English Premier League: Five things we learned from the opening weekend

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Sergio Aguero and Riyad Mahrez during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Sergio Aguero and Riyad Mahrez during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: N’golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Chelsea FC at John Smith’s Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: N’golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Chelsea FC at John Smith’s Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

The English Premier League made its long awaited return this weekend and we were treated to some great action and some fantastic football on matchweek one.

Last season’s top five all enjoyed victories in their opening fixtures. Defending champions Manchester City started their campaign with a comfortable win against Arsenal. It was a sublime display by City, who showed that they are ready to defend their title this season. Chelsea and Liverpool both enjoyed comprehensive wins against the hapless Huddersfield and West Ham respectively.

Manchester United and Tottenham both endured tough preseasons and failed to sign their transfer targets by deadline day. However, they both showed their steel and started off their campaigns with 2-1 wins against Leicester City and Newcastle United respectively.

It wasn’t a good weekend for the three promoted teams who were given a reality check this weekend. Both Fulham and Cardiff City tasted defeats to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively. While Wolverhampton Wanderers were held to a 2-2 draw by ten-man Everton. Elsewhere, Watford defeated Brighton, while Southampton and Burnley played out the only goalless draw of matchweek one.

We were treated to plenty of goals, drama and even some controversy. So, let us take a look at five things we learned from the opening weekend of the 2018/19 English Premier League season.