The 2022-23 Premier League season returned in all of its glory.

Expected wins and surprise results are part of the drama, the English top flight has been producing for seasons and matchday one of the lastest installment did not disappoint.

Defending champions Manchester City began their quest for three successive titles with a 2-0 win at West Ham United.

Norwegian poacher Erling Haaland netted a brace for the Cityzens on his league debut, slotting home a penalty which he won in the first half and finding the back of the net with an excellent well-placed goal from a superb pass from Kevin De Bruyne in the second half to help Pep Guardiola’s team amass maximum points.

The game at London Stadium also saw debuts for the likes of Gianluca Scamacca, Julian Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips.

Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool were held to a two-all draw by a newly-promoted and spirited Fulham side.

Alexander Mitrovic opened the scoring with a header at the far post in the 32nd minute from a Kenny Tete cross but Liverpool equalised through a sublime finish from Premier League debutant Darwin Nuñez four minutes after the hourmark.

However, Fulham were in front again as Mitrovic converted a penalty eight minutes later after he was brought down by Virgil van Dijk in the 18 yard area.

Liverpool equalised again through talisman Mohammed Salah who netted in the 80th minute, continuing his opening matchday scoring as he has now netted in the first game of a new season in the last six seasons.

A first-half stoppage time penalty from Jorginho helped Chelsea to a 1-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park.

Thomas Tuchel also handed debuts to Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling, including Marc Cucurella who was introduced in the second 45.

Tottenham Hotspur came from a goal down to defeat Southampton 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

James Ward-Prowse put the Saints in front with an excellent strike on 12 minutes but Ryan Sessegnon equalised from a Dejan Kulusevski cross nine minutes later.

Eric Dier netted in the 31st minute to put Spurs in front and an own goal from Mohammed Salisu coupled with Dejan Kulusevski capping off a fine performance with a goal in the 63rd minute sent Antonio Conte’s side to the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal began the 2022-23 campaign with a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Friday night.

Gabriel Martinelli was on target for the Gunners inside 20 minutes and a Bukayo Saka cross with five minutes to go in the contest forced an own goal from Marc Guehi.

The Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United started on a poor note as the party at Old Trafford was spoilt by a 2-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion.

A first half double from Pascal Gross was enough for the Seagulls to get three points despite an own goal from Alexis MacAllister on 68 minutes.

Newcastle United recorded a 2-0 win over new boys Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park.

Second half goals from Fabian Schär and Callum Wilson put smiles on the faces of the Toon Army to start the campaign.

Leicester City were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium on Sunday against Brentford.

Timothy Castange broke the deadlock for the Foxes after the half-hour and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall doubled their advantage a minute after the break but the Bees hit back with goals from Ivan Toney and a late leveller from Josh Dasilva.

Leeds United began their campaign on a positive note after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Elland Road.

Daniel Podence had put Wolves in front on six minutes but Leeds rescued maximum points thanks to a goal from Rodrigo and an own goal from Rayan Aït Nouri.

AFC Bournemouth was the only newly-promoted team to record a win on the first matchday, defeating Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa 2-0 thanks to goals from Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore.

Matchday one results in full

Friday, August 5, 2022
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal

Saturday, August 6, 2022
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Southampton
Leeds United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
AFC Bournemouth 2-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle United 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Everton 0-1 Chelsea

Sunday, August 7, 2022
Manchester United 1-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Leicester City 2-2 Brentford
West Ham United 0-2 Manchester City