Premier League: Liverpool, Arsenal secure opening-day wins

Liverpool and Arsenal started their Premier League campaigns on a positive note, securing 2-0 victories over Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

At Portman Road, Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot witnessed his team struggle to impose themselves in the first half.

Despite Ipswich Town testing Alisson Becker through Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson, Liverpool’s best opportunity came in the 45th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold blazed over the bar from close range.

However, the Reds found their rhythm in the second half, with Luis Díaz threatening twice before Diogo Jota broke the deadlock, side-footing Mohamed Salah’s low pass into the top corner.

Salah then scored himself, poking past Christian Walton after the ball fell his way in the area.

The Egyptian’s goal marked a record ninth opening-day goal in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal continued their pre-season form with a 2-0 win over Wolves.

The visitors had the opening chance, but Matt Doherty’s goalbound effort was well-blocked by Gabriel.

Arsenal started to gain a foothold, with Ben White and Bukayo Saka squandering opportunities before Kai Havertz beat José Sá to Saka’s teasing cross to head home.

The hosts missed chances to double their lead before halftime, but Wolves could have equalized through Jørgen Strand Larsen’s header, which was saved by David Raya.

In the second half, Havertz skewed wide before Thomas Partey curled just wide.

Wolves substitute Matheus Cunha was gifted a golden opportunity, but his shot was too tame to trouble Raya.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard tried to fire up his teammates with a fierce shot before Saka saved the day with an important second for Arsenal, combining with Havertz again and firing into the near post.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal will look to build on these opening-day wins as they aim for a successful Premier League campaign.

In Friday’s game, Manchester United needed a late goal from new signing, Zirkzee to defeat a spirited Fulham side 1:0 at Old Trafford.

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