London: Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva scored a goal each as reigning champions Manchester City began their title defence with a 2-0 win over Arsenal while Liverpool came flying from the blocks of the new season with a typical display of energy, invention and speed as Jurgen Klopp’s men registered a dominating 4-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League, Sunday.
Sterling who returned to training Monday rewarded Pep Guardiola’s faith with a lively showing and a clinically dispatched 14th-minute opener.
However, the first game of Arsenal’s new era under Unai Emery often proved a thankless task but there were moments of encouragement before Silva settled the issue at the Emirates Stadium with a brilliantly taken second in the 64th minute.
Elsewhere at Anfield, Sadio Mane scored twice after Mohamed Salah’s opener and Daniel Sturridge was also on target in Reds’ comfortable win. Klopp’s side made light work of the Hammers to move above Chelsea at the top of the table.
Liverpool handed full debuts to new signings Alisson and Naby Keita, the latter producing a hugely impressive performance at the heart of midfield, while Xherdan Shaqiri made a late appearance off the bench.
But it was two of the Reds’ established heroes who sealed the three points, Salah prodding home Andy Robertson’s 19th minute cross before Mane netted twice from inside the box either side of half time. Substitute Daniel Sturridge bundled in a late fourth.
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Back into business: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring against West Ham at the Anfield, Sunday
