Mohamed Salah hit a hat-trick as Liverpool kicked off their Premier League title defence with an exhilarating 4-Three win in opposition to Leeds, whereas Arsenal turned on the type in a 3-0 victory at Fulham on Saturday. Simply 48 days after final season’s delayed conclusion, the Premier League returned with a bang as Liverpool and Leeds served up a feast of objectives to open the 2020-21 marketing campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s side are English champions for the primary time since 1990 and their bid for a record-equalling 20th title bought off to a memorable begin.
Liverpool did not have all of it their very own manner as Leeds got here from behind 3 times earlier than Egypt ahead Salah completed them off with two minutes left.
Leeds are again within the top-flight for the primary time in 16 years and Marcelo Bielsa’s workforce deserve credit score for placing Liverpool beneath sufficient stress to reveal flaws in a workforce that received the title by 18 factors.
After Liverpool misplaced the Group Defend to Arsenal final month, this was one other warning that the Reds cannot afford to relaxation on their laurels.
Salah received a fourth-minute penalty when his shot hit Leeds debutant Robin Koch on his outstretched arm and he dispatched the spot-kick himself.
Leeds customary a surprising equaliser within the 12th minute when on-loan Manchester Metropolis midfielder Jack Harrison lower previous Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez earlier than drilling an outstanding low end into the underside nook.
Virgil van Dijk restored Liverpool’s lead eight minutes later with a thumping header from Andrew Robertson’s nook.
Leeds equalised once more within the 30th minute when Van Dijk made a hash of a flicked try and clear and Patrick Bamford pounced to information his shot previous Alisson Becker.
A outstanding recreation produced extra drama as Salah struck once more three minutes later with a thunderous drive into the roof of the online.
Leeds equalised for a 3rd time when Mateusz Klich made a well-timed run to fulfill Helder Costa’s go with a composed end within the 66th minute.
However Liverpool received it within the 88th minute when Leeds debutant Rodrigo tripped Fabinho and Salah slotted within the penalty, leaving Klopp to sum up the emotions of each groups when he mouthed “wow” on the last whistle.
Assured Arsenal
At Craven Cottage, Arsenal hit the bottom working with the form of assured show that has turn out to be their hallmark since Mikel Arteta took cost.
Arsenal’s free-flowing assault was too incisive for promoted Fulham and Alexandre Lacazette gave the guests an early lead.
Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes scored Arsenal’s second after the break in his first look since his close-season transfer from Lille.
Aubameyang added the ultimate flourish with a usually eye-catching strike that emphasised why Arsenal are so determined for the Gabon ahead to signal an extension to the contract which expires on the finish of the season.
Gunners boss Arteta had excellent news for followers involved Aubameyang would possibly go away as he revealed their workforce’s talisman is about to just accept the contract supply.
“I am actually optimistic we’re going to get it finished very quickly and hopefully within the subsequent few days you’re going to get some information,” Arteta advised BT Sport.
With former Chelsea winger Willian offering a pair of assists on his debut, it was the best manner for Arsenal to start out a season that seems filled with promise after final season’s FA Cup triumph.
Within the day’s second recreation of the season, Crystal Palace beat Southampton 1-Zero at Selhurst Park.
Palace, who ended final season with seven defeats of their final eight video games, took the lead within the 13th minute when Wilfried Zaha volleyed in from Andros Townsend’s cross.
Promoted
Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters bought a reprieve when he was harshly despatched off for a excessive problem on Tyrick Mitchell within the second half, with referee Jon Moss altering his choice to a yellow card after consulting the pitchside monitor.
West Ham host Newcastle in Saturday’s late recreation.
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