The Premier League returned this week after a considerably shorter summer season break than standard because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This 12 months’s mixture of lockdown, Mission Restart and the August Champions League match made it appear to be soccer’s barely been away, however it was nonetheless good to see the English top-flight again up and working.
Listed here are eight issues talkSPORT.com notably loved.
Dani Ceballos vs Eddie Nketiah
Earlier than a ball was even kicked, Arsenal supplied some leisure.
Ceballos and Nketiah, who each began on the bench for the Gunners’ journey to Fulham, had been caught violently pushing and shoving after a fallout throughout a coaching drill.
Nketiah appeared riled by a powerful problem from Ceballos, who then pushed his teammate away.
The ball then maked its manner again to Nketiah, and the pair squared-up to at least one one other.
Arms start to flail earlier than their fellow substitutes become involved to calm issues down.
Ceballos has since taken to Instagram to insist there isn’t any lasting problem between him and Nketiah.
Kieran Tierney’s ‘new haircut’
Arsenal followers needed to double take after seeing a picture put up by their membership pre-match on Saturday.
Tierney’s positioning in entrance of Willian made it look as if he’d drastically modified his coiffure over the break.
The picture went viral and noticed some artistic replies in response.
Rob Holdinho
The Gunners’ centre-back channelled Ronaldinho for a quick second towards Fulham.
If his shot had led to a aim, Holding would have had help of the season wrapped up on day one.
Holding off the specter of Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara, the centre-back juggled the ball on his knee earlier than taking part in in his teammate, who ended up profitable a nook simply after half-time.
Alexandre Lacazette applauded Holding and couldn’t comprise the smile and burst of laughter that adopted.
Kyle Walker-Peters pink card overturned
Southampton defender Walker-Peters was initially despatched off for a really questionable ‘excessive boot’ on Crystal Palace man Tyrick Mitchell.
The choice was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee however as a part of adjustments produced from final season, issues had been achieved in a different way this time.
As is the case in Europe’s different massive referee, the on-pitch referee reviewed the choice utilizing the screens on the aspect of the pitch.
After cautious deliberation, Jon Moss overturned his unique name and Walker-Peters was reprieved with Moss simply giving him a yellow card.
BT Sport
Mo Salah taking dwelling the brand new match ball
The 2020/21 Premier League ball acquired used for the primary time on Saturday.
Immediately, Salah grew to become the primary participant to take it dwelling with him as he acquired a hat-trick.
Liverpool received 4-Three at dwelling to Leeds ultimately, with the Egyptian firing dwelling a late winner from the penalty spot.
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FIFA-style goalkeeper penalty antics
Previous to Salah’s profitable penalty although, Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier determined to have a little bit of enjoyable.
In an try and distract the Liverpool ahead he jumped up and down, aspect to aspect alongside the body of his aim.
It was just like the antics accessible on FIFA for these attempting to save lots of a spot kick.
Finally Salah had the final giggle as he smashed the ball dwelling and received the match for his aspect.
Getty – Pool
Fox within the Field
Jamie Vardy scored 23 instances final season to win the Golden Boot and his two targets – each penalties – in a 3-Zero win at newly-promoted West Brom took him to 105 top-flight targets, one above former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba within the all-time scoring charts.
The evergreen striker turns 34 in January, however boss Brendan Rodgers believes Vardy stays among the best frontmen round.
“There are a lot of prime strikers at this degree however any group would need somebody like him in there,” Rodgers stated.
“He’s tremendous cool, scientific and has nonetheless acquired tempo and working capability. It’s a fantastic begin for him to attain two targets and excellent for the group.”
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Toffee pleasure
Everton secured a well-deserved three factors towards Tottenham of their opening sport of the 2020/21 marketing campaign on Sunday – their first victory in 16 makes an attempt towards the north London aspect.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s sensible second-half header secured a shock 1-Zero win for the Toffees, who managed proceedings all through as three debutants impressed for Carlo Ancelotti’s males.
James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure all made their first begins for Everton, who look a good guess to complete within the Premier League’s prime six this season.
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