Premier League's greatest opening day moments – from David Beckham's halfway line lob to Jurgen Klinsmann celebration
THE Premier League fixtures have been released, with a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal set to light up the opening weekend.
Next season will kick off with a bang as under-pressure
Advertisement
8
Man Utd are set to host Arsenal on matchday one in August
Credit: AFP
Elsewhere champions
Whether bathed in August sunshine, or British summer drizzle, fans can look forward to some memorable clashes right from the word go.
In years gone by there have been some remarkable opening day moments, from incredible goals to late drama.
Upon today's fixture release, let's take a walk along memory lane and relive some of the amazing opening days of years gone by.
Advertisement
READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
1996-97 - Beckham's halfway line goal
Where else to start but with Golden Balls?
Becks was already a star prior to Man Utd's trip to Selhurst Park to face Wimbledon on Saturday, 16 August 1996.
But his incredible, audacious goal from the halfway line helped to catapult him into a household name all over the country.
At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson gushed: "You have seen the goal of the season already. I have never seen it done before.
Advertisement
Most read in Football
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
Who are we to argue with the most decorated Prem manager of all time?
8
David Beckham's iconic halfway line goal catapulted him to superstardom
Credit: Action Images - Reuters
1994-95 - The Klinsmann dive
Advertisement
The German forward had appeared on English TV screens at the previous two World Cups, with a theatrical fall in the 1990 World Cup final to get Pedro Monzon sent off not being forgotten.
Nevertheless, Klinsmann was a huge coup for Spurs, who despite finishing 15th the previous season had managed to lure one of the continent's most clinical strikers from Monaco to White Hart Lane.
On his debut in a 4-3 win at Sheffield Wednesday on August 20, 1994, Klinsmann scored a sensational header to open his Tottenham account - before poking fun at his reputation by performing a celebratory dive in front of the boo boys in the home end.
With the celebration quickly entering Prem folklore, Klinsmann went on to reveal: "(Teddy) Sheringham had the idea. If you score today, we'll all dive.' The wonderful thing was that the rival fans even laughed about it."
Advertisement
8
Jurgen Klinsmann poked fun at his diving reputation
Credit: Sportsphoto Ltd
2016-17 - Mane's debut delight
Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge of Liverpool began with a tricky-looking trip to Arsene Wenger's
And while the Reds didn't go on win the title that year, Klopp's men gave a brilliant sign of things to come as they blitzed the Gunners 4-3 on their own turf.
The pick of the bunch was Sadio Mane's sensational debut goal, with the summer arrival from Southampton burning the Arsenal defence before whacking an unstoppable left-footed shot into the net.
Advertisement
Klopp celebrated the goal wildly, and even went on to admit that his manic response contributed to Arsenal getting back into the game.
On Mane's impact at Anfield, the German boss reflected in 2022: "One of Liverpool's greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love."
8
Sadio Mane's brilliant Emirates strike made it a debut to remember
Credit: Arfa Griffiths - The Sun
2014-15 - Dier breaks Hammers hearts
In the summer of 2014, Mauricio Pochettino took over at Tottenham - arriving from a rival Prem club to try and clear up the North Londoners' mess, sound familiar?
Advertisement
The game got off to a less than ideal start for the Argentine, with Kyle Naughton being sent off for handling in the box on 29 minutes.
Pochettino reshuffled his pack, putting 20-year-old debutant Eric Dier at right-back - and subsequently watched Mark Noble miss his spot kick.
Amazingly the game finished 10v10, with
After the game, Pochettino gushed: "It was a great goal by Eric Dier. He showed, and we showed, that we are ambitious. We played like a team and that is important."
Advertisement
8
Eric Dier broke West Ham hearts on his Premier League debut
Credit: Action Images - Reuters
2011-22 - Sergio Aguer-woah!
Sergio Aguero did not take long to announce himself to English football.
The Argentine superstar arrived at Manchester City from
Aguero immediately impressed after being brought on against Swansea with his side leading 1-0.
Advertisement
The livewire forward took just nine minutes to poke home his first of what would go on to be 260 City goals.
And in stoppage time, he blasted home a beauty to cap off a brilliant 4-0 win for Roberto Mancini's men.
The result went on to be a sign of things to come, with the Billionaire Sky Blues going on to dramatically pinch the title from rivals Man Utd... Aguero scoring the all important last-gasp goal to clinch it on the final day.
8
Sergio Aguero announced himself in English football with a superb debut double
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Advertisement
1999-00 - Poyet's beauty
Uruguayan midfielder
While not scaling the heights that they would in the following decade, the Blues had grown in stature during the 1990s - largely owing to the genius of Gianfranco Zola.
During this 4-0 stomping of Sunderland, Zola was in imperious form.
The tricky Italian produced a sensational assist for his side's fourth goal, delicately scooping the ball into the penalty area.
Advertisement
Poyet took it from there, finishing with an electrifying scissor kick.
8
Gus Poyet scored a belter of a scissor kick in 1999
Credit: PA:Press Association
2004-05 - Mourinho arrives
Five years on from Poyet's brilliant opening day goal, Chelsea were welcoming new boss Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese didn't shy away from the spotlight, to put it mildly, declaring during his opening press conference: "Please don't call me arrogant, because what I'm saying is true. I'm European champion, and I think I'm a special one."
Advertisement
Mourinho's big statement was immediately put to the test, as he began with a tricky home assignment against Sir Alex Ferguson's Man Utd.
The Blues won the contest 1-0 thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen's scrappy 15th minute goal, with Mourinho admitting after the game: "Mr Ferguson pushed me to make changes that normally I don't do to play a safer match - and in fact the team defended very, very, very well."
Chelsea's stingy defence went on to concede just 15 times across the whole season, a record that still stands to this day, with Mourinho's Blues going on to win their first league title in 50 years.
8
Eidur Gudjohnsen scored the winner as Jose Mourinho triumphed in his first game in charge
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes pour in as legendary Irish trainer Prendergast dies at the age of 92
Tributes have poured in from the racing world after the sad news broke of the death of legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast. Prendergast's remarkable career in racing began in 1963 when he secured his training licence. As the son of renowned trainer Paddy 'Darkie' Prendergast, who achieved the distinction of becoming the first Irish-based trainer to claim the British championship in 1963, Kevin was destined for greatness. Throughout his illustrious career, Prendergast achieved significant milestones, including a 2000 Guineas win at Newmarket with Nebbiolo in 1977. He also secured two Irish 2000 Guineas victories, with his most recent triumph coming with Awtaad in 2016. Notably, Prendergast narrowly missed out on a Derby win when Madhmoon was edged out by half a length by Anthony Van Dyck in 2019. Jockey Chris Hayes, who formed a lasting bond with Prendergast, paid a heartfelt tribute to his former mentor. Hayes reflected on their close relationship, stating: "I started out calling him 'sir' and that moved on to boss and we had a very close relationship, especially in the latter years. He was like a father or grandfather figure and we spoke closely and candidly." Hayes continued, "I had the utmost respect for him. You could always ring Kevin at the drop of a hat and vice versa – he would have no problem ringing me even up to last week telling me if I had given one a good ride or a bad ride. I'd always enjoy ringing him up for a chat. "The term legend is thrown about a bit loosely in this age and generation, but there is no other way to describe him." Jockey Chris Hayes shares poignant memories as he reflects on his longstanding partnership with renowned trainer Kevin Prendergast, describing their final race together: "I had a second for him last week (aboard Glory To Be at Cork) and I was desperately hoping that our last ride together as it transpired would be a winning one, but we at least went out all guns blazing." A sense of an era drawing to a close was palpable as Hayes recounted the connection he felt with Prendergast, "I had a good chat with him afterwards and was actually planning to go in and sit on a few horses for him tomorrow so it's a sad day and I'm a little bit numb as I've known nothing but him in racing, it's a real end of an era." Reminiscing over their accomplishments, Hayes holds their Curragh triumph nine years ago with Awtaad close to his heart, stating "Hayes' first Group One success for Prendergast was La Collina, but it is memories of their Classic success together at the Curragh nine years ago with Awtaad which the 37 year old treasures most from their long association." He recalled the milestones with emotional clarity, highlighting the unique bond between horse and jockey: "La Collina was my first Group One winner for Kevin, but Awtaad was the first horse that was mine – I inherited La Collina from Declan McDonogh." Their time together was marked by many high points, as Hayes noted, "Obviously there were also some great days with Madhmoon who came after Awtaad. But Awtaad's Guineas was phenomenal." Elaborating on the unforgettable moments, Hayes remarked, "It was the old Curragh and the cheer we got on the way in, I haven't heard one like it since." Chris Hayes further emphasised the deep respect and admiration that surrounds Kevin Prendergast, saying, "I've been around a while and I never heard a cheer like that before that either and that cheer was all for Kevin and solely Kevin. People say it was for us, but it wasn't, it was for Kevin." Paying tribute to Prendergast's stature in the racing community, Hayes concluded, "He's a legend around Kildare and a legend in the racing game and people were 10 deep around the winner's enclosure desperate to congratulate him. "When I got the news this morning I couldn't help but look back through some pictures from that day in the car. We had some phenomenal times together and today is a sad day." Shadwell's racing manager, Angus Gold, reflected on the loss saying: "It's the end of an era and he was one of the great men of my lifetime, we had some wonderful days together. "He was a huge character firstly, a consummate horseman and the horses invariably won best turned out. He was just a very good trainer. "It was spectacular to see Awtaad win the Guineas and then he had Madhmoon nearly win the Derby, which he took very phlegmatically. "The amount of stories he had, I used to love my mornings on the gallops with him. He knew what was going all around the world as he had daughters living abroad. "He'd seen it all, been there and done that. I went to see him about two months ago. He hadn't been very well last year but had made a remarkably recovery and was still sharp as a tack." Born in Australia on 5 July, 1932, Prendergast received his education in Ireland and then started his racing career down under, becoming head lad to top trainer Frank Dalton. After three years, he returned home to carve out a reputation as a leading amateur rider and began working alongside his father as an assistant trainer. In 1963, after five years, Prendergast decided to go it alone and he didn't have to wait long for his first success, with Zara winning at Phoenix Park in May of that year. His first Classic gold came in 1972 when Pidget won the Irish 1,000 Guineas, before adding the Irish St Leger to her achievements later that year. Prendergast then trained the likes of Conor Pass (1973) and Oscar Schindler (1996 and 1997) to win two more Irish Legers, while Arctique Royal gave him another 1,000 win and Northern Treasure secured his first Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1976. Top-drawer juveniles like La Collina, Miss Beatrix, Termagant and Kingsfort also add to the sense of longevity that Prendergast enjoyed in his career. One of the most consistent trainers in Ireland, Prendergast celebrated his 2,000th career winner in 2010. Not only was he an exceptional horse trainer, but he also worked with jockeys such as Hayes, Gary Halpin and Declan McDonogh. The legendary Kieren Fallon began his riding career with Prendergast, serving as an apprentice from 1982 to 1987 before moving on to become a six-time champion jockey.
Dublin Live
an hour ago
- Dublin Live
Gardai issue advice as thousands to descend on Dublin this weekend
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gardai have urged people to contact them if they "feel unsafe" in Dublin this weekend as thousands are set to descend on Dublin. They have also urged people to plan their journeys well in advance as roads and public transport are set to be packed in the capital. Outside of regular duties this weekend, gardai will be assisting at: Three sold-out Zach Bryan concerts in the Phoenix Park (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings) The British and Irish Lions v Argentina game at the Aviva Stadium (Friday evening) Four GAA matches in Croke Park (Saturday/Sunday afternoons) The sold out Mary Wallopers concert in Fairview Park (Friday evening) The sold-out Kingfishr concert in Fairview Park (Saturday evening) Two planned public gatherings in Dublin city centre (Sunday afternoon) Gardai have also advised people to anticipate rolling road closures, which will have a likely effect on public transport such as Luas and Dublin Bus services, during the two planned protests on Sunday afternoon. They say they will have its full traffic management plan in place to keep the disruption to a minimum. Assistant Commissioner for Dublin Paul Cleary said: "This weekend is packed with lots of activity and with the summer weather also looking promising, we look forward to helping to welcome thousands of people into Dublin to make the most of their weekend. We want you to enjoy yourselves if socialising or attending any one of the exciting sporting and music events happening in the city, but to please be mindful of others and how your behaviour may impact their experience. "This summer's public events would not be able to go ahead were it not for the Gardaí that will be working above and beyond this weekend and for the remainder of the summer to keep people safe. Should you feel unsafe or need our assistance in any way over the weekend, please contact us or stop anyone of us on our high-visibility patrols across the city, and in an emergency or immediate danger always dial 999/112." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The 42
2 hours ago
- The 42
Liverpool agree €47m deal for Bournemouth's Kerkez: reports
LIVERPOOL HAVE AGREED to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez in a deal worth a reported €47 million (£40m), according to reports on Friday. Kerkez is due to travel to Merseyside for a medical before completing his move to the Premier League champions. The 21-year-old caught Liverpool's eye last season with his fine form for Bournemouth, including two goals and five assists in 38 Premier League appearances. Advertisement Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes brought Kerkez to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar during his time at the Vitality Stadium. Serbia-born Kerkez began his career at Hungarian outfit Gyor before moving to AC Milan, where he failed to make an appearance for the Serie A club. He joined Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in 2022, arriving in the Premier League with Bournemouth a year later. Kerkez's impending arrival at Anfield raises questions about the future of Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson, who has been linked with Atletico Madrid. Kerkez will become Liverpool's latest signing in a busy summer transfer window for boss Arne Slot. The Reds have already secured the signature of Netherlands right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined Real Madrid. Liverpool are also on the verge of signing Leverkusen's Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz after reportedly agreeing a fee that could rise to a British record €136 million (£116m). Wirtz is believed to have undergone a medical with Liverpool on Friday ahead of the official confirmation of his transfer. – © AFP 2025
