Premier League 2024/25: Week 1 Recap & Analysis
Week 1 of the Premier League kicked off with an exciting start, showcasing some thrilling matches and standout performances. Here’s a detailed recap of all the action:
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
87′ Goal : Joshua Zirkzee | Assist: A. Garnacho
The Premier League opener saw Manchester United take on Fulham. United looked like a team in progress, moving in the right direction. Their new attacker, Zirkzee, introduced in the second half, scored the decisive goal from an assist from Garnacho. Former Bayern Munich player, Mazraoui made his debut and was impressive at right-back, bringing physical presence and attacking threat to the team.
Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool
60′ Goal : D. Jota | Assist: Md. Salah
65′ Goal : Md. Salah
Liverpool faced newly-promoted Ipswich Town in their first match. The first half was slow and cagey, but Liverpool picked up pace in the second half, scoring two early goals. Mo Salah assisted the first goal to Diogo Jota for a tap in and scored the second. Liverpool looked strong under Arne Slot, but there’s still work to be done. Ipswich Town will have to improve a lot to stay in the top division.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
25′ Goal : K. Havertz | Assist: B. Saka
74′ Goal : B. Saka | Assist: K. Havertz
Arsenal went up against Wolves in a match that started with Wolves pressing hard, but Arsenal’s quality shone through. Saka assisted the first goal and scored another to seal the match. Arsenal continues to be the main threat to Manchester City, the four-time consecutive Premier League champions.
Newcastle 1-0 Southampton
45′ Goal : Joelinton | Assist: A. Isak
Newcastle played Southampton, one of the promoted teams, and secured a 1-0 win despite going down to 10 men after Fabian Schär’s red card in the 28th minute. Newcastle scored just before half-time, capitalizing on a mistake from Southampton’s goalkeeper, McCarthy. The second half saw Newcastle display strong defensive resilience which saw them winning the game with 10 men.
Everton 0-3 Brighton
25′ Goal : K. Mitoma | Assist: Y. Minteh
56′ Goal : D. Wellbeck | Assist: M. Wieffer
87′ Goal : S. Adingra | Assist: D. Wellbeck
Brighton impressed once again with a 3-0 victory over Everton. Mitoma opened the scoring, and Welbeck doubled the lead in the second half. Ashley Young saw the second red card of the season for bringing Mitoma down when he was through on goal. Brighton added a third goal through Adingra. Brighton look promising with their attractive and attacking playing style. Everton will be fighting the relegation battle once again.
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth
23′ Goal : C. Wood
86′ Goal : A. Semenyo
Nottingham Forest hosted Bournemouth and dominated most of the match but couldn’t capitalize on their chances, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Bournemouth will be happier with the point gained away from home.
West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa
4′ Goal : A. Onana | Assist: Y. Tielemans
37′ Goal : L. Paqueta (P)
79′ Goal : J. Duran | Assist: J. Ramsey
West Ham took on Aston Villa in a match filled with expectations. Villa opened their account early with a header from new signing Onana. West Ham equalized through a penalty by Paquetá, but Villa secured the win with a second goal from substitute Durán. Both teams created chances, but Villa managed to clinch the victory.
Brentford 2-1 Crystal Palace
29′ Goal : B. Mbeumo | Assist: Y. Wissa
57′ Goal : E. Pinnock (OG)
76′ Goal : Y. Wissa
Brentford emerged victorious in a closely contested match against Crystal Palace. Eze’s early free kick for Palace was ruled out for a foul. Mbeumo gave Brentford the lead in the 29th minute. Crystal Palace equalized through a Pinnock own goal, but Wissa restored Brentford’s lead, securing the win.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City
18′ Goal : E. Halland | Assist: B. Silva
84′ Goal : M. Kovačić
The most anticipated match of the week saw Chelsea take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. City, the four-time consecutive champions, showed their class with Haaland opening the scoring early. Chelsea responded well, looking more threatening, but failed to find the final pass. Former Chelsea player Kovačić, filling in for Rodri, scored City’s second goal after a brilliant run. Chelsea’s Cucurella and Lavia looked promising, but Cole Palmer, their best player last season, seemed isolated on the right. Chelsea has a lot of work to do under their new coach Maresca.
Leicester City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
29′ Goal : P. Porro | Assist: J. Maddison
57′ Goal : J. Vardy | Assist: A. Fattawu
Leicester City, newly promoted from the Championship, faced Tottenham Hotspur in the final match of the week. Tottenham dominated play but failed to convert their chances, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Leicester’s veteran striker, Vardy, led the line, while Tottenham’s new striker, Solanke, started, leaving Richarlison on the bench. Tottenham’s Bentancur left the pitch on a stretcher after a head injury.
Hits of the Week
- Mo Salah
- Bukayo Saka
Misses of the Week
- Dominic Solanke
These were all the updates from Premier League Week 1. Stay tuned for more analysis and insights as the season progresses!