Premier League Picks Of The Week 1

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 1

The first week of the Premier League 2018-19 season saw:

25 goals - most by Liverpool = 4

244 shots - most by Watford = 19

87 on target - most by Palace = 10

95 corners - most by Man City = 9

207 fouls - most by Brighton = 16

28 bookings - most by MUN, NEW, TOT, CPL, HUD, WAT, BHA, WHU, ARS, MCI = 2 each

1 red card - Jagielka for Everton

3 penalties - 2 scored (Pogba for United, Jorginho for Chelsea)

What a game! Everton’s summer signing Richarlison scored twice (17' & 67') on his debut in an entertaining draw at PL newbies Wolves. But it was only enough for a point, Rúben Neves stealing the show with a stunning free kick (44') from the foul that saw Phil Jagielka sent off (40') and Raúl Jiménez's header from the Portuguese midfielder’s cross (80') grabbing a point for Nuno Espírito Santo’s fighting side. Since the start of last season, Neves has scored more goals from outside the box than any other player in the top four tiers of English league football (seven).

There was a goalless game at the weekend (believe it or not) between Southampton and Burnley thanks to both keepers’ top performances. Hats off to Alex McCarthy with crucial stops for the Saints and former England stopper Joe Hart after his impressive debut for Sean Dyche’s side. Southampton don’t like Sundays, having never won an opening PL fixture when playing on a Sunday, drawing three and losing three of their six matches.

What a team! Liverpool recorded their biggest opening home league win since 1932 thrashing West Ham 4-0 at Anfield on Sunday, click here for my full match report. Their Egyptian king Mohamed Salah opened the scoring and their Senegalese star Sadio Mané's brace made him the first LFC player to score in three consecutive opening top-flight fixtures since John Barnes between 1989-92. New signing Nabi Keita impressed with a driving performance, contributing to the first goal. Substitute Daniel Sturridge added to the party scoring with his first touch, 24 seconds after coming on, making it 4-0 and sealing Liverpool’s 500th Premier League win. New Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini saw his side being well beaten and not giving the new Red club-record keeper Alisson Becker much to do. And it could have been more, leaving Jürgen Klopp all smiles and full of compliments, but also warning his side there are certainly bigger and harder challenges ahead..

What a man! United skipper Paul Pogba stole all the headlines after he helped his side beat Leicester 2-1 in their season opener at Old Trafford on Friday night - but, rift or no rift, will he stay or will he go? (Just google the name and you'll see what I mean...) The World Cup winner was a surprise starter just four days after his return to training. The Frenchman’s goal from the spot beating Kasper Schmeichel inside three minutes was the Red Devil’s fastest goal scored in a Premier League season opener - the previous fastest was Dwight Yorke after seven minutes against Everton in 1999-2000. Boss José Mourinho is unbeaten in all 18 of his opening league matches (W11 D7), winning nine of his 10 in the Premier League (D1). The Portuguese’s misery, moans and riddled messages throughout the pre-season didn’t halt his side, but didn’t impress anyone either. Only time will tell how much longer they will stick together and bring results. I know what my money is on...

What a goal! Tottenham were helped by goalline technology in their win at Newcastle. Man of the match Jan Vertonghen’s header after eight minutes was confirmed to have crossed the line, just. 149 seconds later an unmarked Joselu headed in Matt Ritchie’s top quality cross. But Dele Alli put the London side back in the lead with a textbook header of his own in the 18th minute. Three goals in seven minutes, that was all, despite plenty of fight back by Rafael Benítez’s men after the break, hitting the woodwork a couple of times, Spurs ended up on top and bagging all three points. No signings? No problem.

Roberto Pereyra’s lovely brace, a sweet volley and an unstoppable curl, helped Watford to a comfortable 2-0 win against Brighton, Chris Hughton left wondering what happened with his side, recording not even a single shot on target.

What the hell?! After all the big cries for change, it was same old for Arsenal after losing their season opener 0-2 against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday. The Gunners were playing their first match without Arsène Wenger since 1996, but failed to impress or make much impact against the Citizens. Raheem Sterling netted his 50th PL goal and Bernardo Silva doubled the lead and sealed the win for the champions. New boss Unai Emery was not happy, having failed to beat Pep Guardiola in their first 10 meetings in La Liga and Europe, and unable to end that run here becoming the first of Arsenal’s last six bosses to lose their first league game in charge. The London side have been making more news off the pitch with Stan Kroenke looking to take full control of the club, leaving the fans worried, very worried about lack of control and balance at the club... Hm... After moaning for years about the lack of change and investment?! Early days, but it shows once again, be careful what you wish for!

My Predictions - Actual Results

Man United 1:1 Leicester - 2:1

Newcastle 2:2 Tottenham - 1:2

Bournemouth 2:1 Cardiff - 2:0

Fulham 2:2 Crystal Palace - 0:2

Huddersfield 1:2 Chelsea - 0:3

Watford 1:1 Brighton - 2:0

Wolves 1:0 Everton - 2:2

Liverpool 3:1 West Ham - 4:0 or click here for my full match report

Southampton 2:1 Burnley - 0:0

Arsenal 1:1 Man City - 0:2

Click here for my previous Premier League Picks.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, Sky Sports coverage and Twitter.