Eddie Howe believes Fabian Schar's early red card helped "galvanise" Newcastle United during their 1-0 victory over Southampton.

The Magpies made a winning start to the new Premier League season, with Joelinton's 45th-minute strike settling matters at St James' Park.

Although, the hosts were forced to play for over an hour with 10 men, as Schar was dismissed for violent conduct after squaring up to Ben Brereton Diaz, who appeared to go to ground a little too easily.

Nevertheless, they withstood their numerical disadvantage and stubbornly kept Southampton at bay, with Lewis Hall clearing off the line to deny former Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong.

The Magpies' fourth straight Premier League win over the Saints came despite them enjoying just 22.3% of possession, and registering only three shots to their opponents' 19.

"It wasn't an enjoyable game to experience," Howe said. "The result is unbelievable for us, but how we got there was very, very difficult.

"The sending off changed the game completely. Contact was minimal. It was a harsh sending off, but we'll learn from it.

"I don't know if a sending off ever truly helps you, but it gets the crowd to inspire you – and that made a difference. We needed something to galvanise us and [the red card did]. We had our backs to the wall and I think [the fans] knew how much we needed them.

"Last season, we scored a huge amount of goals, but conceded too many. We've done a lot of work on our defensive shape in pre-season. The players regrouped today and produced a great display. To a man, we were blocking shots, we were covering space very well."

Howe also saluted stand-in skipper Bruno Guimaraes, who wore the armband with Kieran Trippier on the bench, for his all-action display in the middle of the park. 

"I thought he led by example," the Newcastle head coach said of the Brazil international, who led the way with game-high tallies of 12 duels won, six fouls won and four tackles won.

"Defensively, he covered every blade of grass. He was immense today. I thought Sean [Longstaff] and Joelinton were equally good."

Bournemouth began life without Dominic Solanke by battling to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest on the opening matchday of the Premier League season.

Andoni Iraola's second season in charge of the Cherries looked set to begin with a defeat when Chris Wood pounced from close range to give Forest a first-half lead.

However, Bournemouth plugged away in search of a leveller and were rewarded in the 86th minute as Harry Toffolo's clearance rebounded kindly for Antoine Semenyo to lash home, having been selected as a central striker following Solanke's move to Tottenham.

Forest's frustrations were compounded by a potentially serious injury suffered by Danilo, who received lengthy treatment before being carried off on a stretcher in the first half.

The draw is the first to be played out in the 2024-25 Premier League season and leaves Bournemouth and Forest in sixth and seventh respectively, with one point apiece.

Data Debrief: Semenyo the away-day specialist

Selected to lead the line following Solanke's move to Spurs, Semenyo bailed Bournemouth out at the death following a largely turgid attacking performance from the Cherries, and he is developing something of a reputation as an away-day specialist.

He has now found the net on four occasions in his last eight away games, after scoring just once in his previous 16.

His goal ensured Forest's poor record on the opening day was maintained. They have not started any of their last seven seasons with a victory, last doing so against Bristol City in the Championship in 2018. 

Kai Havertz labelled Bukayo Saka as "unbelievable" as his team-mate was the catalyst for Arsenal starting their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Wolves.

England winger Saka produced a wonderful cross for Havertz to head home the opener at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Provider then turned scorer in the second half when Saka cut inside Rayan Ait-Nouri and drilled low into the near post.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Havertz said: "Saka is unbelievable. There are not a lot of players like him on the planet and he is still so young. 

"He can get better. It is very rare to see a young player like this perform every week at the highest level."

Arsenal were impressive in the first half but were thankful to David Raya for a couple of big saves and there was a noticeable shift in atmosphere during a second period in which Wolves posed a few more questions.

But manager Mikel Arteta was impressed with the way his side, who finished second to Manchester City in the league last season, were able to ultimately get the job done to start the new campaign with three points.

"I am really happy. With the first game you have some uncertainty in how you will respond," he said.

"We had our moment after 1-0 when we were not in control but after Saka's goal we were much more comfortable. The way the boys go about their job is unbelievable, so very happy.

"We knew Wolves could change the game and they did in the second half but with our changes we became a bit stronger.

"We certainly are. We had a really good pre-season. There are things to improve for sure, but overall very happy.

"The lack of control in the second half [we can improve], we gave so many simple balls away. We also had to finish situations better but overall very happy."

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil felt his side applied themselves well and thought the visitors were the more likely to score with the game at 1-0.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "I thought we were good. I was pleased. I obviously don't like losing but we gave Arsenal a tough game. We restricted them to not too many chances.

"In terms of being in the game and having a chance I felt that, at 1-0 down I felt we were more likely than them.

"I'm pleased with what we were able to produce, but I've spoken to the players about the little details, especially against teams like Arsenal.

"They found two moments of quality and we just missed a couple of ours."

Fabian Hurzeler made a fantastic start to his Brighton tenure as the Seagulls opened their Premier League campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over 10-man Everton at Goodison Park.

Having endured a difficult start on Merseyside, Brighton found their groove with goals from Karou Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra securing an impressive triumph.

Mitoma rounded off a fine first-half move after being picked out by debutant Yankuba Minteh, with Welbeck adding a second in the 56th minute. 

Everton’s chances of a comeback were all but halted 10 minutes later as Ashley Young was given his marching orders for a pull on goalscorer Mitoma, with Adingra adding a third four minutes from time before Yasin Ayari saw a goal awarded on-pitch but overturned after a VAR review

The result sees Brighton – at least temporarily – top the pile, with Everton propping up the table.

Data Debrief: Hurzeler impresses on debut

Hurzeler became the Premier League’s youngest ever coach when he replaced Roberto De Zerbi in June, and his side's performance will excite Brighton supporters. 

The Seagulls outperformed their expected goals (xG) by 1.44 from their 10 shots, nine of those came inside the box with five on target. 

Welbeck's goal and assist saw him register his 10th goal involvement against the Toffees (five goals and five assist), more than he has managed against in the Premier League.

Everton, meanwhile, were dealt their biggest defeat in the opening game of a Premier League season since 2009-10, when they lost 6-1 to Arsenal under David Moyes.

Joelinton scored the only goal as 10-man Newcastle United got off to a winning start in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Southampton at St James' Park.

The Magpies midfielder's decisive strike came just before half-time for Eddie Howe's side, who claimed all three points despite having Fabian Schar dismissed for violent conduct earlier on.

Southampton enjoyed large periods of possession on their Premier League return. 

Jack Stephens strike was denied by the offside flag in the 10th minute, before they were handed a numerical advantage 18 minutes later when Fabian Schar was shown a straight red card after squaring up to Ben Brereton Diaz.

But it was Newcastle who broke the deadlock in the final minute of the first half, when Alex McCarthy's loose pass was ruthlessly punished with Alexander Isak quickly finding Joelinton, who neatly slotted home.

The Saints sought a response and Lewis Hall denied Adam Armstrong on the line within five minutes of the restart, before Nick Pope tipped over the former Magpies striker's long-range effort.

Armstrong then saw a shot deflect narrowly wide while substitutes Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Archer headed straight at Pope, as the hosts stubbornly kept the visitors at bay and held out for victory.

Data Debrief: Saints' Howe hoodoo continues 

Though they enjoyed just 22.3% of possession and registered only three shots to Southampton's 19, Newcastle held out for their fourth successive Premier League victory over the Saints - achieving the feat for the first time.

Howe has now won all six of his matches against Southampton as Magpies boss, and he is the first to win three straight league openers at St James' Park since Joe Harvey between 1972 and 1974.

Ironically, Harvey was the last Newcastle manager to deliver notable silverware courtesy of the 1969 Fairs' Cup, so Howe will hope that is a positive omen for him this season.

The Magpies have also now found the net in 20 successive home Premier League games, with only Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' enjoying a longer run of 24 between January 1995 and February 1996.

Fabian Hurzeler made a fantastic start to his Brighton tenure as the Seagulls opened their Premier League campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over 10-man Everton at Goodison Park.

Having endured a difficult start on Merseyside, Brighton found their groove with goals from Karou Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra securing an impressive triumph.

Mitoma rounded off a fine first-half move after being picked out by debutant Yankuba Minteh, with Welbeck adding a second in the 56th minute. 

Everton’s chances of a comeback were all but halted 10 minutes later as Ashley Young was given his marching orders for a pull on goalscorer Mitoma, with Adingra adding a third four minutes from time before Yasin Ayari saw a goal awarded on-pitch but overturned after a VAR review

The result sees Brighton – at least temporarily – top the pile, with Everton propping up the table.

Data Debrief: Hurzeler impresses on debut

Hurzeler became the Premier League’s youngest ever coach when he replaced Roberto De Zerbi in June, and his side's performance will excite Brighton supporters. 

The Seagulls outperformed their expected goals (xG) by 1.44 from their 10 shots, nine of those came inside the box with five on target. 

Welbeck's goal and assist saw him register his 10th goal involvement against the Toffees (five goals and five assist), more than he has managed against in the Premier League.

Everton, meanwhile, were dealt their biggest defeat in the opening game of a Premier League season since 2009-10, when they lost 6-1 to Arsenal under David Moyes.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were the goalscorers as Arsenal started the new Premier League season with a routine 2-0 victory over Wolves at Emirates Stadium.

Germany international Havertz had the home fans on their feet midway through the first half thanks to a fine assist from Saka in sunny north London on Saturday.

David Raya had to make a brilliant save to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen a debut Wolves goal midway through the first half.

Havertz and Thomas Partey went close for the hosts after the break before a revival from the visitors should have seen parity restored when Matheus Cunha shot straight at Raya after pouncing on a poor misplaced pass from William Saliba.

The brilliant Saka then ensured there would be no misstep to start a campaign in which Arsenal are looking to go one better than a second-place finish last term when he stepped inside Rayan Ait-Nouri on the right of the box and fired past Jose Sa at his near post.

Data Debrief: Gunners pick up where they left off

Arsenal were agonisingly pipped to the title by Manchester City last season but have now won seven straight Premier League games, having gone on a streak of eight from January 20 to March 9 earlier this year.

Moreover, they have now scored in each of those matches - their best run since netting in nine from December 31 to March 9.

Havertz is off the mark early for Arsenal and has two goals and two assists from his last three appearances in the Premier League.

Barbados and Bermuda were among teams that opened their 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series campaigns in convincing manners with 6-2 and 4-0 victories over St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada on Friday.

The tournament being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago started as expected, with Barbados dominating proceedings in a lopsided Group A, Tier II affair against St Vincent and the Grenadines. Games are played over 70 minutes.

Barbados broke the deadlock in the fourth minute through Maleek Peters, who tucked away a rebound after St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Kevon Phillips saved captain Jamarco Johnson’s effort.

They doubled the lead four minutes later, courtesy of Sacha Pounder, who finished a pass from Trey Barker.

St Vincent and the Grenadines pulled one back in the 17th when Jomain Ollivierre latched onto a through pass from Beau Hoyte and fired past goalkeeper Shaquan King.

Barker’s second assist came in the 32nd when he played a cross to Johnson, who finished from a tight angle to put Barbados 3-1 up at the break.

St Vincent and the Grenadines again reduced the deficit in the 42nd through Xavier Thorne's own goal. However, that was all they would get from the contest, as Barbados took control from there when Peters completed his brace in the 45th.

Substitute Rajari Rollins in the 50th with an easy finish from a Barker assist to make it 5-2 for Barbados. Barker was eventually rewarded for his efforts with a strike of his own in the 59th to complete the 6-2 scoreline.

Bermuda 4-0 Grenada

Bermuda also dominated their first match of Tier II Group C against Grenada at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Jeon Wolfe got Bermuda’s show going with a quick brace in the sixth and seventh minutes. He opened the scoring with a tidy finish from a Zydon Lightbourne Furbert assist and then slotted into an empty net a minute later.

An unfortunate own-goal pushed Grenada further behind, before Lightbourne Furbert capped Bermuda’s win with a 38th-minute strike.

Anguilla 1- 3 Turks and Caicos Islands

Over at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Turks and Caicos Islands scored a comfortable 3-1 win over Anguilla when the teams met in Tier II, Group B action.

Turks and Caicos struck first in the fourth minute courtesy of Wilsony Charles, who made no mistakes from close range. They doubled the lead a minute later when Khazaiviyon Basden-Darvol converted from the penalty spot, and that just about signalled the writing on the wall for Anguilla.

Anguilla pulled one back in the 36th through Zahir Hennis, who tucked home at the far post. However, Turk and Caicos restored their two-goal cushion and, by extension, wrapped up the win when Charles completed his brace with a well-driven shot from just outside the 18-yard box.

Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 Guyana

Antigua and Barbuda scored a 2-1 win over Guyana in Tier II Group A play at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Captain Shemar Walters opened the scoring for Antigua and Barbuda in the second minute with a well-taken effort.

Guyana's Mark Glasgow pulled his team level when he fired home in the 15th to keep things interesting.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Luke Harney Rogerson restored Antigua and Barbuda’s lead with a 21st-minute effort.

Though they continued to create chances, Antigua and Barbuda failed to add to their tally, but will hope to improve their scoring form in their next encounter on Sunday.

Bonaire 2-1 St. Lucia 

Bonaire secured a 2-1 hard-fought victory over St Lucia at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Tier II, Group C.

St Lucia dominated the opening moments, mainly through Randall Monroe, as the Bonaire defenders found the lanky winger’s running and technical ability difficult to handle. The St Lucians were rewarded for their early hard work and took the lead in the match through an own goal.  

Monroe got in behind the defence, and his cross found Eustace Blackstock on the back post. Blackstock’s redirected header came off Bonaire’s Julian Garcia Henriquez to give St. Lucia a 1-0 lead.

Bonaire drew level through Rayvion Simon, whose powerful volley from the top of the penalty area left Jervonti Toussaint rooted to the spot.

Margall Statie then gifted Bonaire the lead in the 32nd minute when got on the end of a Rushando Arrow whipped cross and finished with a expert header. 

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday. Bonaire plays Bermuda, and St Lucia takes on St Maarten.

Dominica 3-0 British Virgin Islands

Dominica blanked British Virgin Islands 3-0 when the teams met in Tier II Group B at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Che Etienne opened the scoring in the 11^th with an easy finish through the legs of BVI’s custodian, Trevon Steven. 

Taran George quickly made it 2-0 in the 12th with a comfortable finish from close range. He later completed his brace and his team’s victory with a 28-minute strike.

Dominica play the US Virgin Islands at 6:00 pm on Saturday, while BVI play Turks and Caicos Islands at 4:00 pm. 

Milan have signed France international Youssouf Fofana from Monaco on a four-year deal, bolstering their midfield ahead of their Serie A campaign.

The transfer fee was not disclosed by the club but Italian media said Milan would pay around €25million, including bonuses, for the 25-year-old.

Fofana has played 21 matches for his national team, scoring three goals. He was reportedly also a target for West Ham and Manchester United.

The acquisition of Fofana is likely to be Milan's final signing in their first transfer window under new head coach Paulo Fonseca, who said on Friday that no additional transfers were in the offing.

Milan have already secured the signings of striker Alvaro Morata and defenders Emerson Royal and Strahinja Pavlovic as they prepare to kick off their Serie A campaign at home against Torino later on Saturday.

Arne Slot described Liverpool's second-half performance as a "joy to watch" after his new side started their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.

Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah were on target after the break as Liverpool claimed a deserved victory in Slot's first competitive match at the helm.

The Reds needed an hour to make the breakthrough as the Tractor Boys put up a spirited performance in the first half, but they were utterly dominant once Jota finished a flowing move with a neat side-footed finish for 1-0.

Liverpool racked up 15 shots worth 2.61 expected goals (xG) in the second period and limited Ipswich to just three attempts, none of which hit the target.

Slot's team had been out-shot by four to three in the first 45 minutes and struggled to get a foothold as Ipswich won 58.5% of duels contested, leaving the former Feyenoord boss to praise his team's ability to change things at the interval.

Asked how he judged Liverpool's display by TNT Sports, Slot said: "It depends which half you're asking about! The first half was not action-packed because they were right on top of us.

"They were very aggressive, we couldn't find a rhythm or find those balls in behind, but the second half was a joy to watch.

"The first thing I said is we can't speak about tactics if we lose every duel. It was not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel, but we needed [Ibrahima] Konate to win those long balls in the air. That gave us control.

"I don't think they could keep up with our tempo in the second half. Gaps opened up and you saw that we can play some quite good football."

Much has been made of Liverpool's failure to add a new midfielder this off-season, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi rejecting the chance to move to Anfield.

Slot, however, was impressed by the performances of starting trio Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, saying: "I don't think our problem in the first half was the midfield. 

"I was pleased with them and a lot has been said about signings, but I saw two or three come off the bench and they are good enough to play in our team.

"We have many good players, but like I said, if we can find another one, we will not hesitate to do so."

Despite some expecting a season of transition after almost nine years under Jurgen Klopp, Slot knows Liverpool must look to be in title contention this campaign.

"I'm not looking so far forward to the end of the season. I think in every game we have to do everything in terms of defence but also with the ball," Slot said.

"You saw last season how close the games were. If Son [Heung-min] scored [against Manchester City] we could've had another champion, but he didn't and City were champions. We have to make sure we are up there with those teams."

Mohamed Salah acknowledged life under Arne Slot "is quite different" after Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win at newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Salah marked his 350th appearance for the Reds by assisting Diogo Jota's opener before netting himself as they began life after Jurgen Klopp with victory at Portman Road.

Slot became the first individual Liverpool boss to win his first Premier League game in charge - and their first in the top flight since Graeme Souness in April 1991.

While Salah admitted the players were still finding their feet under the Dutchman, he urged his team-mates to embrace the process.

"Jurgen was in the team for eight years, he gave everything. Now, it's a new manager and new system. 

"It's quite different for all of us, we need to adapt. We don't need to put more pressure on him, we just need to play football and enjoy our games."

Salah's contribution to the cause made Premier League history, with the Liverpool forward now the outright leader for goals (nine) and direct goal involvements (14) on matchday one.

"Hopefully, I keep going like this for the whole season!" added Salah, who took his Liverpool goal involvement tally for all competition to 300. 

"I always help to try to help the team all the time, I'm always happy to score goals or assist.

"It was quite tough today; the weather was really warm, it's a tough team. When they play home especially, it's quite tough. The crowd is always up. We knew that before the game, we're experienced, so we expected a tough game."

"I'm glad we won today, I'm always happy to make a difference."

Napoli must have realistic expectations for the 2024-25 Serie A season during a period of reconstruction, so says Antonio Conte.

Conte took over in June, after Napoli went through three different coaches last season when, after winning the Scudetto under Luciano Spalletti in 2023, they followed that up by failing to qualify for European competition.

Former Italy boss Conte, who won four Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter, along with a Premier League title at Chelsea, wants patience from the club and the fans going into the new season.

"Our mantra is to give 200%, we have to go beyond our limits, all of us, because it is a critical moment for Napoli, the president spoke of reconstruction," Conte told reporters ahead of Napoli's opening game against Verona on Sunday.

"I have made my assessments and I agree with him perfectly; there is a need for a total reconstruction, from the ground up.

"A squad that puts 10-12 players on the market, means that there is a reconstruction underway and like any reconstruction we need patience and humility."

When Conte took charge at Juventus in 2011, they had finished seventh the previous season and he immediately led them to three consecutive league titles, but he does not expect such a quick turnaround at Napoli.

"I expected a better situation, positive surprises, which is why when I spoke at the beginning I said, even after such a negative year we must not throw everything away but let's understand if there are also positive things," Conte said.

"I expected positive surprises, but I had a hard time finding any. But you arrive and there are nine-10 exits.

"We are not saying that we are at year zero but at the year very close to zero. It doesn't scare me but it's better to be clear, when there is reality and clarity you know where to go and what problems to face."

Conte declined to speak about Victor Osimhen, who is expected to be left out of the squad for Verona, with the Nigerian forward likely to leave the club during this transfer window, and he warned it would take time to get Napoli back to the top.

"I don't know how long it will take for Napoli to become competitive again, whether it takes six months, 12, two years, I couldn't say."

Luton Town survived more than an hour with 10 men as they drew 0-0 with newly promoted Portsmouth to claim their first points of the campaign on Saturday. 

Thomas Kaminski was given his marching orders in the 31st minute following two missed-timed challenges on Paddy Lane and Connor Ogilvie in quick succession. 

But Pompey failed to make their man advantage count, with only six of their 15 attempts on target as well as having 66.5% possession. 

Rob Edwards' side did have their opportunities, however, missing four big chances, with the best of those falling to Elijah Adebayo, registering an xG of 0.51 from his three shots. 

Meanwhile, at the Hawthorns, Leeds United remain winless in their first two Championship games as they were held to a goalless draw away to West Brom.  

Daniel Farke's side suffered an early exit in the Carabao Cup to Middlesbrough earlier this week, and struggled once again in front of goal at the Hawthorns. 

Leeds registered just one shot on target from the eight they attempted in the West Midlands, with that effort coming from Ethan Ampadu 10 minutes into the second half. 

The Baggies opened their season with a 3-1 win over QPR, with Josh Maja netting a hat-trick, but he proved ineffective this time around, registering an expected goals (xG) of just 0.03 from his one shot on target. 

Meanwhile, at Pride Park, Kayden Jackson scored the only goal of the early kick-offs as Derby beat Middlesbrough 1-0 for their first win of the campaign. 

Jackson, who arrived from Ipswich in the transfer window, pounced on a mistake by Isaiah Jones before rounding Seny Dieng to give the Rams a 14th minute lead. 

But Michael Carrick's side's wastefulness in front of goal proved to be their downfall, underperforming their xG by 1.73 with only four of their 20 shots on target. 

Middlesbrough have now only scored once in their last four away league games against Derby, with the goal coming in a 2-1 loss back in 2021 under Neil Warnock.

Arne Slot got off to a winning start at Liverpool as the Reds kick-started their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Ipswich Town.

Ipswich impressed in flashes in their first Premier League match since 2002, but Liverpool ultimately had too much as the Slot era began with a comfortable triumph at Portman Road.

Their goals came in quick succession – Diogo Jota opening the scoring on the hour with a composed close-range finish.

Having supplied the assist for Liverpool’s opener, Mohamed Salah got in on the act himself in the 65th minute, and Slot’s side showed no sign of slipping up from there.

Jota had squandered a golden chance just before putting Liverpool ahead, though the Reds were arguably second-best for much of the first half.

Ipswich could not make the most of their openings, however, and Kieran McKenna's team were ultimately punished as the Tractor Boys lost on their long-awaited return to the big time.

Data Debrief: Another record tumbles for Mo

That is now nine opening-day goals for Salah in the Premier League, a new competition record.

Salah's effort also brought up his 300th direct goal involvement for the Reds in what was his 350th Liverpool appearance in all competitions.

Goncalo Ramos will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle ligament injury during Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Le Havre, the club has confirmed.

The PSG striker limped off in the 20th minute of their 4-1 win at the Stade Oceane following a late tackle from behind. 

Ramos, who scored 11 times for Luis Enrique's side last season, provided an assist for Lee Kang-In in the third minute of PSG's opening match of the new Ligue 1 campaign, prior to his premature withdrawal.

The reigning champions confirmed on Saturday the Portugal international suffered a "serious ligament sprain in his left ankle", which will sideline him for around three months.

Ramos' absence deals a further blow to Luis Enrique, who is already looking to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe following his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.