The Premier League season commenced with Everton securing a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, newly-promoted Ipswich Town defeating Sunderland, and Leeds United snatching a late win against Nottingham Forest on opening day.
At Goodison Park, Everton took the lead against Crystal Palace in the 53rd minute through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder struck from inside the penalty area, with his left-footed shot finding the net. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was in attendance to witness the goal and the subsequent strike by Thierno Barry early in the second half, which sealed the win for the home side.
Everton manager David Moyes noted that the victory marked their first opening day win in five years. "Kiernan's goal was very good - but we also needed our goalkeeper," Moyes said, referencing strong saves from Jordan Pickford, including tipping Eddie Nketiah's close-range effort onto the post. Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage lamented his team's inability to convert chances. "Sometimes in football, you don't score when you deserve to score - and you pay the bill," Sage stated.
Ipswich Town made a triumphant return to the Premier League, defeating Sunderland 2-1 thanks to Jack Clarke's dramatic 90th-minute winner. Club record signing Emersonn opened the scoring for Ipswich in the 24th minute after fine work from Julio Enciso, who had won possession inside his own half and driven forward. Sunderland equalized before halftime with a free-kick from Nilson Angulo that curled into the top corner. "We were in control when we made those mistakes. We'll learn from that experience," said Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, referencing the errors that led to Ipswich's goals.
Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The decisive goal came in the dying moments of the match when Anton Stach curled a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area past goalkeeper Matz Sels. Leeds manager Daniel Farke emphasized the importance of set-pieces, stating, "If you want to be successful, if you want to win the title one day, you have to be good at set pieces."
Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged his team's performance was not enough to win, describing it as a "typical first Premier League game." He noted the team is still a process and requires more player acquisitions. "There is no button to press," Glasner said. "It is getting confidence what we are doing. It is a process."
Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford, who joined from Manchester City, made a strong debut, with manager Farke noting his "natural aura of confidence and calmness."