Premier League Premier League Saturday Opening Fixtures Wrap Up

The wait is finally over as the 2020/2021 Premier League got underway just a few weeks after the 2019/2020 season was concluded.


With fans still not allowed into the stadium due to the coronavirus, the first opening games of the new campaign was not short of actions.


Five games were scheduled for the first opening fixtures on Saturday.


But because of Manchester United involvement in the Europa League, their game against Burnley was postponed.

Read Also: Salah Equals Liverpool 32 Years Record With Hat Trick Against Leeds


However, four games heralded the new season with so many intrigues and stunning moments.

Africa Top Sports brings you a wrap up of all the dour games played on Saturday as Matchday 1 action continues on Sunday and Monday.


A total of 13 goals were scored in the opening fixtures.


West Ham United and Fulham lost at home while Liverpool extended their unbeaten run at Anfield to 60 at Anfield.


Crystal Palace also won their first-ever Premier League opening match at the Selhurst Park.


Africa Top Sports summarized all the four games.


Arsenal got the highest victory margin following their 3-0 win over Fulham.


Liverpool 4-3 win over net promoted Leeds United was the highest goal scorer in the opening games.


Fulham vs Arsenal


Arsenal romped to a 3-0  victory against newly-promoted Fulham at the Craven Cottage.


It was the first game of the season and also the first London derby.


The Gunners maintained their impressive performance since defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup.


GOALSCORERS

Alexander Lacazette broke the deadlock for the Gunners before new signing Gabriel Magalhaes marked his debut with a header in the 49th minute.


Captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put an icing to the cake by betting the third goal in the 57th minute

STATISTICS


Arsenal apart from a shaky first five minutes start bossed the game and dictated the pace.


Both teams got two yellow cards apiece 
The Gunners had six shots on target against their opponents 2 shots.


But Fulham had more crosses (18) to Arsenals 15.


Crystal Palace Vs Southampton


Crystal Palace put an end to their winless start in a Premier League opening game.
The victory against Southampton was their first-ever.


GOALSCORER

Wilfred Zaha scored the lone goal that separated both teams in a game that saw Southampton missed many chances that could have levelled matters.


It was Zaha’s 50th career goal for Palace.


STATISTICS

Southampton dominated possession (70%) and will have themselves to blame for not making it count.


Crystal Palace received two yellow cards while Southampton got one.


Apart from Zaha that scored, one player that will be given a credit was the Eagles goalkeeper, Guaita.


He made six saves including a last gasp save to deny Danny Ings for levelling.

Liverpool VS Leeds United

One game you shouldn’t have missed was the clash between both champions at Anfield.


The Premier League champions went up against the Championship winner, Leeds United.


Dubbed the “Clash of Champions”, both teams played as of it was the final.


But kudos should be given to Leeds United who matched Liverpool and kept their head high throughout the game despite losing.


GOALSCORERS

Mohamed Salah stole the show that ended in seven goals thriller netting the first hat trick of the season.


Salah put Liverpool in front just four minutes from the spot.


Jack Harrison equalized for the visitors before Van Dijk restored Liverpool lead in the 20th minute.


Patrick Bamford went on to equalise for his side 10 minutes later before Salah’s second goal returned Liverpool in front heading to the dressing room for the first half break.


Mateusz Klich levelled matters again for Leeds in the 66th minute before Salah 88 minute penalty put the visitors go the sword.


Statistics

Leeds United had more of the possession that Liverpool (52%) to (48%)
But Liverpool had more shots on target (6) to (3).


Leeds United didn’t have any corner with Liverpool playing 9.


Only Roberto Firmino was shown a yellow card in the game.


West Ham Vs Newcastle United 


Newcastle was the second team to won away from home after Arsenal in Saturday’s opening fixtures.


The Magpies nailed the Hammers in their own turf.


It was Newcastle United ninth Premier League away victory against West Ham United.


GOALSCORERS

After a goalless first half, Callum Wilson got the opener for the visitors in the 56th minute.


It was his eighth goal in nine league games against West Ham.


With three minutes to end of the game, Jeff Hendrick scored to out the game behind reach for their host.


Statistics

West Ham United had 58% possession in the game while Newcastle United had 48%.
But Newcastle had more shots on target (4) against (3).


West Ham committed 13 fouls against Newcastle’s 7.


Karl Darlow made three saves for the Magpies while Lukasz Fabianski made two saves.

The opening games of the new campaign continues on Sunday and Monday.


Sunday FIXTURES


West Brom Vs Leicester City

Tottenham Vs Everton


Monday Fixture


Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton

Brighton Vs Chelsea


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