EPL 2024/25: Brighton get bragging rights in first round fixtures
Brighton & Hove Albion's Simon Adingra (left) celebrates with team mates after scoring past Everton. Courtesy photo
The 2024/25 Premier League season kicked off with plenty of excitement, as the first round fixtures delivered tactical insights and thrilling encounters across the league.
Key strategies and notable performances stood out as clubs aimed to make a strong start to their campaigns.
Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, though the match was far from easy in the early stages. Ipswich’s aggressive man-marking disrupted Liverpool's rhythm, with the hosts winning 58 percent of their duels and keeping their opponents at bay throughout the first half.
However, a tactical adjustment by Liverpool manager Arne Slot at halftime turned the tide. Slot had Trent Alexander-Arnold move wider on the right and instructed the team to play more direct balls in behind the Ipswich press.
This change stretched the game, allowing Liverpool to create more opportunities, eventually leading to two second-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez.
The shift was evident in the stats, as Liverpool fired 15 shots in the second half and gained control of the game.
Aston Villa started their season with a well-earned 2-1 win over West Ham United at London Stadium. Manager Unai Emery, known for his tactical acumen, deployed a fluid formation that frequently shifted to a 3-4-2-1.
This approach forced West Ham's defense to narrow, allowing Lucas Digne to find space on the left.
Villa capitalized on their tactical superiority, scoring from a corner and sealing the win with a late strike from substitute Jhon Duran. Once again, Emery’s ability to outwit opposition managers played a crucial role in Villa's success.
Manchester United began their season with a tight 1-0 win against Fulham at Old Trafford.
While the performance was far from perfect, United's pressing game showed significant improvement. Casemiro, leaner and more focused, led an organized pressing unit that saw the team make 40 combined tackles and interceptions, the highest of the weekend.
This high-energy approach helped United control large parts of the game, and debutant Joshua Zirkzee eventually found the net to secure the victory. With new signings like Matheus de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui adding intensity, United fans have reason for optimism under Erik ten Hag.
Arsenal kicked off their season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka was the standout player, assisting the first goal with a precise cross and then adding a second himself.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his players' mentality, noting how they returned from their summer breaks ready to go. This sharpness and hunger were evident as Arsenal dominated Wolves, showing no signs of slowing down after their strong finish last season.
At Stamford Bridge, Manchester City demonstrated their title-winning credentials with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea.
Mateo Kovacic, stepping into the holding midfield role in Rodri's absence, delivered an outstanding performance, controlling the game from deep and contributing a crucial goal. Chelsea struggled to impose themselves tactically, as City’s midfield dominance left the home side chasing the game.
Brighton & Hove Albion made an emphatic start to their season with a 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.
New manager Fabian Hurzeler's use of pace out wide proved highly effective, with Brighton's wingers playing a key role in all three goals.
Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring, while Danny Welbeck and substitute Simon Adingra continued to stretch Everton's defense.
Brentford kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium, despite the absence of star striker Ivan Toney. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo stepped up in his place, with Wissa assisting Mbeumo’s opener and then scoring the winner himself.
Southampton, despite dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances, suffered a frustrating 1-0 loss to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Playing with 78 percent possession and attempting 19 shots, Southampton controlled the game but were undone by a defensive lapse that allowed Newcastle to score with one of their few chances.
Nottingham Forest dropped points from a winning position once again, drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth at the City Ground. After Chris Wood gave Forest an early lead, Bournemouth fought back with Antoine Semenyo netting a late equalizer.
Bournemouth's proactive approach, led by manager Andoni Iraola’s tactical substitutions, saw them come from behind to claim a point, continuing Forest's trend of dropping points after taking the lead.
