Manchester City impressive in EPL win over Arsenal

Manchester City have begun the defence of their title with an impressive win away to Arsenal.

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva scores his team's second goal against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium

Manchester City, who romped to English Premier League success by 19 points last season, have begun the defence of their title with an impressive win away against an Arsenal side playing under new Spanish manager Unai Emery.

Attempting to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the title, the champions were good value with goals by Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva.

Sterling went past two weak challengers to put City ahead in the first quarter of an hour with his 50th league goal.

Soon after debutant Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City was substituted, Bernardo Silva added the second in the 65th minute.

Earlier on Sunday, Liverpool began their season with an easy win at home to West Ham United.

Egyptian Mohamed Salah gave Jurgen Klopp’s side the lead after 19 minutes from Andy Robertson’s precise low cross.

West Ham’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini gave debuts to five of their 10 off-season signings, but his revamped team rarely threatened Liverpool’s expensive new Brazilian goalkeeper, Alisson.

Poor defending cost them a second goal just before the interval, to Sadio Mane, who added a third after 53 minutes from an offside position. Substitute Daniel Sturridge made it four just seconds after coming on.

Southampton were held to a goalless draw at home to Burnley with Joe Hart making some key saves on his league debut for the Clarets.

Burnley dominated the first half and thought they had gone ahead in the eighth minute when former Southampton midfielder Jack Cork side-footed home, but the effort was ruled to have been offside. Saints keeper Alex McCarthy did well to keep out a close-range shot from Aaron Lennon as Burnley pushed for the opening goal but it was a different story after the break.

Southampton looked the more likely to score but England international Hart, who joined Burnley last week from Manchester City, produced some fine saves to frustrate Mark Hughes’s side.

Reuters