The Premier League returned for its first round of games following the summer break. Last Word On Football takes a look at the biggest winners and losers from Matchweek 1 of the Premier League.
Biggest Winners and Losers From Premier League Matchweek
Premier League Matchweek 1 – Winners
Manchester City
It was a case of start as you mean to go for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. Their last competitive game saw them win 6-0 as they beat Watford to the FA Cup final. Their return to action in their first competitive game of the 2019/20 season saw them crush West Ham 5-0.
Once more, they look the side to beat to the Premier League title this season. At times, it was breathtaking. They were direct in the way that they played, registering nine shots on the hapless Lukasz Fabianski.
Raheem Sterling was the individual winner from the match too. The 24-year-old’s opening day hat-trick guided City to their first win of the season, and their 276th point under Pep Guardiola in the Premier League.
As a result of their victory, Manchester City now also boast an impressive record. They are now unbeaten in their last 11 opening day fixtures, a run that extends back to the 2009/10 season.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Tipped by many to struggle under new manager Graham Potter, Brighton & Hove Albion arguably pulled off the shock of the weekend as they defeated Watford away from home 3-0.
Last season Brighton were terrible at both ends of the pitch. They were the third-lowest scorers and possessed the seventh-worst defence in the Premier League last season.
However, they showed no signs of continuing the same form from last season. Brighton defender Lewis Dunk was handed man of the match. They were clinical in attack as well, registering three of their five shots on target.
Brighton certainly upset the odds from the bookmakers in their victory. If you are the betting type, there are several football and horse racing betting sites for you to use.
Aston Villa
Despite their loss, Aston Villa are still one of the biggest winners from the weekend. It took Tottenham until the closing stages to snatch away a draw from the newly promoted side.
Several of their summer signings impressed too. Tyrone Mings – whose signature was made permanent in the summer following last season’s loan – grabbed the assist for the opening goal. Tom Heaton also impressed, making a number of saves during the game at the New White Hart Lane.
It will certainly give Dean Smith’s side confidence for the forthcoming season. They showed that they have more than enough to survive in the top flight.
Premier League Matchweek 1 – Losers
Southampton
A trip to Turf Moor always presents a tough game. However, Southampton went down 3-0 to Burnley.
The Saints came unstuck during a 12 minute in the second half. Ashley Barnes bagged a brace and settled the game for Sean Dyche’s side.
However, the most disappointing aspect of the game for Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be that none of his signings delivered. Che Adams failed to register a shot on target, while Moussa Djenepo did not make it onto the pitch. The Austrian will certainly be hoping for improvement.
Bournemouth
Last season Bournemouth dropped points four times from winning positions. They began this season’s tally on the opening day of the season as Sheffield United scored an 87th-minute equaliser.
The Cherries were not clinical enough during the first game of the season against the Blades. Only three of their 13 shots tested Dean Henderson in the Sheffield United in goal. Eddie Howe has England international Callum Wilson in his ranks, yet he could only register one shot on goal. They will have to improve drastically should they want to rise up the table.
Frank Lampard
It was not the perfect start that Frank Lampard would have liked. He was the biggest loser of Premier League matchweek 1 as he saw his Chelsea side demolished 4-0 away at Manchester United.
Chelsea had dominated the opening stages but lost their way following the opening Manchester United goal. Two goals in two minutes ended any hopes of salvaging points from the game for the Blues.
Frank Lampard would have wished for a better start and will have to improve his side drastically to reach the top four.
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