Premier League Returns: Relive the Edge-of-Your-Seats Thrillers of the Opener

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-08-15 14:20:22 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-15 23:48:38

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The Premier League is back! As Liverpool prepares to host Bournemouth on August 16, let's revisit the seven most thrilling opening weekend matches in history. From upsets to last-second winners, these games had it all. Get ready for a thrilling 2022/23 season!

1. Manchester United's 5-1 Thrashing of Leeds in 2021: After a disappointing 14th-place finish the previous season, Manchester United opened the 2021 campaign in style with a 5-1 win over Leeds United. The match showcased the Red Devils' attack at its terrifying best, with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba scoring stunning goals. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men would go on to finish second behind champions Manchester City.

2. Liverpool's 4-3 Win Over West Ham in 2020: The 2019/20 season opened with a thriller as Liverpool edged West Ham 4-3. The visitors took a 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour, only for the Reds to mount a spectacular comeback. A Diogo Jota tap-in, Mohamed Salah's penalty, and a Trent Alexander-Arnold rocket turned the game around. A last-minute penalty from Salah sealed the victory.

3. Tottenham's Comeback Against Manchester City in 2017: Few openers have matched the intensity of Tottenham's comeback against defending champions Manchester City in 2017. City took a 2-0 lead within the first half-hour through Sergio Aguero, only for Tottenham to level through Heung-min Son and Dele Alli. Victor Wanyama's wonder goal put Spurs ahead, only for ageless striker Vincent Kompany to level before the hour. It ended 3-2 to Tottenham, spelling the beginning of City's eventual title collapse.

4. Arsenal's Last-Second Win Over Leicester in 2016: The 2015/16 season kicked off with an absolute thriller at the Emirates. Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott put Arsenal 2-0 up, only for Jamie Vardy to level before the half. An own goal from Leicester's Robert Huth put Arsenal back in front, but Danny Simpson's own goal leveler forced penalties. Giroud's winning penalty gave Arsene Wenger's men the points.

5. Everton's Fightback Against Chelsea in 2014: Everton defeated Chelsea 3-2 in a thriller at Goodison Park in 2014. Chelsea took a 2-0 lead within the first half-hour, only for Steven Naismith to score either side of the half-time whistle. Chelsea thought they had won it through a John Terry goal, only for Naismith to score a dramatic winner past a hapless Petr Cech.

6. Manchester City's Thriller Against Southampton in 2013: The 2013 opener gave a glimpse of the thrilling title race to come, as Manchester City outlasted Southampton 3-2. Southampton took a 2-1 lead through Jos Hooiveld and Jay Rodriguez, while City's goal came from James Milner. Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri turned the game around, with City going on to win the title that year.

7. Aston Villa's Surprise Win Over Arsenal in 2011: The 2011 season opened with a bang as Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Arsenal at Villa Park. Arsenal took the lead through an Andre Arshavin penalty, but Aston Villa turned the game around through Stiliyan Petrov and Darren Bent.

These games are a testament to the thrilling football the Premier League showcases from the very first game of the season. From surprise results to last-gasp winners, the Premier League never fails to deliver. August 16 can't come soon enough!

Stay tuned for more thrilling matches as the new season promises excitement, surprises, and entertainment for football fans worldwide.

Go!