Goal feast for fans of big EPL clubs in opening weekend

The return of near-capacity crowds fueled a barrage of goals and a bunch of home wins on the first Saturday of the English Premier League season.

Fans at Old Trafford in Manchester particularly enjoyed themselves.

More than 72,000 spectators — Britain’s biggest soccer crowd since the pandemic — saw Bruno Fernandes’ hat trick and Paul Pogba’s four assists sweep Manchester United to a 5-1 thrashing of fierce rival Leeds, a statement of intent from a team whose last of its record 20 top-flight titles came in 2013.

It was the highest-scoring encounter on a day featuring 25 goals across seven matches, at an average of 3.57 — much higher than a typical season’s average. The presence of fans may also have contributed to there being five home wins, an immediate swing from last season when there were more away wins (40% compared to 38% for home teams).

Chelsea, the European champion and a big title contender like United, flexed its early-season muscles by overwhelming Crystal Palace in a 3-0 win that could have been heavier in front of nearly 39,000 fans.

Liverpool was the other expected title challenger to begin its league campaign and Mohamed Salah set up two goals before scoring himself — the fifth straight season he has netted in the opening round — in a 3-0 win at promoted Norwich.

Aside from Liverpool, the only away winner was Brighton, which came from behind to beat Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor.

The British government lifted social-distancing measures on July 19, paving the way for clubs to allow fans back in force after they were shut down for almost the entirety of last season and the end of the 2019-20 season.

Manchester City, the reigning champion, begins the defense of its title at Tottenham on Sunday.

MLS

Galaxy 1, Minnesota 0: Jonathan Klinsmann tied a career high with seven saves and Kevin Cabral scored for the second consecutive game to lift visiting Los Angeles.

NYCFC 2, Inter Miami 0: Valentin Castellanos had his first multi-goal game since 2019 and New York City got its sixth straight home win.

Revolution 2, Toronto FC 1: Gustavo Bou scored a late penalty kick to keep visiting New England unbeaten over its past seven matches.

Kansas City 2, FC Dallas 0: Alan Pulido scored his third goal in his past three starts to help Sporting Kansas City win at Dallas.

Montreal 2, Red Bulls 1: Victor Wanyama scored on a penalty kick eight minutes into second-half stoppage time to give Montreal a home win.

Rapids 3, Dynamo 1: Michael Barrios and Braian Galvan scored in the second half to help visiting Colorado win.

Real Salt Lake 1, Austin FC 0: Bobby Wood scored in the 32nd minute to lift host Real Salt Lake over expansion Austin FC.

Tess Derry / Associated Press Midfielder Christian Pulisic (left) celebrates his goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 win.