Top 10 best opening day matches in Premier League history ft. Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool

There have been some exciting opening day matches in Premier League history.

Before the kick-off in 2026/27, we’ve assembled some of the finest Matchweek 1 games in Premier League history.

Over the years, the first weekend of the season has produced some great moments. It has some of the famous goals, thrilling comebacks, and last-gasp victories in abundance.

With Arsenal playing Coventry City in a thrilling encounter tonight, we take a look at 10 of the finest opening weekend games ever.

Top 10 opening day matches in Premier League history

S.No.	Match & Score	Season
10	Manchester United 5-1 Leeds United	2021/22
9	Liverpool 4-3 Leeds United	2020/21
8	Arsenal 4-3 Leicester City	2017/18
7	Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool	2016/17
6	Chelsea 6-0 West Brom	2010/11
5	Everton 1-6 Arsenal	2009/10
4	Chelsea 4-2 West Ham	2000/01
3	Coventry 3-2 Chelsea	1997/98
2	Middlesbrough 3-3 Liverpool	1996/97
1	Sheffield Wednesday 3-4 Tottenham	1994/95

10. Manchester United 5-1 Leeds United – 2021/22

Manchester United put on a five-star performance to start the season, defeating Leeds United at Old Trafford. Paul Pogba became the eighth Premier League player to produce four assists in a single game, joining a select group of players. Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes scored three goals past Illan Meslier, including a beautiful first-time half-volley.

9. Liverpool 4-3 Leeds United – 2020/21

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds trailed 3-2 at halftime on their Premier League comeback. Mohamed Salah started the scoring with a penalty kick in the fourth minute of a first half that saw five goals.

With 24 minutes left, Mateusz Klich tied the score for Leeds. But Salah scored another penalty two minutes later to finish his hat-trick and give Liverpool three points.

8. Arsenal 4-3 Leicester City – 2017/18

Leicester City’s 3-2 lead fell short in an exciting finish, leaving them to lament a potential for a great opening-day victory. With seven minutes remaining, Shinji Okazaki and a brace from Jamie Vardy had given the Foxes the lead.

But two minutes later, Olivier Giroud scored with a header that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. It was from Granit Xhaka’s second assist of the game to seal this thrilling contest after Aaron Ramsey equalised with a cross from Xhaka.

7. Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool – 2016/17

Theo Walcott’s penalty was saved by Simon Mignolet for Liverpool. But the winger did score shortly thereafter to hand Arsenal the lead. All until Philippe Coutinho’s spectacular free kick in first-half stoppage time tied the score.

Sadio Mane, Coutinho, and Adam Lallana gave Liverpool the lead. Despite Arsenal cutting the deficit, Jurgen Klopp’s team managed to hold on for a thrilling 4-3 victory in the Premier League.

6. Chelsea 6-0 West Brom – 2010/11

Chelsea, under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti, dominated a defenceless West Bromwich Albion.

After six minutes, Florent Malouda broke the floodgates with their first goal. From that point on, it was easy. Didier Drogba scored a hat-trick.

Frank Lampard finished the demolition with another goal from Malouda.

5. Everton 1-6 Arsenal – 2009/10

The star of the show was Fabregas, who set up Denilson’s brilliant 25-yard opener. Then William Gallas’ header from a free kick.

Before scoring his second goal, a shot into the bottom-left corner from outside the area, Fabregas contributed Arsenal’s fourth goal by slipping the ball past Tim Howard’s knees. Eduardo’s strike in the 89th minute completed an overwhelming victory.

4. Chelsea 4-2 West Ham – 2000/01

This was a traditional London derby in the Premier League, with Frank Lampard’s West Ham United squad taking on the club where he would later become a legend.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored a penalty to put Chelsea ahead, only for Paolo Di Canio to equalise for West Ham. Gianfranco Zola’s fantastic free kick gave Chelsea a 2-1 lead. Mario Stanic scored a magnificent third goal.

West Ham’s hopes were revived by Frederic Kanoute’s late goal. But Stanic scored his second of the game – and Chelsea’s fourth – on 90 minutes to seal the victory.

3. Coventry 3-2 Chelsea – 1997/98

Chelsea grabbed the lead after 40 minutes through Frank Sinclair. Dion Dublin responded immediately with a well-placed header.

Tore Andre Flo re-established Chelsea’s advantage with 19 minutes remaining. But Dublin completed his hat-trick with two late goals – another header and a smashing finish – to secure a stunning comeback victory in the Premier League.

2. Middlesbrough 3-3 Liverpool – 1996/97

Middlesbrough welcomed Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium in the Premier League. The Reds’ scorers were Stig Inge Bjørnebye, John Barnes, and Robbie Fowler. But Fabrizio Ravanelli outperformed them all in one of the most memorable Premier League debuts in history.

The Italian scored his first goal from the penalty spot, beating David James, before adding his second 10 minutes later, straining to touch home Neil Cox’s low cross. Ravanelli capped off his hat-trick with a fantastic rolled finish into the corner, bringing the score to 3-3.

1. Sheffield Wednesday 3-4 Tottenham – 1994/95

Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Hillsborough was an engaging introduction to the Premier League for Jurgen Klinsmann, their major summer signing.

Teddy Sheringham scored the goal for Tottenham with a lovely flick past Kevin Pressman. Darren Anderton turned it 2-0. The home side responded with goals from Dan Petrescu and a Colin Calderwood own goal.

But Nick Barmby recovered Spurs’ advantage. Klinsmann rose to score their fourth goal before doing his legendary diving celebration. It ultimately proved to be the winner.

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