Premier League 2025/26 Matchday 1 Recap: Goals & Highlights

The Premier League is Back

The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off in thrilling fashion this weekend, with goals, drama, and plenty of storylines already grabbing headlines. Liverpool lit up Anfield with a 4–2 victory over Bournemouth, Aston Villa showed grit in a goalless draw against Newcastle, and Tottenham started life under Thomas Frank with early promise.

Premier League Official Website

Here’s everything you need to know from Matchday 1.

Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth — Ekitike and Chiesa Star, Semenyo Shines Amid Abuse

Liverpool began their campaign with a 4–2 win at Anfield, but the night carried both excitement and heavy emotion.

Hugo Ekitike scored on his debut and assisted Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s opener.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, despite suffering racial abuse during the match, responded brilliantly with two goals. The game was temporarily paused under anti-racism protocols.

Federico Chiesa produced the decisive strike late in the second half before Mohamed Salah added Liverpool’s fourth to seal the result.

It was a bittersweet match — a reminder of the fight against discrimination, but also a strong opening statement from Liverpool in their title bid.

Liverpool FC Official Site

Hugo Ekitike scored on his debut and assisted Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s opener.

Aston Villa 0–0 Newcastle — Ten Men Hold Firm

At Villa Park, Aston Villa battled to a 0–0 draw against Newcastle United despite playing nearly half the match with ten men.

Defender Ezri Konsa was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Newcastle dominated possession and had several chances, but Villa’s debut goalkeeper Marco Bizot impressed with key saves.

This gritty performance underlined Villa’s resilience and ability to grind out results — something that could be crucial across a long season.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot makes a key save as Newcastle players press, Villa Park 2025

Tottenham 3–0 Burnley — Frank’s Spurs Era Begins

Thomas Frank’s managerial debut: Spurs opened their new era with a 3–0 victory over Burnley.Richarlison shines: Scored two goals, exploiting defensive mistakes.

Tactical improvements: Spurs displayed high pressing, structured build-up, and attacking sharpness.

Positive signs for the future: The win hints at a clear identity and consistency under Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur Official Site

Thomas Frank’s managerial debut and win against Burnely

Brighton 1–1 Fulham — Possession Without Cutting Edge

At the Amex Stadium, Brighton dominated possession with 68% but were unable to turn their control into a winning advantage, settling for a 1–1 draw against Fulham.

Their slick passing and movement impressed fans, but a lack of clinical finishing left them short of victory. Fulham, meanwhile, displayed defensive resilience and will take confidence from earning a point away from home.

Sunderland 3–0 West Ham — Premier League Return

Sunderland’s Premier League return ended in a 3–0 defeat to West Ham. Despite showing energy and passion, Sunderland struggled with attacking sharpness and defensive lapses, highlighting the challenges they face in surviving in the top flight.

Quick Recap Table

Fixture	Result	Key Talking Point
Liverpool vs Bournemouth	4–2 Liverpool	Ekitike debut goal, Chiesa winner, Semenyo brace amid abuse
Aston Villa vs Newcastle	0–0	Villa hold on with 10 men; Bizot shines
Tottenham vs Burnley	1–0	Richarlison goal; Frank’s debut win
Brighton vs Fulham	0–0	Brighton dominate but lack end product
Sunderland vs West Ham	0–0	Sunderland return; West Ham miss chances

Fan Reactions

Liverpool fans hailed Chiesa’s clinical finishing: “Worth every penny!”
Spurs supporters praised Thomas Frank: “Finally a clear plan and identity.”
Villa fans celebrated the team’s grit: “Down to 10, still unbreakable.”
Sunderland fans embraced the return: “We’re back where we belong.”

What’s Next?

Liverpool face a tougher test in their next fixture as they aim to balance attack and defense.

Villa will hope to turn resilience into wins.

Tottenham look to build momentum under Frank.

Brighton and Sunderland must solve their finishing issues to avoid slipping behind early.

The Premier League opening weekend has already delivered goals, tension, and storylines. If this is just the start, fans are in for another unforgettable season.