Round-up: Premier League

Defending champions Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on the opening day by Swansea after Thibaut Courtois was sent off in the second half.

Oscar gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half with a free-kick. Debutant Andre Ayew equalised for the Swans but, just a minute later, they went behind again as Willian’s cross looped in off Federico Fernandez.

Just ten minutes into the second half though, Courtois was sent off for bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis inside the area and Gomis picked himself up to slot the penalty past substitute keeper Asmir Begovic to earn the Welsh side a point.

On Sunday, Arsenal failed to take advantage of Chelsea’s slip as they were stunned by West Ham at the Emirates with the visitors condemning them to a 2-0 defeat. Cheikhou Kouyate headed the Hammers in front just before half-time and Mauro Zarate struck from distance in the second half to secure a famous win in Slaven Bilic’s first game.

Monday night’s game saw Manchester City ease to an impressive 3-0 win at West Brom. Two Yaya Toure goals and a rarer second half strike from Vincent Kompany showed Manuel Pellegrini’s men are determined to regain the title they lost last season.

Leicester got off to a perfect start under Claudio Ranieri with a 4-2 win over Sunderland. Jamie Vardy gave the Foxes the lead before Riyad Mahrez struck twice – once from the penalty spot – to put them 3-0 ahead. Jermain Defoe pulled one back for the visitors, but Marc Albrighton ensured there was no hope of a comeback before Steven Fletcher netted another consolation.

Premier League new-boys Bournemouth were denied a dream opening day as they were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium. Villa’s new signing, Rudy Gestede, netted the only goal of the game 20 minutes from the end after coming off the bench.

Crystal Palace beat newly-promoted Norwich 3-1 at Carrow Road. Wilfried Zaha’s volley and a Damian Delaney finish put them 2-0 ahead before Nathan Redmond pulled one back on the hour from long range. However, despite late Canaries pressure, new Palace signing Yohan Cabaye sealed all three points in stoppage-time for Alan Pardew’s men.

Steve McClaren got off to a solid start in his first Newcastle game with a 2-2 draw at home to Southampton. Graziano Pelle headed the visitors in front before two goals either side of half-time from Papiss Cisse and new signing Georginio Wijnaldum put Newcastle in front. Shane Long came off the bench to net a late equaliser for Saints and ensure the spoils were shared.

Manchester United beat Tottenham 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to a Kyle Walker own goal midway through the first half. United had to survive a late onslaught from Spurs with debutant goalkeeper Sergio Romero twice making crucial saves.

Watford managed a 2-2 draw away to Everton in their Premier League return. Miguel Layun smashed the Hornets into a surprise lead in the first half, before a goal rush in the final 15 minutes. Ross Barkley brilliantly equalised for the home side, before Odion Ighalo put the visitors back ahead. However, substitute Arouna Kone would have the final say as he netted to rescue a point for Roberto Martinez’s side.

Liverpool beat Stoke 1-0 at the Britannia to diminish demons from last season’s 6-1 hammering. Philippe Coutinho struck five minutes from the end with an incredible effort from distance to put some sparkle on a drab game.

Player of the Week: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)

Team of the Week: West Ham
Goal of the Week: Ross Barkley (EVERTON vs Watford)