Advertisement
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Nathan Collins heads at goal during the Premier League match at Elland Road. Alamy Stock Photo
Wrap

Disappointment for Irish duo on debuts for new Premier League clubs

Nathan Collins and Gavin Bazunu couldn’t prevent their sides from losing, while Mark Travers helped Bournemouth to an opening day win.

THERE WAS disappointment today for Irish internationals Gavin Bazunu and Nathan Collins, as they made their respective debuts for Southampton and Wolves.

Bazunu’s Saints were well beaten 4-1 away to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, while Collins started in Wolves’ 2-1 defeat against Leeds at Elland Road, with Irish youngsters Connor Ronan and Joe Hodge making the bench for the visitors.

It was a better day for Mark Travers, however, as he helped newly promoted Bournemouth beat Aston Villa 2-0.

Elsewhere, Newcastle continues their impressive end to last season with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, who were appearing in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

Tottenham had a dream start to the campaign to raise hopes they could compete for a first league title in 61 years.

Spurs also fell behind to James Ward-Prowse’s strike from the edge of the box after just 12 minutes, but the response from Antonio Conte’s men was emphatic.

The goals to turn the game around before half-time came from unlikely sources as Ryan Sessegnon and Eric Dier headed home.

Mohammed Salisu then passed the ball into his own net for a comical own goal on the hour mark.

Dejan Kulusevski rounded off the scoring with a cool and precise finish into the far corner to take Spurs above Arsenal at the top of the table.

Newcastle may not have delivered the big-name signings many expected in the transfer market, but the Magpies did the business on the pitch to spoil Nottingham Forest’s return to the English top flight.

Forest have even outspent Newcastle in the window on 12 new signings so far, but were given a lesson in the step up in quality to the Premier League at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar’s sensational strike opened the scoring before Callum Wilson’s predatory finish sealed the three points.

Bournemouth were also able to dispel their pre-season gloom after a lack of transfer activity.

Jefferson Lerma got the Cherries off to a great start after just three minutes and Kieffer Moore added a second 10 minutes from time.

Meanwhile, Leeds shrugged off the loss of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha over the summer. Daniel Podence had fired Wolves into an early lead, but Jesse Marsch’s men fought back impressively.

Rodrigo blasted in from a narrow angle to level before Rayan Ait-Nouri’s own goal decided the game 16 minutes from time.

Additional reporting by AFP

Your Voice
Readers Comments
5
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel