Three things we learned from Premier League

LONDON: The Premier League returned with a bang as title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool enjoyed goal sprees, while VAR controversies hogged the headlines.

Here, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the opening weekend of the English topfight season: LIVERPOOL were first to throw down a marker in the title race as the European champions crushed Norwich 4-1 in the first game of the season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, chasing a first English title since 1990, scored four times in the first half at Anfield to show their determination to end City’s reign as champions.

But City responded with an even more emphatic victory as West Ham were swept aside 5-0 at the London Stadium.

City finished just one point ahead of Liverpool last season and anyone splitting up their dominance at the top this term will have to produce a campaign for the ages.

Even Spurs striker Harry Kane, whose side beat Aston Villa thanks to his two late goals, conceded the Champions League runners-up have a lot of improving to do if they want to catch City and Liverpool.

“Liverpool set the standard, then City so we know it’s going to be a tough, long season. We have got off to a winning start and there are still lots of things to work on,” Kane said. AFTER causing controversy in the Champions League and other major tournaments, VAR has been introduced to the Premier League this season and the early reviews weren’t acclaimed by all.

The Video Assistant Referee system, previously used in England in the FA and League Cups, is supposed to eradicate any doubt that the right decision was taken over goals, penalties and other key moments.

But in City’s 5-0 win at West Ham and Wolves’ 0-0 draw at Leicester, managers and players raised doubts about VAR’s ability to make the correct call.

City boss Pep Guardiola just wants justice to be served after Gabriel Jesus had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside against Raheem Sterling.

“Only what I wish is that VAR doesn’t make mistakes please. When it’s offside it’s offside, when it’s a penalty it’s a penalty,” Guardiola said.

MANCHESTER United badly needed a fast start to the new campaign to dispel a run of six games without a win to end last season and the pessimism over the arrival of just three new signings in the transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men duly delivered with a 4-0 victory over Chelsea with all three debutants — Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James — making an instant impact.

Maguire, who cost a world record £80 million (RM403 million) to sign from Leicester, added leadership and a physical presence to a defence that conceded 54 Premier League goals last season alongside the energetic Wan-Bissaka.

While the scoreline flattered the Red Devils as Chelsea had more possession, more shots and more shots on target, there is once again plenty of reason for optimism at Old Trafford.