To mark the start of the new English Premier League season, we’ve taken a look at some of the greatest opening day clashes.
After a summer of no major international tournaments in the men’s game, the EPL this weekend has got fans excited globally ahead of what beckons to be a highly contested season.
Arsenal 2-4 Norwich, 1992
The Gunners were crowned champions in 1991 and Norwich had stayed in the top flight by the skin of their teeth, but this game certainly went against the narrative.
Arsenal were two goals up at half-time and looked comfortable, but against all odds Norwich came back to win the game 4-2, shocking the Gunners faithful.
The Canaries went on to challenge for the title that season and Arsenal had a disappointing campaign when they finished in 10th place so the opening fixture really set the tone for the rest of the season.
Aston Villa 4-2 Manchester City, 2008
This was the first season after Manchester City were purchased by Abu-Dhabi, but they got off to the worst start possible when they lost on the opening day 4-2 against Aston Villa.
The game did not have much action in the first half, but the second provided six goals with Gabby Agbonlahor scoring a memorable treble and John Carew getting the other.
This start was not a sign of things to come for City, as they have had great success since the takeover but the fixture will be remembered for the dramatic and action packed second half.
Chelsea 2-3 Burnley, 2017
Chelsea won the Premier League in the season prior, and with Burnley tipped for relegation they were fully expected to get all three points but this was not to be as Burnley ended up winning 3-2.
The game started in the worst way possible for the Blues when Gary Cahill saw red after 14 minutes, and from there on in it was an uphill battle for the reigning champions.
The Clarets went two goals up at half time and an 88th minute goal from David Luiz to make it 3-2 ended up being just a consolation, leaving Antonio Conte frustrated with a poor start to the season.
Arsenal 4-3 Leicester, 2017
The opening day of the 2017/18 season cooked up another classic, as Arsenal fought back from behind to beat Leicester in a thriller.
Arsenal took an early lead but a brace from Jamie Vardy twice gave Leicester the lead at 2-1 and 3-2. However, goals from Aaron Ramsey in the 83rd minute and Olivier Giroud two minutes later, secured the Gunners a famous victory late on.
