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LONDON: Mohamed Salah’s hattrick saved Liverpool from a stumbling block on opening day when the defending Premier League champions beat Leeds 4-3 on Saturday, while Arsenal got off to a much more comfortable start against a newly promoted rival with a 3-0 win at Fulham.
Just 48 days after last season’s delayed completion, the Premier League made a strong comeback as Liverpool and Leeds, on their return to the top flight after a 16-year absence, delivered a goal feast to open the 2020 campaign- twenty-one.
Jurgen Klopp’s side claimed their first league title in 30 years last season, but Liverpool looked more like the open side of the German’s early days in charge at Anfield, with Leeds coming from behind three times.
Salah earned a penalty in the fourth minute when his shot hit Leeds rookie Robin Koch on his outstretched arm and he sent the penalty himself.
Leeds created a surprising draw in the 12th minute when Manchester City midfielder Jack Harrison loaned out Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez before drilling a superb low shot into the bottom corner.
Virgil van Dijk restored Liverpool’s lead eight minutes later with a header from the corner by Andy Robertson.
Leeds tied again in the 30th minute when Van Dijk made a small attempt to clear and Patrick Bamford pounced to guide his shot past Alisson Becker.
One notable game produced more drama as Salah struck again three minutes later with a thunder towards the roof of the net.
Leeds tied for the third time when Mateusz Klich made a timely run to receive the pass from Helder Costa with a serene finish in the 66th minute.
But Liverpool won it in the 88th minute when Leeds record signing Rodrigo dropped Fabinho and Salah scored the penalty, leaving Klopp to sum up both teams’ feelings when he uttered “wow” at the final whistle.
“The Leeds are special. I said it before the game and in the game, everyone saw it obviously, ”Klopp said admiringly about Bielsa’s men.
“The way they play, the way they defend, the way they deal with challenges was really good, and by the way, for 95 minutes!
“I am completely fine with the game. Offensively, it was good; and defensively, we can improve and we will improve ”.
Confident Arsenal
At Craven Cottage, Arsenal immediately started with the kind of confident display that has become their hallmark since Mikel Arteta took over.
Willian made his debut for the Gunners with three assists for Alexandre Lacazette, teammate Gabriel Magalhaes and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
After winning the FA Cup in his debut campaign, Arteta’s next task is to bring Arsenal back to the Champions League next season and the Spaniard promised more good news with captain Aubameyang ever closer to agreeing to a new contract.
“I am really confident that we will achieve it very soon and I hope that in the next few days you will receive some news,” Arteta told BT Sport.
Two of Newcastle’s new signings ensured they were off to a good start after a disturbing few months off the field with a 2-0 win at West Ham.
Even though a Saudi-backed club takeover proposal has not gone through, the Magpies appear to have recruited well in the transfer market.
English international Callum Wilson scored his first goal for the club early in the second half before Jeff Hendrick also marked his debut with an impressive blow to secure three points for Steve Bruce’s men.
Wilfried Zaha’s goal was enough for Crystal Palace to beat Southampton 1-0 at Selhurst Park.
