Mohamed Salah hit a hat-trick as Liverpool kicked off their Premier League title defence with an exhilarating Four-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 targets 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 received off to a memorable begin.
Liverpool did not have all of it their very own manner as Leeds got here from behind thrice 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 staff deserve credit score for placing Liverpool beneath sufficient strain to reveal flaws in a staff that gained the title by 18 factors.
After Liverpool misplaced the Group Protect to Arsenal final month, this was one other warning that the Reds cannot afford to relaxation on their laurels.
Salah gained a fourth-minute penalty when his shot hit Leeds debutant Robin Koch on his outstretched arm and he dispatched the spot-kick himself.
Leeds long-established a shocking equaliser within the 12th minute when on-loan Manchester Metropolis midfielder Jack Harrison reduce previous Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez earlier than drilling an excellent 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 to clear and Patrick Bamford pounced to information his shot previous Alisson Becker.
A outstanding sport 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 gained 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 remaining whistle.
Assured Arsenal
At Craven Cottage, Arsenal hit the bottom operating with the sort of assured show that has grow 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 sometimes 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 depart as he revealed their staff’s talisman is ready to simply accept the contract provide.
“I am actually constructive we’re going to get it performed very quickly and hopefully within the subsequent few days you’re going to get some information,” Arteta informed BT Sport.
With former Chelsea winger Willian offering a pair of assists on his debut, it was the best manner for Arsenal to begin a season that seems filled with promise after final season’s FA Cup triumph.
Within the day’s second sport 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 received 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 resolution to a yellow card after consulting the pitchside monitor.
West Ham host Newcastle in Saturday’s late sport.
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