Arsenal and Brighton kicked off their 2024-2025 Premier League campaigns in style, each securing impressive victories on the opening day, August 17.
Arsenal vs. Wolves
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a solid performance against Wolves, winning 2-0. The Gunners took control early on, with Kai Havertz heading home from a precise Bukayo Saka cross. Saka then doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed strike after a quickly taken free-kick. Despite not being at their peak, Arsenal managed to dominate the game and maintain their lead.
Wolves had a few chances, with debutant Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Substitute Matheus Cunha also missed a key opportunity to equalize, leaving Wolves manager Gary O’Neil with little to contest regarding the final score.
Brighton vs. Everton
Over at Goodison Park, Brighton’s youngest-ever permanent manager, Fabian Hurzeler, celebrated a memorable start with a 3-0 victory against Everton. This match also marked the beginning of Everton’s final season at the historic stadium before their move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Brighton’s goals came from Kaoru Mitoma, who opened the scoring after some excellent work by Yankuba Minteh, followed by strikes from Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra. Everton’s tough day was compounded by Ashley Young’s red card, which left the home side struggling to keep up with the visitors.
Everton initially thought they had taken the lead through Jack Harrison, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Brighton capitalized on their chances and showcased their attacking prowess, dampening Everton’s hopes of a strong start to the season.
Other Results
In other matches played at the same time, Newcastle United edged out Southampton with a 1-0 win, while Nottingham Forest settled for a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in front of their home supporters.
