Leeds United, newly promoted Ipswich Town and Everton all secured victories on Saturday as the English Premier League season opened with late goals and decisive home performances.
Everton produced a completely convincing display in Liverpool to defeat Crystal Palace 2-0. Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring for the home side in the 42nd minute before Thierno Barry doubled the lead in the 53rd minute to lock in all three points.
Late winner for Ipswich and late break for Leeds
Newly promoted Ipswich Town claimed a 2-1 victory over Sunderland in an opening fixture played at an excellent pace. Emerson put Ipswich ahead in the 24th minute before Angulo equalised for Sunderland in the 39th minute to leave the sides level at half-time.
With the match heading towards a draw, Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute to secure a dramatic winning goal for Ipswich in front of their home supporters.
Leeds United earned a narrow 1-0 away win against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. In a closely contested match that appeared destined to finish goalless, midfielder Anton Stach found the net in the 88th minute to claim victory for Leeds on the road.
Arsenal and Hull City earn opening wins
Arsenal started their Premier League campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Coventry City. Kai Havertz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Bukayo Saka added a second in the 23rd minute, and Martin Odegaard completed the scoring in the 49th minute.
Hull City recorded a 2-0 home victory over Manchester United. Ajayi put Hull ahead in the 17th minute, and Mendy doubled the lead in the 38th minute to secure the win before the interval.
Brentford also registered an impressive result on the opening weekend, earning a 3-0 victory against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Premier League opening matchday results and schedule
The completed fixtures from the opening round of the Premier League season produced the following results:
- Arsenal 3-0 Coventry City (Havertz 15', Saka 23', Odegaard 49')
- Hull City 2-0 Manchester United (Ajayi 17', Mendy 38')
- Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace (Dewsbury-Hall 42', Barry 53')
- Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland (Emerson 24', Clarke 90' ; Angulo 39')
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United (Stach 88')
The first round of the Premier League schedule continues on Sunday 23 August with three matches as Brighton and Hove Albion face Aston Villa, Manchester City host Bournemouth, and Newcastle United play Liverpool. The opening matchday concludes on Monday 24 August, when Fulham host Chelsea.
