Premier League Team of the Week GW1: Haaland, Ekitike, Raya Shine as 2025/26 Season Kicks Off
Rewritten Story: Written by Okafor Joseph August 19,2025
The 2025/26 Premier League season got underway in thrilling fashion over the weekend, with goals, controversies, and standout individual displays across matchday one. Defending champions Liverpool survived an opening-day scare, coming from behind to beat Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield.
Elsewhere, Manchester City laid down an early marker with a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Arsenal edged Manchester United 1-0 in a tense clash at Old Trafford.
Tottenham Hotspur also impressed, dispatching Burnley 3-0, while newly-promoted Sunderland stunned West Ham United 3-0 on their Premier League return. Nottingham Forest added to the weekend drama by beating Brentford 3-1 at home, while Leeds United scraped a narrow 1-0 win over Everton on Monday night after a controversial handball call.
There were stalemates elsewhere, as 10-man Aston Villa held Newcastle United to a goalless draw, Chelsea and Crystal Palace played out a 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, and Fulham rescued a last-minute point in a 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Premier League GW1 Team of the Week
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s hero at Old Trafford, Raya kept a clean sheet with seven saves and two high claims, frustrating Manchester United’s late push for an equaliser.
Centre-back: Daniel Ballard (Sunderland)
The former Arsenal man had a dream return to the Premier League, scoring a powerful header and making a last-ditch clearance to deny West Ham.
Centre-back: Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton)
Despite Brighton’s late setback against Fulham, Van Hecke dominated defensively, winning all his duels and completing 12 of 13 long passes.
Centre-back: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s new signing scored the decisive goal at Old Trafford and won both aerial duels, underlining his composure in a high-pressure fixture.
Right Midfield: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham)
The £55m signing dazzled on debut, registering two assists and creating five chances as Spurs overpowered Burnley.
Central Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders (Man City)
A debut to remember — one goal, one assist, and a pre-assist — as the Dutchman helped City demolish Wolves, joining Sergio Aguero in a rare debut feat.
Central Midfield: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
The midfielder set up Chris Wood with a sublime through-ball, had three shots, and worked tirelessly on and off the ball.
Left Midfield: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Despite defeat at Anfield, Semenyo stood out with two goals, including a blistering 52.4m solo run — one of the longest ever leading to a Premier League goal.
Second Striker: Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
The Frenchman marked his debut with a goal and assist, becoming the first-ever French player to achieve the feat in his Premier League bow.
Second Striker: Richarlison (Tottenham)
The Brazilian lit up the weekend with a sensational overhead kick, followed by a smart link-up play in Spurs’ third goal against Burnley.
Centre-forward: Erling Haaland (Man City)
The Norwegian’s love affair with opening weekends continued with a brace against Wolves. He has now scored in four consecutive Premier League MD1 fixtures.
Summary
The opening gameweek showcased a mix of debut brilliance, defensive grit, and attacking flair. With Haaland, Ekitike, and Kudus hitting top form instantly, and David Raya saving Arsenal at Old Trafford, the stage is already set for another unforgettable Premier League season.
