Arsenal got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start but were given a late fright by Nottingham Forest while Luton Town’s return to the top flight went flat as they crashed to a heavy defeat away to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Champions Manchester City, bidding for a fourth successive title, had sounded a familiar tone the day before with a 3-0 stroll at Burnley but the biggest win of the day was at St. James’ Park where Newcastle United hammered Aston Villa 5-1.
Eddie Howe’s side took the lead through new signing Sandro Tonali and though Moussa Diaby pulled a goal back, Alexander Isak put his side ahead before the break and added a second with a brilliant chip before Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes completed the job.
Everton, who escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, lost 1-0 at home to Fulham while Crystal Palace earned a 1-0 victory at promoted Sheffield United.
Arsenal’s home game was delayed for half an hour because of problems with the ticketing system but once they got going there were few summer signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber all started.
Eddie Nketiah gave the Gunners the lead in the 26th minute before Bukayo Saka found the top corner with a curler from outside the penalty area to put the hosts in cruise control.
Tottenham began life after Harry Kane with an entertaining draw against Brentford on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Kane’s move from his boyhood club to Bayern Munich was confirmed on Saturday, and goals from Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal earned new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou a point on Sunday.
Brentford, who began the league campaign without talisman Ivan Toney, had taken the lead through Yoane Wissa after Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty cancelled out Romero’s opener.
Spurs have now failed to win on their three visits to the Gtech Community Stadium, where kick-off was delayed by six minutes because of a water supply issue.
Chelsea and Liverpool played out a thrilling draw at Stamford Bridge as both sides delivered a prime example of why they are doing battle over £110m Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Liverpool agreed a British record deal for the Ecuador player but Caicedo’s preference means he completed a move to Chelsea.
A highly entertaining encounter showcased the attacking quality of both sides while the defensive deficiencies illustrated why Caicedo has become a prized target.
Liverpool dominated the early stages, Mohamed Salah striking the bar before the Egypt forward delivered a stunning pass for Luis Diaz to slide home the opening goal after 18 minutes.
Chelsea, in their first Premier League game under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, rallied and drew level with an equaliser from new signing Axel Disasi, who scored from six yards after Liverpool failed to clear a set-piece.
Raphael Varane scored the winner 14 minutes from time as Manchester United gained a fortunate win against Wolves in their opening game of the new Premier League season.
Erik ten Hag’s side hardly created a chance of note until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.
The right-back calmly lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane used his height to get above Nelson Semedo and head home.
It was extremely harsh on Wolves, who made light of last week’s change of manager to produce a superb performance in Gary O’Neil’s first game in charge.
