Defending Premier League Champions Manchester City and last season’s runners up Liverpool were both made to sweat by determined opposition before opening their campaigns with hard-fought victories on Sunday.
David Silva and Sergio Aguero scored as City began their title defence with a 2-0 success at Newcastle United, after Daniel Sturridge had struck late in the game to earn Liverpool a 2-1 win at home to Southampton.
The two rivals joined five other teams, including Arsenal, on maximum points, ahead of their showdown at the Etihad Stadium a week on Monday in the first major head-to-head of the season.
Pellegrini gave a debut to new Brazilian midfielder Fernando and saw his side take the lead in the 38th minute at St James’ Park.
With debutants Javier Manquillo and Dejan Lovren – the former Southampton defender – in their starting XI, Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages and took the lead in the 23rd minute.
The goal owed much to the tenacity and vision of Jordan Henderson, who helped Manquillo dispossess Tadic, won a 50-50 with Morgan Schneiderlin, and then freed Sterling to beat Fraser Forster with a first-time finish.
It was a turbulent close season for Southampton, who lost five key players and appointed a new manager in Ronald Koeman, but they were not cowed by Liverpool’s opener and equalised in the 56th minute.
Clyne rolled a pass forward to Tadic and the Serbian held off his marker before backheeling the ball into the path of his onrushing teammate, who thrashed a shot into the top-right corner.
After Steven Davis had shot meekly at Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Sterling headed on a loose ball for England teammate Sturridge to nudge home the winner from a matter of yards.
There was time for one last scare for Liverpool, with Mignolet touching a drive from Schneiderlin onto the bar and Southampton debutant Shane Long – a late substitute – heading the rebound wide.
Manchester United’s campaign got off to a false start on Saturday when they lost 2-1 at home to Swansea City in new manager Louis van Gaal’s first competitive game.
Arsenal, meanwhile, needed an injury-time goal from Aaron Ramsey to overcome Crystal Palace 2-1.
Chelsea, who finished third last season, open their campaign at promoted Burnley on Sunday.
Author : Paul Ojenge