Premier League wrap: Man City, Spurs and Sunderland grab opening-day wins

Wolves 0–4 Manchester City

Manchester City kicked off their campaign with a ruthless 4-0 away win over Wolves, laying down an early title marker.

Erling Haaland struck twice, reminding everyone of his unmatched goal-scoring prowess, while debutants Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net in a dominant performance.

After a disappointing trophyless season, City looked revitalized, with Reijnders particularly impressive. The Dutch midfielder's flair and movement added a new dynamic to Guardiola's midfield, as he dictated tempo and linked play brilliantly at Molineux.

City's opening goal came from a well-constructed move, as Reijnders slipped a pass through to Rico Lewis, who set up Haaland for a tap-in. Moments later, Reijnders got on the scoresheet himself, arrowing a precise finish past Sa.

Haaland's second, assisted by a sweeping team move initiated by Trafford, put the result beyond doubt. The Norwegian was later replaced by Cherki, who took just eight minutes to fire in a curling effort from distance and round off the scoring.

Wolves, lacking attacking threat after Matheus Cunha's departure, offered little in response. Manager Vitor Pereira called for reinforcements after the match, admitting his side needs more solutions to avoid a relegation scrap this season.

Tottenham 3–0 Burnley

Thomas Frank's Premier League debut as Tottenham manager ended in triumph as Richarlison's acrobatic double led Spurs to a confident 3-0 win over newly promoted Burnley.

Brennan Johnson added a third in a game that saw the North Londoners dominate from start to finish.

Richarlison opened the scoring just 10 minutes in, volleying home a Kudus cross to lift the crowd. The Brazilian, starting ahead of Dominic Solanke, showed renewed sharpness after a poor 2024 season and seemed invigorated under Frank's system.

Burnley, defensively solid in the Championship last season, were overwhelmed by Tottenham's movement and precision. Their record-setting defence from last season crumbled as Richarlison's bicycle kick made it 2-0 in style.

Johnson sealed the result with a composed finish after good work from Pape Sarr, capping an excellent afternoon for Frank's team.

Burnley manager Scott Parker will be concerned by his side's lack of cutting edge and defensive lapses. The Premier League demands more than resilience, and Burnley must adapt quickly or risk a swift return to the Championship.

Brighton 1–1 Fulham

Brighton were denied an opening-day win by a last-gasp equaliser from Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, who fired home in the 96th minute to rescue a 1-1 draw at the Amex.

The hosts had led through Matt O'Riley's penalty but failed to kill the game off.

O'Riley scored from the spot early in the second half after Georginio Rutter was brought down by Sander Berge, giving Brighton deserved control of the match. The Seagulls had earlier gone close through Kaoru Mitoma and Lewis Dunk as they dominated possession.

Substitute Muniz, known for his late goals, delivered once again for Fulham, pouncing on a loose ball in the box after a corner in the 96th minute to snatch a draw. It was a cruel blow for Brighton, who had looked in control for much of the game.

Brighton fans will be pleased with the performance despite the result, particularly in midfield where O'Riley and Rutter combined well.

Fulham, meanwhile, looked flat in attack until Muniz's introduction. With only one new signing and limited depth, Marco Silva expressed frustration post-match and will hope for reinforcements before the window closes.

Sunderland 3–0 West Ham

Sunderland announced their Premier League return in stunning fashion with a 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

Goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard, and Wilson Isidor sent the home fans into dreamland.

It was a historic day for Sunderland, back in the top flight after eight years, and their performance matched the occasion. After a nervy first half, they dominated the second with energy and determination to pull away from the Hammers.

Mayenda broke the deadlock just after the hour, glancing a header into the far corner from Omar Alderete's cross. The young striker, a hero in the play-offs, sparked a raucous celebration in the stands.

Ballard doubled the lead soon after, heading home from a corner to punish West Ham's poor marking. The centre-back, another promotion hero, capped a commanding display in defence with a goal to remember.

Wilson Isidor added a third in stoppage time, calmly slotting past Hermansen to round off a memorable afternoon for Regis Le Bris and his side. The victory marked a statement of intent from a team many had tipped to struggle.

West Ham had a few early chances, but lacked cutting edge and defensive organisation. Jarrod Bowen and El Hadji Malick Diouf were lively, but couldn't make the breakthrough. David Moyes has work to do to avoid a difficult campaign.