The Premier League’s top three from last season flexed their muscles as the new season kicked off, racking up big wins.
Runners-up Liverpool lifted the curtain on the league on Friday night with a 4-1 pak of newbies Norwich, before reigning champions Manchester City steamrolled West Ham 5-0 on Saturday afternoon and Tottenham came from behind to beat promoted Aston Villa 3-1.
Liverpool 4, Norwich 1
The Reds, looking to go one better than their second place last time out, were gifted the season’s opening goal when Grant Hanley steered the ball into his own net after seven minutes.
But then Golden Boot winner Mo Salah opened his account with his trademark quick feet and finish.
OFF WITH A BANG: Liverpool celebrates with Mo Salah, centre. Photo: Phil Noble/Reuters.
The floodgates opened as unmarked Virgil van Dijk scored from a set piece and Divock Origi made it 4-0 before the break. Teemu Pukki pulled one back for the Canaries after injured goalkeeper Alisson was replaced by Adrian in the first half.
West Ham 0, Man City 5
Not to be outdone, City gave a five-star away performance at London Stadium after Gabriel Jesus gave them a 1-0 lead heading into the second half.
City moved through the gears, as Raheem Sterling scored a second-half hattrick after he, Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez clicked.
Sterling was clinical in front of goal, beating the keeper cooly to make it 3-1.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUMCI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHUMCI #mancity pic.twitter.com/4nZK4eGK7x
— Manchester City (@ManCity)
The England winger was also denied an assist when he adjudged offside by a VAR check after setting up Jesus.
Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score from the spot as Sterling was denied his treble in the 86th minute, but he grabbed his third from open play after more good work from Mahrez.
Tottenham 3, Aston Villa 1
While City cruised, Spurs were made to work for their three points at home against the Villans.
Villa stunned the hosts after nine minutes when Scottish winger John McGinn sprung the offside trap before tricking his into space to fire past Hugo Lloris.
BRACE ACE: Harry Kane. Photo: Matthew Childs/Reuters.
Spurs dominated, but could not break through until, with 15 minutes left, new signing Tanguy Ndombele equalised with a thumping drive from outside the area.
Skipper Harry Kane then reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area to turn the game on its head with two minutes to play, before making sure of the points with a neat finish from the edge of the area.