The new English Premier League (EPL) season is already producing twists and turns.
Matchweek 1 wrapped up on Monday night with Chelsea edging Fulham in a five-goal clash.
The South African looks at what we’ve learned from the first round of the English top flight.
Man United’s woes extend into Premier League
Manchester United lost 0-2 to Hull City on the road, although recent results had already set the tone.
During pre-season, the Red Devils lost to lowly Wrexham and narrowly beat Leeds on penalties.
With the loss in Hull to open their EPL campaign, Man United will need to regain their rhythm quickly.
Michael Carrick was handed the permanent managerial role in May and may already be under pressure to deliver.
Liverpool salvages late draw at Newcastle
Under new boss Andoni Iraola, Liverpool fans were expecting a new direction post-Arne Slot.
Instead, the Premier League website noted that the Reds needed 99 minutes to muster an away draw against Newcastle United.
Dominik Szoboszlai slotted a late penalty in overtime to salvage a crucial point against the Magpies.
Iraola will need to find solutions, with fans already criticising selections and a lack of headline signings.
Premier League newcomers upset the order
The era of “big six” dominance continues to be challenged by newly promoted teams.
Perhaps the best example was Hull City heaping misery on United with a surprising 2-0 home win.
Elsewhere, Sunderland pushed Ipswich Town deep in their narrow 1-2 loss at Portman Road.
Likewise, Leeds United relied on an 88th-minute goal to sink Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
This may be a signal that the top teams will need to avoid taking the “pushover” sides lightly.
Brighton impress to lead the table
Putting four goals past Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion may have already marked themselves as a threat.
Jack Hinshelwood’s brace sealed the result for the Seagulls, with a little over half an hour played.
Could Brighton be chasing a fairytale this season, or is it too early to make that call?
Either way, Fabian Hürzeler and his team are flying high and could be the team to watch.
Title race could already be taking shape
Arsenal began the defence of their league crown with a 3-0 victory over newcomers Coventry City.
According to the Premier League website, the Gunners needed just 23 minutes to race two goals ahead.
The result contrasted with Manchester City having to stage a late comeback against Bournemouth.
Goals by Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol rescued Enzo Maresca’s Sky Blues in their Sunday clash.
Could this be an indication of Arsenal mounting a successful defence of their Premier League crown?
Fulham and Chelsea wrap up Premier League’s first week
The first week of EPL action concluded with a tense West London Derby on Monday night.
New boss Xabi Alonso hit the ground running as Chelsea overcame Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The game began at top speed, with Joao Pedro putting the Blues ahead with less than a minute on the clock.
The Cottagers drew one back midway through the first half, before Chelsea sealed the deal through Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.
A late Gonzalo Garcia score gave Fulham hope, but the home team was unable to convert their chances.
