Nottingham Forest and Arsenal were winners on Sunday as Chelsea were held at the Bridge by Crystal Palace in an exciting 2025-26 EPL match day one fixtures.
Fresh from the club world cup where they returned as Champions, Chelsea were expected to start on a winning note but their performance left much to be desired as they struggled against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea heaved a sigh of relief after Eberechi Eze’s goal was cancelled. Eze thought he had given Palace the lead but the VAR spotted a foul in the buildup to his freekick which created the chance for a direct shot on goal. Cole Palmer did not do enough too as Palace left the bridge with a point.
Nottingham Forest had a dream start to the league with a 3-1 spanking of Brentford. Forest raced to a 3-0 lead through a brace from Chris Wood and one from Ndoye but Thiago scored from the spot to reduce the deficit for the visitors.
The biggest game of the day between Manchester United and Arsenal lived up to its expectations. With Gyokeres and Cunha making their Premier League debuts for their new sides, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter.
Caliafori gave the Gunners the lead from a cornerkick in the 13th minute, silencing the expectant crowd at Old Trafford. The Red Devils mounted series of attacks in a bid to come back to the game but their efforts were thwarted by a strong Arsenal defense and David Raya who had six saves.
Mbeumo and Sesko made their Premier League debuts for Manchester United but could not score, same as Gyokeres who had no shot on target in a rude welcome to the English Premier League. Manchester United had the most passes, shots on target and possession but all that counted for nothing as Mikel Arteta’s boys ran away with a precious win.