London, Aug 16: The Premier League returned in style with drama and goals across three opening-day fixtures on Saturday, as Tottenham began the Thomas Frank era with an impressive win, Sunderland marked their top-flight comeback with a statement victory, and Fulham snatched a last-gasp draw at Brighton.
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Richarlison stole the spotlight with a brace in Spurs’ 3–0 triumph over newly promoted Burnley.
The Brazilian forward, who endured a difficult previous campaign, opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a sharp finish on the turn, following good work from Mohammed Kudus on his league debut.
The pair combined again for a spectacular second, as Kudus’ cross was met by Richarlison’s scissor kick to double the lead. Brennan Johnson added a third midway through the second half to cap a dominant display, sealing Frank’s first Premier League win as Spurs boss.
Sunderland enjoyed a dream return to the top division after an eight-year absence, defeating West Ham 3–0 at a raucous Stadium of Light.
Eliezer Mayenda broke the deadlock just after the hour mark with a header before Dan Ballard doubled the advantage.
Wilson Isidor then struck in stoppage time to complete a memorable afternoon for Regis le Bris’ side, who had earned promotion through last season’s Championship play-offs.
Elsewhere, Fulham stunned Brighton with a dramatic late equaliser in a 1–1 draw at the Amex Stadium.
Matt O’Riley’s penalty midway through the second half looked to have secured victory for the hosts, but Rodrigo Muniz fired home in the 96th minute to rescue a point for Marco Silva’s team.
The results marked an entertaining opening to the new Premier League season, with Tottenham and Sunderland starting strongly, while Fulham showed resilience to snatch something at the death.
The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be another unpredictable Premier League season. (Agencies)
