The biggest talking points from the Premier League this weekend

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Shocks, thrashings and more

Let's have a look at the biggest talking points from the Premier League this weekend

Author | Josh T

Champions Arsenal start as they mean to go on

First-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka put the champions in control before captain Martin Odegaard added a third shortly after the restart to complete a straightforward opening-day win.

Arsenal were without new signing Bruno Guimaraes because of injury, but another summer arrival, Christos Tzolis, provided an early glimpse of what he can offer. The Greek winger cut in from the left and curled a shot over after five minutes.

Newly promoted Hull City shock Manchester United 

Michael Carrick insisted the club's opening-day defeat at Hull City will not change the overall direction the club are heading in.

The defeat was only Carrick’s third in 21 games as head coach, but it was a disappointing start to the new campaign. Central defenders Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored first-half goals to put the newly promoted Tigers in control at the delighted MKM Stadium.

Same old Spurs?

Many Tottenham fans made the short trip to Brentford with increased expectations. 

However, the home side eased to a comfortable victory and in truth, it should have been so much more. 

New era starts at Manchester City starts with a win

City scored twice in the closing stages to give Enzo Maresca victory in his first Premier League game in charge.

The Cherries took the lead in the first half through Marcus Tavernier, who was given plenty of space to fire home after Evanilson's incisive low cross into the area.

Erling Haaland, normally so prolific in August, missed several chances as City appeared destined for a frustrating afternoon.

But Marc Guehi, operating in defensive midfield for only the third time in his career, headed in Rayan Cherki's corner with six minutes remaining.

Bournemouth's misery was compounded in stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol guided a shot into the bottom corner to complete City's late turnaround.

Concerning signs for Aston Villa

Brighton made a statement on the opening weekend by sweeping aside Europa League winners Aston Villa 4-0 at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls needed only eight minutes to break the deadlock, with Maxim de Cuyper forcing Victor Lindelof into an own goal. The Belgian then got on the scoresheet himself 10 minutes later, calmly finishing to put Brighton two goals ahead.

Villa quickly unravelled as Jack Hinshelwood struck twice in as many minutes to make it 4-0, before the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Joao Gomes was sent off. The midfielder endured a nightmare debut, lasting just 40 minutes.

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