Sunday’s Premier League Gameweek 1 action delivered a mix of excitement, controversy, and a statement away win for Arsenal.
At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest kicked off their season in impressive fashion with a 3–1 victory over Brentford. Chris Wood stole the show with two first-half goals, reminding fans of his poacher’s instinct, while debutant Dan Ndoye added a third to seal the points. Brentford’s Igor Thiago grabbed a late consolation, but the Bees were second best as Forest’s new era under Keith Andrews began with a flourish.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Crystal Palace. The game’s decisive moment came when Eberechi Eze’s thunderous free-kick seemed to hand Palace the lead, only for VAR to intervene. Officials ruled that Marc Guéhi had encroached in the wall, sparking heated debate over the technical interpretation of the rule. Palace left with a deserved point, while Chelsea were left searching for answers in attack.
The marquee fixture of the day took place at Old Trafford, where Arsenal edged Manchester United 1–0. Riccardo Calafiori marked his Premier League debut with the winning goal, heading home from a Declan Rice corner. Despite flashes from new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United failed to find a breakthrough. Arsenal, in contrast, looked disciplined and clinical, sending an early signal of intent in their title push.
A thrilling Sunday of Premier League football left Forest dreaming big, Chelsea frustrated, and Arsenal celebrating a priceless win on the road.
