The opening matchday of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign saw the three newly-promoted sides put up a valiant effort against their favoured counterparts but ultimately failed to get all three points.
Ipswich Town gave Liverpool a scare when they held them scoreless in the first half but faltered in the end en route to a 2-0 loss. Southampton gave Newcastle United a huge run for their money in the 1-0 defeat. And it was only Leicester City who came away with a valuable point in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham.
While Ipswich Town, Southampton, and Leicester City didn’t get the Premier League 2024 results they wanted, at least they’ve shown everyone they can hang with the big boys – even in spurts.
Without further ado, SBOTOP is here to review the performances of these three teams last time out.
Vardy is back like he never left for Leicester City
Admittedly all eyes were on Dominic Solanke in the build-up to the Leicester City-Tottenham matchup, but the night belonged to Jamie Vardy, as the evergreen striker shone the brightest in the King Power Stadium.
After Pedro Porro struck first to give the Spurs a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute, Jamie Vardy scored the equaliser on the Foxes’ first shot on target just before the hour mark via a header from close range.
Vardy almost struck twice for Leicester City, but his second effort was saved by Tottenham’s defence. Still, Vardy was a sight to behold after barely featuring in pre-season due to injuries.
With that goal, Jamie Vardy is level with Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and Alan Shearer for having the second-most Premier League goals in matchday 1 with eight. Jamie Vardy is aging like fine wine as he now has scored his 104th Premier League goal after turning 30 – all of them for the Foxes.
Leicester City will need more goals from the 37-year-old if they are going to maintain their top-flight status beyond this season, and Vardy looks capable of breaching the double-digit goals mark yet again.
As for Dominic Solanke and the rest of Tottenham, they were left ruing for their lost opportunities since they had more shots and possession compared to their hosts.
Southampton deal big blow to Newcastle United despite loss
Newcastle United came away with their first win of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign by securing a 1-0 result over Southampton.
Joelinton scored off of a costly mistake from Alex McCarthy, as the Brazilian midfielder was the recipient of Alexander Isak’s dime after the Swedish striker took advantage of McCarthy’s misplaced pass.
But before that, one could argue that the Saints were the better side and the Premier League 2024 odds were tilting in their way, especially since they finished the match with 78-per cent possession and 19 total shots compared to Newcastle United’s 22-per cent possession and three total shots.
Southampton had the huge advantage when Fabian Schar was red-carded for his headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz during the half-hour mark, reducing Newcastle United to 10 men.
Ben Brereton Diaz and Adam Armstrong had Southampton’s best chances. However, unfortunately, neither of them were able to convert.
With a 1-0 lead, the Magpies were content with “parking the bus,” and that’s just what they did to get all three points at St. James’ Park.
With Schar suspended for three matches, expect Newcastle United to be scrambling for defencive reinforcements in the remaining days of this year’s summer transfer window.
Marc Guehi is linked to a potential transfer to the Magpies, but Crystal Palace should have the leverage in the negotiations since they’ll use Newcastle United’s desperation to their advantage.
Liverpool taught Ipswich Town a lesson
Portman Road was rocking last Saturday, as Ipswich Town brought the fight against Liverpool.
The Tractor Boys showed no fear in their first top-flight match in 22 years, as their stout defence held Liverpool to zero shots on target in the first half.
Ipswich Town almost scored the first goal of the game via a quick counterattack, but Alisson was able to save Omari Hutchinson’s low strike.
Arne Slot must’ve lit a fire under his boys, as Liverpool played with better composure in the second half. He made the big adjustment to replace Jarell Quansah with Ibrahima Konate, as Quansah couldn’t contain Liam Delap in the first 45 minutes.
Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah scored two quick goals during the hour mark, and that was enough to secure the win. With his goal in the 65th minute, Salah stands atop of the all-time scoring list in matchday 1 of the Premier League.
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