Winning starts for United and Spurs
Two summer signings costing $205 million inspired Manchester United to an easy victory in its opening Premier League match of the season.
Tottenham didn’t spend anything in the transfer market during the off-season but still got off to a winning start yesterday.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice and Nemanja Matic ran the game from central midfield as United beat West Ham 4-0 in an ominous performance at Old Trafford.
United jumped ahead of Chelsea to sign Lukaku for £75 million ($NZ133 million) in July and the Belgium striker has already scored on his competitive debut - a consolation against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup - and now on his Premier League debut.
The nature of his goals against West Ham highlighted the impact Lukaku could have. The first came when he ran onto a through-ball following a quick break and slotted a finish in off the post in the 33rd, and the second was a header from a free kick in the 52nd.
Matic, meanwhile, was authoritative on his league debut for United following his recent departure from Chelsea, which looks increasingly like an ill-judged decision by the champions. He created the first goal by dispossessing West Ham’s Pedro Obiang and sparking the break, and proved to be an impenetrable shield in front of United’s back four.
He could be one of the signings of the summer at £40 million ($NZ71 million).
Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba scored in the final three minutes of normal time to leave United top of the early standings on goal difference.
Earlier, Tottenham beat 10-man Newcastle 2-0 away thanks to goals by Dele Alli and Ben Davies, with last season’s runner-up only pulling clear at St. James’ Park after Newcastle captain Jonjo Shelvey’s card.
Shelvey was sent off for treading on the foot of Alli, an act that was even more foolish as it took place right in front of the referee.
Spurs are the only team in the Premier League not to make a signing this summer but they are still looking likely title contenders, alongside United.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was also happy with an away victory to start the London club’s campaign.
The last time Spurs played at St. James’ Park, they lost 5-1 on the final day of the 2015-16 season. 48th-minute red