Premier League Matchday 1: Stars Who Stole the Show (So Far)

The Premier League’s opening weekend is always a mix of nerves, excitement, and chaos. For some, it’s a chance to lay down a marker for the season ahead. For others, it’s a rude awakening that the top flight shows no mercy. From Liverpool’s late surge at Anfield to Sunderland’s joyous return to the big stage, Matchday 1 of the 2025/26 campaign produced no shortage of storylines. But it also delivered a fresh cast of standout performers—some expected, others less so—who seized the spotlight on opening weekend.

Semenyo’s Spark at Anfield

Liverpool’s 4–2 victory over Bournemouth may look routine on paper, but Antoine Semenyo ensured it was anything but. The Ghanaian forward scored twice, silencing the Kop with a first-half double that briefly had Bournemouth dreaming of a famous result. His movement across the front line constantly asked questions of Liverpool’s defence, and his clinical finishing kept the match alive well into the second half. Even in defeat, Semenyo reminded everyone why he’s become Bournemouth’s go-to man: he doesn’t need much of an invitation to punish defenders.

Ekitike’s Dream Debut

On the flip side, Liverpool’s debutant Hugo Ekitike had the perfect introduction to English football. Leading the line with confidence, he broke the deadlock with a coolly taken opener and then showed his creative side with an assist for Cody Gakpo. For a Liverpool side looking to refresh their attack, Ekitike’s pace, pressing, and eye for goal felt like the injection of energy Arne Slot has been craving. His performance suggested that he won’t just be a rotation option—he’s here to challenge for a permanent starting spot.

Chiesa and Salah Deliver Late

If Ekitike got Liverpool going, it was Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah who brought the house down. Chiesa’s late strike—a clinical finish inside the box—snatched back control after Semenyo’s heroics, and Salah’s stoppage-time goal sealed the victory with his trademark ruthlessness. What stood out most was the balance in Liverpool’s attack: a blend of quality, new arrivals, and established stars combining to produce four goals on opening night. For a club that has endured questions about its direction, this was the statement they wanted to make.

Reijnders Steals the Show at Molineux

Over in the Midlands, Manchester City once again looked like a machine built to crush opposition. The 4–0 win over Wolves was vintage Pep Guardiola: suffocating possession, relentless pressure, and ruthless finishing. But the real talking point wasn’t just Erling Haaland’s brace (more on him in a moment)—it was the Premier League debut of Tijjani Reijnders.

The Dutch midfielder looked as though he’d been wearing sky blue for years. A goal, an assist, and an all-action display in midfield made him the heartbeat of City’s performance. Reijnders threaded passes between the lines, arrived late into the box to score, and dictated tempo with a calm authority that belied his newcomer status. City already had one of the strongest midfields in Europe—if Reijnders keeps this up, they might have just elevated it further.

Haaland, Inevitable Again

It’s almost unfair how easy Erling Haaland makes it look. Two goals on opening day extended his absurd streak of scoring in every Premier League season opener since his arrival. His physical dominance was overwhelming for Wolves’ defenders, but what impressed most was his timing—he continues to be in the right place at the right time, a striker whose instincts are second to none. Already, he looks set to chase down another Golden Boot, and with City firing this early, the rest of the league has been put on notice.

Tottenham’s New Midfield Dynamo

Tottenham’s 3–0 win over Burnley was comprehensive, but it was Mohammed Kudus who stood out as the conductor. Deployed in an advanced midfield role, Kudus constantly broke Burnley’s lines with dribbles and passes, and it was his clever assist that unlocked the Clarets for the opener. Strong, agile, and imaginative, Kudus gave Spurs exactly what they’ve lacked in recent years: a midfielder who can both create and dominate physically.

Richarlison Rediscovers His Bite

If Kudus orchestrated Spurs’ play, Richarlison finished it off. A brace—including a thunderous volley that showcased both technique and confidence—was a reminder of the Brazilian’s undeniable talent when he’s fit and firing. His sharpness in front of goal eased any concerns about Tottenham’s striker options after Harry Kane’s long-standing shadow. On this evidence, Spurs have a forward capable of leading the line and scoring in bunches.

Sunderland’s Fairytale Return

Few results this weekend carried the emotional weight of Sunderland’s return to the Premier League. A 3–0 win over West Ham at the Stadium of Light was the stuff dreams are made of, and at the heart of it was Daniel Ballard. The Northern Irish defender not only marshalled the backline with authority but also got on the scoresheet, capping a near-perfect performance.

For a side many predicted would struggle to adjust to life back in the top flight, this was a statement. Sunderland played with energy, pressed with intensity, and looked anything but intimidated. Ballard, as both leader and goal-scorer, embodied their resurgence.

Unsung Hero Between the Posts

If Arsenal walked out of Old Trafford with three points, they owe as much to their goalkeeper as to Riccardo Calafiori’s match-winning header. David Raya was immense in the pressure moments, producing seven saves, two of which were outstanding and turned a tight contest into an away triumph.

The first came when Matheus Cunha broke clear in the second half—Raya narrowed the angle quickly, spreading himself to block what looked a certain equaliser. The second was pure concentration: a late scramble in stoppage time where he tipped a looping header over the bar with fingertips. Beyond the saves, Raya’s distribution underlined why Mikel Arteta backed him—laser-like passes into midfield that helped Arsenal escape United’s high press and reset their shape.

It wasn’t a performance of constant action, but rather one defined by calm authority. In a stadium that thrives on unsettling visiting keepers, Raya never looked rattled. That steadiness, combined with two defining stops, was the foundation on which Arsenal built their opening-day statement.

The Road Ahead

The Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint, but opening weekend always offers clues. Manchester City look terrifyingly sharp. Liverpool’s attack appears reloaded and ready. Tottenham’s balance between Kudus and Richarlison could be transformative. Sunderland have shown they won’t simply be passengers in this league.

And there’s still one more story to be written: Leeds hosts Everton tonight to wrap up Matchday 1. With both clubs eager to avoid an early relegation battle, it promises to be an intense finale to an already dramatic opening round.