The Premier League wasted no time reminding us why it remains the most talked-about league in world football. Across four action-packed days from 11–14 August 2023, the opening weekend of the 2023/24 season delivered goals, drama, statement performances and plenty of early storylines. While it’s always dangerous to draw sweeping conclusions from Matchday 1, first impressions matter, and several teams ensured they would dominate the conversation heading into the early weeks of the campaign.

From a ruthless Newcastle performance that turned heads across the league, to Brighton once again proving they’re far more than a “selling club”, and familiar giants already facing scrutiny, the opening weekend set the tone for what promised to be another compelling season. Here are the three biggest talking points from Matchday 1.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) if you have seen anything in a game that you think we should be talking about, or have anything to share from what you’ve seen at a game that week. Any funny stories, tactical analysis or general comments will be featured.

Newcastle Lay Down Marker

If anyone needed reminding that Newcastle United are no longer just happy to be part of the Premier League elite, their 5–1 demolition of Aston Villa provided a brutal reminder. On paper, this was a clash between two sides expected to be fighting for European places. On the pitch, it was a mismatch. Eddie Howe’s side played with pace, power and confidence, blowing Villa away in front of a raucous St James’ Park crowd.

New signing Sandro Tonali wasted no time endearing himself to the home support, opening the scoring inside six minutes and showcasing exactly why Newcastle moved quickly to secure his signature. Alexander Isak’s brace underlined his importance to the team, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing. Even after Villa pulled a goal back, Newcastle never looked rattled, instead, they stepped up another gear.

What stood out most was Newcastle’s depth and flexibility. With players like Harvey Barnes coming off the bench to score late on, it highlighted a squad that is now capable of rotating without losing quality. That’s a crucial factor for a side balancing domestic competition with Champions League football for the first time in two decades.

While it’s only one match, the manner of the win mattered. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab or a fortunate result, it was a dominant, aggressive performance that suggested Newcastle are ready to compete on multiple fronts. If this was an opening statement, the rest of the league was put firmly on notice.

Brighton Defy Expectations

Brighton & Hove Albion have become one of the Premier League’s most fascinating success stories, and their 4–1 win over Luton Town showed that the departure of key players hasn’t dulled their attacking edge. Roberto De Zerbi’s side played with their trademark intensity and fluidity, carving open the newly promoted visitors with ease.

What impressed most was the collective nature of Brighton’s performance. Goals were shared, movement was constant, and the team looked completely comfortable controlling possession while remaining dangerous in transition. Against a Luton side still adjusting to Premier League life, Brighton showed both patience and ruthlessness.

Once again, Brighton demonstrated their remarkable ability to refresh and rebuild. Despite selling several high-profile players in recent seasons, the system remains intact, and new or lesser-known faces continue to thrive within it. De Zerbi’s tactical clarity and trust in his squad have become defining features of the club’s rise.

While Luton may not be the strongest yardstick, the performance still mattered. Opening-day wins can be tricky, particularly when expectation is high, but Brighton handled it with professionalism. Early signs suggested that European football would not distract them, and that writing Brighton off as overachievers would once again be a mistake.

Big Clubs Struggle

While some clubs hit the ground running, others left Matchday 1 with questions to answer. Chelsea’s 1–1 draw with Liverpool, Tottenham’s 2–2 stalemate at Brentford and Manchester United’s narrow 1–0 win over Wolves all sparked early debate, even if it may seem premature.

Chelsea’s draw with Liverpool was arguably the most encouraging of the three, particularly in the second half. Under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, there were clear signs of structure, energy and attacking intent. However, familiar issues around finishing and control resurfaced, showing that the rebuild remains a work in progress.

Tottenham, meanwhile, showed flashes of promise under Ange Postecoglou. James Maddison instantly looked at home, pulling the strings creatively, but defensive lapses and game management issues allowed Brentford back into the contest. It felt like a performance that summed up Spurs’ transitional phase, exciting, but still fragile.

Manchester United did at least secure three points, but their narrow win raised eyebrows. Wolves created chances, pressed aggressively and arguably deserved something from the game. United’s lack of control in midfield and reliance on moments rather than dominance suggested Erik ten Hag still had problems to solve.

It’s far too early to panic, but the Premier League doesn’t wait for anyone. Matchday 1 reminded us that reputations count for little, momentum is fragile, and scrutiny arrives instantly, especially for the clubs expected to challenge at the top.

Matchday 1 Player of the Week: Alexander Isak Alexander Isak wasted no time reminding everyone why he is so central to Newcastle United’s ambitions. In their emphatic 5–1 win over Aston Villa, the Swedish forward delivered a complete centre-forward performance, scoring twice and tormenting Villa’s back line with his movement, pace and composure. Isak’s goals told only part of the story. He consistently drifted into dangerous spaces, linked play intelligently and allowed Newcastle’s wide players to flourish. His first goal showcased his sharp instincts, while the second underlined his calmness in front of goal, a quality that separates good strikers from elite ones. What stood out most was how comfortable Isak looked leading the line in a high-pressure, high-energy system. With Champions League football on the horizon, Newcastle will rely heavily on his ability to perform against top opposition, and this was an early sign that he’s ready to shoulder that responsibility. On a weekend full of eye-catching performances, Isak’s combination of goals, influence and confidence made him the clear standout, and an early contender for one of the league’s most important players this season.

Matchday 1 Game of the Week: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool While Newcastle’s demolition grabbed the headlines, the standout contest of Matchday 1 came at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea and Liverpool played out an entertaining 1–1 draw. It was a fascinating tactical battle, full of tempo, momentum swings and early-season intrigue, as two sides in transition tried to lay down markers for the months ahead. Liverpool struck first through Luis Díaz after a sharp counter-attack, showing that Jürgen Klopp’s side still carries a familiar threat despite midfield changes. Chelsea, however, grew into the game impressively, particularly after the break. With wing-backs pushing high and the midfield pressing aggressively, they pinned Liverpool back and eventually got their reward when Axel Disasi bundled home from close range. What made this game stand out was the contrast in styles and the sense of evolution on both sides. Chelsea looked younger, more energetic and far more coherent than at many points last season, while Liverpool showed flashes of their high-octane best alongside moments of vulnerability. Disallowed goals, end-to-end spells and a lively crowd only added to the occasion. It may not have produced a winner, but as an opening-week showcase of quality, narrative and promise, Chelsea vs Liverpool felt like the Premier League announcing itself once again.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the first round of fixtures, and what you’re looking forward to in the next game week.