It might not feel like a long time ago with the Euros and the Olympics to keep us occupied but the Premier League returned after three long months today with champions Leicester opening the season against newcomers Hull City. But it’s one game and we roll on to the next one. The ball bounced to both Abel Hernandez and Adama Diomande, who reacted in sync with overhead kicks, sending the shot past Schmeichel and into goal.
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It was a particularly frustrating afternoon for England striker Jamie Vardy, whose 24 Premier League goals propelled Leicester to the title last season but who missed a string of first-half chances on Saturday.
“A lot of the time it was fingers crossed to make sure that we had enough players to get out onto this field today”, Phelan said.
Elsewhere, Tottenham had to come from behind to draw 1-1 at Everton.
Guardiola’s debut began in ideal fashion when Raheem Sterling won a fourth-minute penalty after a foul by Patrick van Aanholt.
If it wasn’t for an own goal by Sunderland debutante Paddy McNair, Guardiola’s start might not have been as compelling as it seemed.
The Toffees held their lead for the rest of the first half, but Spurs finally found their breakthrough 15 minutes into the second period via Erik Lamela. It was a clever play on them winning despite 5,000-to-1 odds, but what he’s trying to say is that it will be more hard this time around. After 10 successful penalties last season, the smart money was on the Player of the Year to deliver the telling strike and Mahrez did not disappoint as he drew the champions level.
“I don’t think we should downgrade Leicester”, said Phelan. “I choose the first XI. We had a list, those players have gone but players may want to come to this club now – results, performances and attitudes change things”.
But Leroy Fer broke through late on as Tom Heaton saved well from Fernando Llorente’s glancing header but it fell right into the path of the Dutch midfielder who slotted home.
Etienne Capoue put Watford ahead from Troy Deeney’s knock-down in the ninth minute, but Nathan Redmond volleyed home a 58th-minute leveller after a weak punch by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Promoted Middlesbrough were denied victory in their first top-flight game since 2009 as a 67th-minute free-kick by Xherdan Shaqiri earned Stoke City a 1-1 draw.
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Leroy Fer scored a late victor as Swansea beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor and a header from West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon gave the visitors a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.
