That summer-long wait is finally over. The Premier League resumed this past weekend as the 2024/25 season kicked off to its usual fanfare and excitement as clubs jostle to reach their targets.
Following various international tournaments that took place at different times during the off-season, fitness has been a general concern as teams try to bring their key players back up to speed.
Nevertheless, there was a buzz all over England with football back on the agenda and hostilities taking place up and down the country. With the English top flight now underway, Premier League tickets are expected to see a rise in demand.
This article sums up the major talking points from Matchday 1 of the new campaign.
New Boys Star in Man United’s Winning Start
Manchester United kicked off the opening night of the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Fulham which was very much a case of job done at Old Trafford. While it was not the convincing win that many had hoped for, the three points were a perfect start for Erik ten Hag who will be delighted with the performances of his three debutants.
Noussair Mazraoui was the only one to make his full debut at right-back where he provided energy and composure on the ball. Matthijs de Ligt came on to reshuffle the defence late on as Fulham stretched their hosts, but his compatriot was the hero of the night. Joshua Zirkzee delivered the game’s decisive moment in the 87th minute with a clever finish to spark wild celebrations and bring the maximum points home.
It was a positive evening all around for the Red Devils as each recruit contributed to the victory and they now have something to build on. The United faithful will be desperate to continue improving after a topsy-turvy campaign last time out was concluded by FA Cup triumph and intense speculation over ten Hag’s future.
With no suitable replacements available, United’s new ownership group handed the Dutchman a contract extension and has backed him with a plethora of promising signings and a few more could arrive before the transfer market closes.
Erling Haaland Poised for Another Golden Boot
Manchester City got their fifth consecutive Premier League title defence off to the perfect start as Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovačić scored in a 2-0 win over Chelsea.
Julián Alvarez left the Etihad Stadium due to being in Haaland’s considerable shadow, and it is easy to see why given the Norwegian only needs one chance to hit the net. The 24-year-old made room for himself in a tight spot before producing a deft finish to open the scoring, and his goal gave City the platform to keep Chelsea at arm’s length before going for the jugular late in the second period.
With the likes of Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones all unavailable from the start following international commitments during pre-season, City were not at full strength but they have a fully-fit Haaland who made his chance count despite little involvement during the game.
In this form, the Cityzens have many more gears before hitting full pelt and domestic rivals will be cursing their luck once more.
Haaland’s grip on the Golden Boot award may not be over just yet and he will aim for another perfect season as the top-scorer in a title-winning season.
Arsenal Up for Another Title Race
Arsenal has been Premier League runners-up for the past two seasons and they made an impressive start to the new season with a 2-0 victory over Wolves thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
To finally end their title drought at 21 years, marginal improvements are required for Mikel Arteta’s side and after strengthening the defence with the addition of Riccardo Calafiori, a goalscoring outlet is also needed.
Meanwhile, Arteta suggested that his team would not be signing a new striker before the summer transfer window shuts because he already has a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal.
A move for Ivan Toney is one that could yet suffice, given the England international has one year left on his contract and is thus available for a modest fee. Toney may not be the perfect fit for Arsenal’s pressing structure, but he could provide a goalscoring threat off the bench and is nevertheless a technically gifted striker with a commendable record in the Premier League.
What is clear is that the Gunners are as strong as ever and they are set to go all the way with Man City for the league crown.
New Season, Same Old Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson had a mixed first season at Stamford Bridge as he displayed immense quality in forward areas while scoring 17 goals in his first campaign. However, his finishing still has a lot to improve as he lacks the clinical streak of a top Premier League striker with the amount of clear chances he misses.
The 23-year-old can light up a game with expert hold-up play and clever movement, but he must step up his output in front of goal. Opponents find it hard to fashion one scoring chance against Man. City, but Jackson squandered two big moments in the opening game.
When Ederson parried a shot into his path which the Senegal international tapped in from an offside position to deny Chelsea an equalizer. That proved to be the 30th time Jackson was offside in the Premier League since the start of last season with only Darwin Núñez having been flagged more (33).
Although Jackson’s second chance was a complicated one on the turn with only a few yards away from goal, top strikers thrive on such chances and it means Jackson has now missed 25 big chances with only Núñez (27) and Erling Haaland (34) missing more in that time.
The striker undoubtedly offers some crucial elements to the Chelsea attack but with further additions anticipated before the transfer window shuts, his inconsistent finishing may force him out of the side.