The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off in breathtaking fashion, blending raw emotion, debut brilliance, and dramatic upsets across an unforgettable opening weekend.
At Anfield on Friday night, Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 4-2 in a match dedicated to the late Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash last month. A minute’s silence was observed, players wore black armbands, and in the 20th minute, fans broke into Jota’s song as a moving tribute filled the stadium.
On the pitch, debutant Hugo Ekitike announced himself with a goal and an assist, while substitute Federico Chiesa added a third. Mohamed Salah also struck to extend his remarkable record of scoring on opening day. However, Antoine Semenyo’s brace highlighted Liverpool’s defensive frailties in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The shock of the weekend came at the Stadium of Light, where newly promoted Sunderland stunned West Ham United in their first Premier League appearance in nearly a decade. The victory not only sparked wild celebrations but also deepened scrutiny over West Ham’s poor form, while raising hopes of a Sunderland revival in the top flight.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Aston Villa and Newcastle United played out a goalless draw at Villa Park, with Alexander Isak absent amid ongoing transfer speculation. Tottenham Hotspur, under new coach Thomas Frank, began life under their manager with a convincing 3-0 win over newly-promoted Burnley, as Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison dazzled in attack. Brighton & Hove Albion opened with a 1-1 draw against Fulham at the Amex, while Manchester City demolished Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0, powered by debutant Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and the inevitable Erling Haaland.
Sunday’s drama began at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea, fresh from their Club World Cup and Europa Conference League triumphs, hosted Crystal Palace, winners of the FA Cup and Community Shield, in a heated London derby. New arrivals João Pedro and Jamie Gittens featured as Chelsea launched their title charge, but the game ended goalless after Eberechi Eze’s stunning free-kick was controversially ruled out for a foul on Moisés Caicedo in the build-up.
At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest carried last season’s momentum with a 3-1 win over Brentford, as Chris Wood continued his fine scoring form. Brentford’s struggles without Bryan Mbeumo were again glaring.
The marquee clash came at Old Trafford, where Manchester United hosted Arsenal in a fiery showdown of title contenders. Rúben Amorim’s revamped United, featuring Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and ex-Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, faced Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, bolstered by Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi. The contest sparked controversy over whether a foul occurred on Altay Bayındır in the build-up to Arsenal’s winner. Ultimately, Riccardo Calafiori’s thumping 13th-minute header sealed a 1-0 victory for the Gunners, who held firm despite United’s dominance.
Monday night wrapped up the action as newly-promoted Leeds United defeated Everton 1-0 at Elland Road. A late penalty from Lukas Nmecha in the 84th minute secured the points for the Peacocks, who marked their Premier League return in style after winning the Championship with 100 points last season.
The opening weekend not only delivered drama and emotion but also set the tone for a season brimming with intensity, intrigue, and early twists.
Week One Standings (2025/26)
- Manchester City – 3 pts (+4 GD)
- Sunderland – 3 pts (+3 GD)
- Tottenham Hotspur – 3 pts (+3 GD)
- Liverpool – 3 pts (+2 GD)
- Manchester United – 0 pts (same position they finished last season)
With Rúben Amorim under pressure to prove he is the right man for the job, and early shocks already shaking the table, the Premier League is off to a thrilling start.
