Newly promoted Ipswich Town celebrated their return to the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, while Everton and Leeds United also began their campaigns with wins.
Ipswich struck first at Portman Road in the 22nd minute after Julio Enciso took advantage of an error from Luke O’Nien before setting up summer signing Emersonn, who finished into an empty net for his first competitive goal for the club.
Sunderland responded in the 39th minute through Nilson Angulo, whose superb free kick struck the underside of the crossbar before finding the top corner.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, former Sunderland player Jack Clarke delivered the winner in the 90th minute, pouncing on a loose pass before curling a low shot into the bottom corner.
Everton Beat Crystal Palace 2-0
At Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton opened their season with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, despite the visitors creating several good opportunities.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played an important role in keeping Palace out, including turning Eddie Nketiah’s curling attempt onto the post, while Jean-Philippe Mateta also struck the woodwork.
Everton went ahead shortly before halftime when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired into the top corner following a pass from Harrison Armstrong.
Thierno Barry doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute, heading home an Iliman Ndiaye cross from close range as Everton secured all three points.
Leeds Snatch Late Victory at Nottingham Forest
Leeds United also made a winning start, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground.
Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock, with Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford denying Igor Jesus and Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels producing an impressive save from Tarik Muharemovic.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute, when Anton Stach’s powerful free kick beat Sels at the near post.
The late strike gave Leeds a valuable away victory and completed a successful opening day for all three winning sides.