Despite an injury-filled autumn, Swedish national team striker Alexander Isak scored 21 goals last season and finished third in the Premier League's top scorer list.
The 24-year-old left St James' Park goalless in the Premier League premiere, but was still highly instrumental in Newcastle's win over Southampton.
Got the ball to thank
Just before the break, goalkeeper Alex McCarthy made a headless pass straight to Alexander Isak, who was high up in his pressing game. The Swede looked up and found Joelinton inside the penalty area. There, the unmarked Brazilian could easily score the only goal of the match.
Newcastle had played almost half a half with one man less. In the 28th minute, defender Fabian Schär was sent off after putting his forehead against Southampton's Ben Brereton Díaz.
It was a direct red card, although the visiting player greatly exacerbated the situation. The reason was that Brereton Díaz had tackled Schär from behind just before. Swede Emil Krafth was immediately substituted into Newcastle's defense.
Last season's Premier League runner-up Arsenal dominated strongly at home against Wolverhampton and in the 25th minute, the premiere goal fell. Bukayo Saka made a cross that German Kai Havertz headed in.
Big win for Brighton
With just over a quarter of an hour left to play of regular time, English national team star Saka turned and twisted in the penalty area before scoring the final result 2–0.
Brighton crushed Everton 3–0 away. In the 89th minute, Swede Yasin Ayari was substituted in for Brighton, and just two minutes later, the former AIK player kicked the ball into the goal, but it was disallowed after a VAR review due to offside.
Friday: Manchester United–Fulham 1–0.
Saturday: Ipswich–Liverpool 0–2, Nottingham–Bournemouth 1–1, Newcastle–Southampton 1–0, Everton–Brighton 0–3, Arsenal–Wolverhampton 2–0, West Ham–Aston Villa 1–2.
Sunday: Brentford–Crystal Palace (15.00), Chelsea–Manchester City (17.30).
Monday: Leicester–Tottenham.