Premier League returns with late Liverpool surge, ruthless City, and Arsenal’s gritty win

The 2025/26 Premier League season roared into life with defending champions Liverpool outlasting Bournemouth 4–2 after late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, while Manchester City opened with a commanding 4–0 away win at Wolves. Tottenham began the Thomas Frank era with a 3–0 home victory over Burnley, led by a Richarlison brace, and newly promoted Sunderland stunned West Ham 3–0 on their top-flight return at a bouncing Stadium of Light. Arsenal edged Manchester United 1–0 at Old Trafford as Riccardo Calafiori punished a goalkeeping error, capping a contentious clash that ignited debate over refereeing and team selection. Chelsea was held 0–0 by Crystal Palace in a cagey derby colored by a disallowed Eberechi Eze strike after a technical foul spotted on review. Elsewhere, Brighton conceded a 96th-minute equalizer to Fulham in a 1–1 draw, and Nottingham Forest beat Brentford 3–1 behind a Chris Wood brace and a debut goal from Dan Ndoye. After the opening weekend, early headlines center on Liverpool’s resilience, City’s familiar control, Spurs’ fast start, Sunderland’s statement wins, and a VAR-tinged curtain-raiser for United and Chelsea, hinting at a wide-open race and abundant drama ahead.