85th minute, securing a 1-1 draw for the Cherries.

Forest’s midfielder Danilo suffered a serious injury in the seventh minute, adding to the team’s concerns. Despite the draw, Bournemouth showed positive signs, with record signing Evanilson expected to add more firepower to the team.

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These opening matches have set the stage for an exciting Premier League season, with teams already showing their intent and determination to succeed.