By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester City ease past Burnley
- Newcastle put five past Aston Villa
- Arsenal defeat Nottingham Forest
UK – The opening weekend of the Premier League did not disappoint with impressive performances from Manchester City, Newcastle and Arsenal.
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Not a happy return for Kompany
It was not a great start to life as a Premier League manager for Vincent Kompany whose Burnley side was trounced 3-0 by the defending champions Manchester City. Kompany was a hero for City as a player but now from the perspective of the dugout might get sick of the sight of Pep Guardiola‘s side.
Last season’s top goalscorer Erling Haaland wasted no time in getting underway in this campaign as he scored after just four minutes. The Norwegian had been on a goal drought of just six games. However, he soon got his second when he fired into the top corner to double his side’s lead before half-time.
As the players were walking off at the break, Guardiola bizarrely seemed to have a go at Haaland. The manager expects high standards but surely there was no need to have a go at the division’s best striker.
Rodri secured their victory when he bundled in from a Phil Foden free-kick. It got worse for the Clarets when Anass Zaroury was sent off for bringing down Kyle Walker. It was a statement win for City showing that they have picked up where they left off from last season’s treble-winning campaign.
Newcastle put five past Villa
Newcastle who will be in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years this season, showed that they have the quality to be in the competition as they destroyed Aston Villa 5-1. Villa were fancied to get a result against the Magpies after Unai Emery managed to turn their campaign around last season and qualify for the Europa Conference League. However, Eddie Howe‘s side proved that they were the far superior side.
Sandro Tonali – a summer signing from AC Milan- put Newcastle ahead with a volley just six minutes into the game. Their lead did not last long as Moussa Diaby fired in an equaliser but Alexander Isak put Howe’s team back in front soon after.
Isak then scored his second just after half-time with a chip over Emiliano Martinez. Callum Wilson who had replaced Isak got in on the action when he tapped in from fellow substitute Harvey Barnes‘ cross. Barnes then made it five when he latched onto Jacob Murphy‘s through ball before finishing past Martinez.
Being in European football’s premier competition has enabled Newcastle to strengthen their side and there is no reason that they should not be going for the title this season.
Gunners see off Forest
After going agonisingly close to winning the Premier League last season, Mikel Arteta has improved his side in a bid to go one better in this campaign. One addition was the £100 million signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United. The midfielder -who was making his first league start for the Gunners- looks to have settled in well and was even seen humming along to the tune of the club’s North London Forever chant before the game.
Eddie Nketiah gave Arsenal an early lead against Nottingham Forest with a powerful strike. The forward was making the most of starting whilst Gabriel Jesus is out injured. Their lead was doubled when Bukayo Saka fired into the top corner from outside the box.
Forest got one back late on through Taiwo Awoniyi but it was too little too late as the Gunners claimed a 2-1 victory. Steve Cooper‘s side battled relegation last season whilst the club stuck with him and they will be looking to embark on a more comfortable season.
The kick-off for this match was delayed due to issues with ticketing but Arteta’s side showed that they will not be starting slowly. Arsenal must continue this form if they are to have any chance of challenging Manchester City for the title.
Predictions vs actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Burnley 1-2 Man City | Burnley 0-3 Man City |
| Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest | Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest |
| Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool | bpool |
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