And we’re off. 38 round of action, 34,200 minutes of football (+ stoppage time) and a whole lot of drama is sure to come this season as all the talking stops (or at least most of it), and we get to see new managers, new signings and fresh starts for all 20 teams in the league.

With some teams returning to the top flight, some looking to challenge for silverware and some just looking to survive this season, this opening round of games has offered some insight to who may become the big hitters of the season, and which teams may be hoping for May 2025 to arrive as soon as possible. With lots to discuss, we’re back with our reviews to break down all the action and biggest talking points, as we look at week 1 of the new Premier League season.

As always, in this post we will be picking out 3 of the biggest talking points of the weekend, along with giving out the game of the week and player of the week awards. If we’ve missed something in this post that you saw over the weekend please do get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner) where we post weekly reviews on there of all the key talking points in the Premier League and around Europe.

Student 0-2 Master

Manchester City kicked off their title defence in emphatic fashion with a commanding victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. From the outset, Pep Guardiola’s side asserted their dominance, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Their attack was as fluid as ever, with Erling Haaland leading the line and new summer signing Savinho adding fresh dynamism. City’s ability to break down Chelsea’s defensive shape showcased their tactical superiority, with quick passing combinations and relentless pressing making it difficult for the hosts to gain a foothold. It was a textbook performance from the champions, sending a clear message to the rest of the league.

Despite facing a Chelsea side eager to impress under new management in one of Pep’s old colleagues Enzo Maresca, City were in control from the outset and this performance will leave Chelsea wondering what can be expected of this season. With a small glimmer of positivity from what Maresca can offer at the helm of this club, the chaotic transfer window still rolls on with Sterling making a point of his lack of inclusion in the matchday squad following this result.

This opening-day victory is more than just three points for City—it’s a statement of intent. While their rivals hope to close the gap, City’s ability to perform at such a high level from the start suggests they are still the team to beat. With new signings integrating well and key players showing their usual brilliance, Guardiola’s squad looks well-equipped to maintain their dominance. If this performance is anything to go by, City could be on course for yet another successful campaign, making them firm favourites to retain their crown.

Ready To Battle Again

Arsenal began their campaign with a professional and confident victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, setting the tone for what they hope will be a title-winning season. Mikel Arteta’s side looked sharp from the first whistle, pressing high and moving the ball quickly. Their attacking play was fluid, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli causing constant problems for the Wolves defence. Martin Ødegaard pulled the strings in midfield, creating several goal-scoring opportunities and demonstrating why he remains a key player for the Gunners. Arsenal’s early goal settled any nerves, allowing them to control the game and dictate play.

Declan Rice provided much-needed stability in midfield, breaking up play and ensuring Wolves were unable to launch dangerous counterattacks. With David Raya also making key saves, Arsenal’s defensive performance was just as impressive as their attacking play, showing a well-rounded team ready to challenge for silverware once again this season.

This victory will give Arsenal fans plenty of optimism, especially after last season’s disappointment of finishing second to Manchester City. The squad looks stronger, more mature, and ready to sustain a title challenge across the full campaign. Arteta has instilled a winning mentality within the group, and performances like this will be crucial in maintaining momentum. If Arsenal can continue to perform with this level of control and confidence, they will be serious contenders for the Premier League trophy this season and overhaul the 2 point gap that caused them to come so close last campaign.

Zirkzee Saves The Day

Manchester United’s season opener against Fulham at Old Trafford proved to be a far more difficult test than many had anticipated. Despite dominating possession, Erik ten Hag’s men struggled to break down a disciplined and well-organized Fulham defence. Their build-up play was often slow and predictable, lacking the incisiveness needed to create clear-cut chances. With Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes unable to find space, United looked short of ideas in the final third. Fulham, on the other hand, frustrated their hosts and threatened on the counter, exposing some of United’s defensive vulnerabilities.

As the game wore on, frustration grew among the United faithful, with missed opportunities and wayward passing adding to the tension. Ten Hag’s decision to introduce new signing Joshua Zirkzee in the second half ultimately proved decisive. The young forward made an immediate impact, injecting energy and movement into United’s attack. In the dying minutes of the game, Zirkzee capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the winning goal, sending Old Trafford into raptures. While the result was a relief, the overall performance left much to be desired, highlighting areas that need improvement if United are to challenge at the top.

While three points on the opening day is always a positive, United’s struggles against Fulham raise questions about their attacking fluidity and tactical setup. Ten Hag will need to find solutions quickly, especially with tougher fixtures on the horizon. The reliance on late goals and moments of individual brilliance is not a sustainable strategy over a long season. If United are to mount a serious title challenge, they will need to sharpen their attacking play and find greater consistency. This narrow escape may serve as an early warning sign, but it also offers an opportunity to address weaknesses before they become major concerns.

Game of the week: Everton 0-3 Brighton & Hove Albion Although this first round of games didn’t have any stand-out drama and chaos of some opening weeks in previous seasons, the away win for Brighton under new manager Hurzeler is our first game of the week. With a dominant display from the visitors with a new manager, they have already possibly answered any questions around the managers age and inexperience. For Everton, the red card for Ashley Young topped off a miserable start to proceedings as they will be hoping to turn things around to prevent another long season of fighting away relegation.

Player of the week: Mo Salah With his first goal and assist of the season, Salah helped ensure Liverpool avoided any embarrassment on opening day as their away trip to newly promoted Ipswich almost saw Liverpool fail to break down their opponents. With it taking until the 60th minute for the first goal to come, Salah then ensured all 3 points shortly after. With questions over Salah’s future and possibly the new manager having some big decisions to make early in his tenure, Salah has proved he can be a valuable asset to the new manager in the dugout this season.