(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Premier League 2025/26 Kicks Off: Arsenal Clash with Revamped Man United, Liverpool Begin Title Defence
The new Premier League season begins with a blockbuster opener as Arsenal face a rejuvenated Manchester United at Old Trafford, while reigning champions Liverpool welcome AFC Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday night.
Old Trafford Showdown: Gyökeres vs Sesko
Two of Europe’s most exciting strikers are set to make their Premier League debuts in Sunday’s headline fixture. Arsenal have placed their faith in Viktor Gyökeres, signing the Swedish forward from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth up to £66 million. Gyökeres arrives with an astonishing record — 97 goals in 102 appearances in Portugal.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have rebuilt their attack with Benjamin Sesko, alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, spending over £200 million in total. New boss Ruben Amorim, who endured a nightmare first season that saw United finish 15th and miss out on Europe, will be hoping for an instant impact.
With both clubs desperate for a strong start, the battle between Gyökeres and Sesko could define the early title race.
Liverpool’s Big-Money Revamp
Liverpool have defied expectations by becoming the Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer — an unusual move for a defending champion. Manager Arne Slot has overseen a £260 million overhaul, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
The club has also been linked with Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi. Several stars, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez, have departed. The Reds are also still mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in a car accident last month.
Pre-season has revealed some defensive vulnerabilities, but Slot is confident:
“We’ve lost five to six players who played a lot last season, and brought in four new ones, so adaptation is normal. But we are definitely ready for the league to start.”
Can Villa and Newcastle Upset the Elite Again?
Outside the traditional “big six” of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been the main disruptors in recent seasons.
Villa have kept spending modest, with Evann Guessand their only major signing. Newcastle’s preparations have been overshadowed by uncertainty over star striker Alexander Isak, who has been pushing for a move to Liverpool. Efforts to replace him have so far failed, with targets like Sesko, Mbeumo, and Joao Pedro choosing other destinations.
Still, both sides will aim to challenge for Champions League spots and prove that last season’s success was no fluke.
The 2025/26 Premier League season promises drama, new stars, and fierce battles from the very first whistle.
