The Premier League is known for its high-octane drama, and nothing exemplifies this better than its opening fixtures. Over the years, the first matchday has served up some truly unforgettable moments that have set the tone for the rest of the season. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable Premier League opening fixtures.
Arsenal 2-4 Norwich City (1992/93)
The inaugural Premier League season kicked off with a bang as Norwich City pulled off a stunning comeback against Arsenal. Trailing 2-0 at Highbury, Norwich fought back to win 4-2, delivering an early reminder that anything could happen in this new era of English football.
Arsenal 4-3 Leicester City (2017/18)
In a rollercoaster of a game, Arsenal and Leicester City produced a seven-goal thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. Alexandre Lacazette scored just two minutes into his Premier League debut, but it was Olivier Giroud’s late header that sealed the 4-3 victory for Arsenal, kicking off the season in spectacular fashion.
Chelsea 4-0 Manchester United (2016/17)
Antonio Conte’s first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea was one to remember. His side dismantled Manchester United 4-0 at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Pedro, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, and N’Golo Kanté. This emphatic win laid the foundation for Chelsea’s title-winning campaign.
Liverpool 4-3 Leeds United (2020/21)
Leeds United’s return to the Premier League after 16 years was nothing short of dramatic. A seven-goal thriller at Anfield saw Mohamed Salah score a hat-trick to edge out Marcelo Bielsa’s men. Despite the loss, Leeds’ performance signaled their intent to make a mark in the top flight.
Brentford 2-0 Arsenal (2021/22)
Brentford’s first-ever Premier League game was a dream come true for their fans. Hosting Arsenal at the Brentford Community Stadium, the Bees stunned their more illustrious opponents with a 2-0 victory. It was a historic night for Brentford, who announced their arrival in style.
Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea (2019/20)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Manchester United side made a statement with a dominant 4-0 win over che at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Daniel James were all on the scoresheet as United showed they meant business from the very first game.
Newcastle United 5-0 West Ham (2002/03)
Newcastle United started the 2002/03 season with a bang, demolishing West Ham 5-0 at St James’ Park. Alan Shearer was at his clinical best, and the Magpies put the rest of the league on notice with this commanding performance.
These opening fixtures are a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, where every game can bring surprises, shocks, and unforgettable moments. As we gear up for another season, fans will be hoping their teams can start with a bang, just like these memorable matches.
