Premier League Weekend: Gyokeres Fires For Arsenal, Spurs Stun City, Everton’s New Dawn

The second weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season was packed with storylines: a dream debut for Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyokeres, another reminder of Manchester City’s fragility, and Everton celebrating a new era in front of 52 000 fans. Here’s the full wrap.

Gyokeres Off The Mark As Arsenal Destroy Leeds

Arsenal fans had plenty to cheer at the Emirates as Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two goals for the club in a 5-0 demolition of Leeds United. The Swedish striker announced himself with a stunning solo effort and later converted a penalty won by 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman, who impressed with his fearlessness.

Jurrien Timber was outstanding, scoring twice from set pieces and assisting Bukayo Saka’s goal. Yet, the celebrations were tempered by injury scares for captain Martin Odegaard and Saka.

Social media buzzed with excitement over Dowman’s debut, with Arsenal fans hailing him as “the next big thing.” But many were just as anxious about the team’s growing injury list as they push for another title challenge.

Burnley Grind Out Crucial Win

At Turf Moor, Burnley showed resilience in a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Sunderland. Josh Cullen broke the deadlock before setting up Jaidon Anthony to seal the points.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing as Sunderland created good chances early on, and a brief floodlight outage interrupted play. But Burnley’s clinical finishing under Scott Parker secured his first Premier League win in nearly three years. For the Clarets, every point counts in their fight to avoid another relegation scrap.

Bournemouth Edge Wolves

Bournemouth finally have liftoff this season after a 1-0 win over Wolves at the Vitality Stadium. Marcus Tavernier’s deflected strike in the fourth minute proved decisive, while Wolves’ lack of finishing let them down.

A red card to Wolves captain Toti Gomes in the second half tilted the game further in Bournemouth’s favour, but they couldn’t add to their lead. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made several key saves to ensure the Cherries collected their first three points.

Brentford’s Fresh Start Under Andrews

Brentford began the Keith Andrews era with a narrow 1-0 win over Aston Villa. Debutant Dango Ouattara grabbed the only goal, reacting quickest to a rebound.

Jordan Henderson, back in the Premier League for the first time since 2023, anchored the midfield with trademark leadership. Meanwhile, Caoimhín Kelleher’s saves in goal ensured Villa left frustrated.

Brentford supporters praised Andrews’ organised approach online, with some calling it “the perfect reset after a shaky pre-season.”

Manchester United Held Again

Manchester United’s wait for a first win of the season goes on after a 1-1 draw at Fulham. A Rodrigo Muniz own-goal gave United the lead, but Emile Smith Rowe equalised almost instantly after coming off the bench.

Bruno Fernandes had earlier missed a penalty, skying his effort into the stands a moment that fans on X (formerly Twitter) labelled “vintage Bruno drama.”

New manager Ruben Amorim has improved United’s energy, but the inability to convert chances is already becoming a theme. Fulham, meanwhile, impressed with their late dominance and deserved their point.

Everton Open New Stadium With Victory

It was a day of history and hope for Everton as nearly 52 000 fans packed into the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees beat Brighton 2-0 thanks to goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner, both set up by marquee signing Jack Grealish.

Brighton squandered multiple chances, including a missed penalty from Danny Welbeck, but Everton were clinical on their big day. Supporters hailed it as “a fresh chapter after years of struggle,” celebrating the symbolism of Ndiaye scoring at both Goodison’s farewell and the new ground’s debut.

Palace And Forest Share The Spoils

Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest in a game overshadowed by off-field tensions. Palace supporters are still furious that their Europa League place was stripped due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, allowing Forest to benefit instead.

On the pitch, Ismaila Sarr’s goal was cancelled out by Callum Hudson-Odoi. Forest’s future under Nuno Espirito Santo remains uncertain, with rumours swirling about his fractured relationship with the club’s ownership.

Tottenham Shock Manchester City

At the Etihad, Tottenham exposed Manchester City’s old problems with a 2-0 win that lifted Spurs to the top of the table. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha scored just before halftime, punishing City’s defensive errors and goalkeeper James Trafford’s mistakes.

Pep Guardiola’s side, still haunted by their defensive fragility, looked unsettled. Reports suggest Ederson could be sold to Galatasaray, which may pave the way for PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. Fans, however, were more concerned with their team’s shaky backline.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank, who only recently guided them to a Europa League win, has started life in North London brilliantly. After two clean-sheet victories, supporters are already daring to whisper about a title push.

Looking Ahead to Match Day 3

This weekend captured everything fans love about the Premier League: debut goals, late drama, and clubs rewriting their futures. Arsenal dazzled but fretted over injuries, Spurs raised questions about City’s title credentials, and Everton embraced a new dawn. With storylines everywhere, the season is already shaping up to be unforgettable.

Source:SABC Sport 

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