The 2024-25 English Premier League season kicked off on Friday, with Manchester United clinching a last-minute win against Fulham in the inaugural match.

On Saturday, six matches were held, featuring title contenders Arsenal (who won 2-0 against Wolves) and Liverpool (who secured a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town). Reigning champions Manchester City will begin their season on Sunday in a highly anticipated match against Chelsea as they aim for a fifth straight title.

West Ham vs Aston Villa: Onana Scores on Debut for Villa

Amadou Onana marked his debut for Aston Villa with a goal just four minutes in, followed by a late winner from Jhon Duran as Unai Emery’s squad started their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 success at West Ham United.

The 22-year-old Onana, recently transferred from Everton, headed in a corner from Youri Tielemans in the fourth minute, outjumping Michail Antonio to score from close range against keeper Alphonse Areola.

Villa missed several golden opportunities before Lucas Paqueta equalized for the hosts from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, awarded after a VAR review confirmed Matty Cash’s foul on Tomas Soucek.

Goals

• 4th minute: Amadou Onana, Aston Villa
• 37th minute: Lucas Paqueta, West Ham (penalty)
• 79th minute: Jhon Duran, Aston Villa

Arsenal vs Wolves: Havertz and Saka Find the Net in Gunners’ Win

Arsenal comfortably defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at home, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka marking the start of their latest Premier League title quest.

Although the performance wasn’t entirely smooth under the sunshine, Mikel Arteta’s team, seen as the main contender to stop Manchester City’s dominance, deserved the victory. Havertz opened the scoring with a header from Saka’s assist in the 25th minute, and Saka’s precise finish in the late minutes ensured the win.

Goals

• 25th minute: Kai Havertz, Arsenal
• 74th minute: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

Brighton vs Everton: Toffees Fall 3-0 at Home

Danny Welbeck contributed a goal and an assist during Brighton & Hove Albion’s 3-0 victory at 10-man Everton, marking an excellent beginning for the league’s youngest permanent manager.

Kaoru Mitoma scored following a setup from debutant Yankuba Minteh, and then Welbeck took advantage of Everton’s careless defensive play to net a second, with Simon Adingra adding a late third to highlight Brighton’s dominance.

Goals

• 25th minute: Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton
• 56th minute: Danny Welbeck, Brighton
• 86th minute: Simon Adingra, Brighton

Red card

• Ashley Young, Everton – 66th minute

Newcastle vs Southampton: 10-Man Newcastle Triumphs

Joelinton’s goal secured Newcastle a 1-0 victory against newly-promoted Southampton at St James’ Park on Saturday, despite them being reduced to 10 players in the first half.

Fabian Schar was sent off in the 28th minute for retaliating after a foul by Ben Brereton Diaz, yet the visitors were unable to capitalize on their advantage, with Newcastle taking the lead right before halftime.

Goals

• 45th minute: Joelinton, Newcastle

Red cards

• Fabian Schär, Newcastle – 28th minute

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth: Late Equalizer for Cherries

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo salvaged a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest with a late equalizer on Saturday.

Forest took an early lead in the 23rd minute when Ryan Yates’ shot was deflected by goalkeeper Neto, allowing Chris Wood to follow up and score. The hosts seemed in control until Semenyo scored in the 86th minute, bringing Bournemouth level.

Unfortunately, Forest’s Brazilian midfielder Danilo had to be taken off on a stretcher after suffering a serious injury 10 minutes into the match due to a collision with Semenyo.

Goals:

• 23rd minute: Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest
• 86th minute: Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth

Liverpool vs Ipswich: A Successful Debut for Arne Slot

Two second-half goals by Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah helped new Liverpool coach Arne Slot start his tenure with a 2-0 victory against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

Ipswich, with cheering from their new minority shareholder Ed Sheeran, fought hard in the first half but could not capitalize on their opportunities. However, Liverpool came to life in the second half, with Jota scoring first around the hour mark, followed by Salah’s goal five minutes later, effectively sealing the win for Liverpool.

“The first half was somewhat as expected, as they were quite aggressive against us. The second half was a delight to witness,” Slot shared with TNT Sports.