Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events
The Premier League is back and we take a look at the first weekend of action.
Date published: 8th Aug 2022
Premier League fans rejoice! The football is back earlier than ever this year because of the World Cup in Qatar which is starting in November. As usual, the opening weekend gave us its fair share of surprises and some incredibly dramatic moments. The first of which was Fulham's game with Liverpool where they managed a respectful 2-2 draw.
The home side completely outmatched the visiting side in the first half with Alexander Mitrovic causing chaos. The Liverpool team looked like they'd only just learnt what a football was with one of their worst-ever performances in the Klopp era. They were lucky to escape with a draw as Darwin Nunez came off the bench to inspire them.
The second shock of the weekend came in the Manchester United vs Brighton game. Old Trafford was in high spirits with new boss Erik Ten Haag expected to take them to a higher level than last season. Yet here the scale of the challenge ahead was evident to all. Brighton had the slicker movement and looked dangerous going forward whereas a United attack without a recognised striker until Ronaldo came on in the second half were relatively toothless.
Brighton should have been three up when new United signing Martinez barreled straight into Welbeck without any attempt to get the ball in the box. Yet again, we are wondering why VAR even exists when it clearly favours the top few teams, it was the dictionary definition of a penalty. United pulled one back in the second half but deserved nothing from the game.
Fantasy football managers would have been happy to see Erling Haaland score twice on his Manchester City debut, he looks like one of those generational talents that are born to score goals. West Ham might as well have just forfeited the match as they put in a cowardly performance where they didn't even try to attack until City made one passing error in the second half.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea all got off to winning starts as they look to close the gap on last season's top two. Spurs looking the best of the bunch as they blew away Southampton 4-1 and didn't even need Kane or Son to score. If the opening weekend of Premier League action got you excited then maybe you'll enjoy these events...
World Cup Birmingham Fan Park England vs Wales
When: Tuesday 29th November
Where: Secret Space BHX in Digbeth, Birmingham
World Cup fever is starting already and you can secure your place at one of the various fan parks across the country now. This event is being held in Birmingham and features Stuart Downing as the host. It'll be his job to introduce the game and offer analysis of all the key moments.
Find tickets for World Cup Birmingham Fan Park England vs Wales - here
England vs USA- Live Screening
When: Friday 25th November
Where: Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden
England are taking on the USA in their World Cup group and you can be right there with your fellow fans to cheer on the national team. This live screening is taking place at Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden in London and there will be plenty of England flags waving and a lot of optimism going into this game.
Find tickets for England vs USA Live Screening - here
When: Saturday 13th August
Where: The TGS Pilot Field, Hastings
Hastings United are playing their first game of the season this weekend and will be wanting to get off to the best start possible. If you're local to the area, why don't you get down and cheer on your local club? This level of football can provide just as much entertainment as the big leagues.
Find tickets for Hastings United vs Aveley - here
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
