The Premier League returned this weekend with a lot of new faces but with the same zeal and enthusiasm. Here’s a roundup of the fixtures from Saturday Matchday 1
Middlesbrough 1:1 Stoke City
After a seven year absence from the League, Boro returned as the new boys. Much has changed since their last top flight finish. The league kicked off with Boro up against Stoke City at the Riverside stadium. Stoke came out of the camps thirsty and their new signing Alvaro Negrado put them ahead early on. Middlesbrough were hanging on for their lives during the course of the game, avoiding a finishing second goal. Boro manager, Aitor Karanka however did manage to see some eye pleasing football from his side. Xherdan Shaqiri’s 67th minute free kick levelled things up and proved to be the final goal of the game. A point each for both sides
Southampton 1:1 Watford
Watford opened the scoring early on in the game in the 9th minute courtesy of Troy Deeney who converted Amrabat’s cross. In much of the first half, the Saints could not level up with the physicality of Watford’s combinational play. Nathan Redmond, Southampton’s 11m signing looked out of place. However the Saints found an equalizer due to a fumble by Gomes who first gave away a corner by punching the ball and again presented the ball to Redmond by punching the corner’s delivery. The game ended with a point each for both teams.
Burnley 0:1 Swansea City
Premier League new boys, Burnley, received a harsh welcome as they saw an 82nd minute goal from Leroy Fer proving fatal in an otherwise well contested game. Sean Dyche, being the realist he is, admitted to not having reinforcements at this point in time to last the season. Burnley have only made one signing during the window and would need more if they want to survive.
Crystal Palace 0:1 West Brom
West Brom defended and defended and continued defending until they got a break at goal which was converted in by Salomon Rondon. Palace ended the previous season only having taken 11 points from the second half of the season. Alan Pardew’s men did not earn themselves any favors by this negative start.
Everton 1:1 Tottenham
In Saturday’s big name clash, Everton took on last year’s 3rd placed Tottenham at Goodison Park. Everton took an early lead courtesy of Ross Barkley which they held onto until the 59th minute when Erik Lamela struck Spurs level. Everton took the lead thanks to Ross Barkley’s free kick which alluded everyone, from there on Everton spent much of the time within their own half. Lukaku was severely missed after sustaining an injury in the game against Espanyol. Pochettino decided to throw up an extra striker upfront with Harry Kane and brought on Vincent Janssen who immediately setup Dele Alli only to see his shot misfired. Tottenham would be disappointed with the underwhelming result from a game they thought, could have been won.
Hull City 2:1 Leicester City
The champions took on Hull city at the KC stadium. With big aspirations and expectations and a sub conscience full of pessimism, the Foxes started their campaign. At the brink of half time Adama Diomande put Hull ahead. The goal was soon cancelled out by a Riyadh Mahrez penalty which sparked hope for the Foxes. 10 minutes later, Robert Snodgrass’s strike put Hull back front which proved to be a match winner. Leciester’s defeat meant it was the first time a defending champion had lost on the opening day since the Premier league’s inception.
