The 2025/26 Premier League season has kicked off with a flurry of excitement, as a host of high-profile debutants made their mark or failed to do so in the opening weekend. With significant transfer activity reshaping the attacking and midfield units of top clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City, the spotlight was firmly on new signings such as Viktor Gyokeres, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri. This analysis delves into their debut performances, drawing on match reports, statistical insights.
Viktor Gyokeres: A Disappointing Arsenal Debut
Viktor Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal with immense hype, having scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting Lisbon last season, a record that placed him among the world’s elite strikers. Arsenal’s decision to sign the 27-year-old Swede over other prospects like Benjamin Sesko was rooted in the belief that his physicality, pace, and goal-scoring instincts would provide the cutting edge needed to end their title drought. Mikel Arteta hailed Gyokeres as a player who would “destroy defenders,” and his assignment of Thierry Henry’s iconic No. 14 shirt only amplified expectations.
Gyokeres’ Premier League debut against Manchester United was a letdown. In Arsenal’s scrappy 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, Gyokeres struggled to make an impact, posting a stat line that raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons: five aerial duels lost, only four passes completed, zero shots, zero chances created, and zero goals or assists. A particularly embarrassing moment came when he tripped over the ball while attempting to cut inside, conceding a free kick and squandering a promising opportunity.
Despite this, there were flashes of potential. Gyokeres showed a willingness to adapt to Arsenal’s system, dropping into both channels and deeper positions to aid build-up play, which suggests versatility beyond his usual role as a one-man counter-attacking force. Bukayo Saka offered cautious optimism, noting that Gyokeres “battled” and “did well” under tough circumstances, indicating that his teammates are committed to integrating him. However, for a player expected to deliver immediate impact, his debut was underwhelming, and some analysts, like those at Football365, have even predicted he could be a “massive flop” if he fails to find his rhythm quickly. Arsenal’s fast-paced style, tailored to exploit his pace, will need time to gel, but the pressure is already mounting.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo: Bright Spots for Manchester United
In contrast, Manchester United’s new attacking trident of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko showed promise despite the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. United’s £207 million investment in this trio was a bold statement of intent under manager Ruben Amorim, whose high-intensity, vertical 3-4-2-1 system demands dynamic, hardworking forwards.
Bryan Mbeumo, signed from Brentford for £65 million, was the standout of the debutants. His familiarity with the Premier League shone through as he looked comfortable on the right of United’s front three, darting infield to fire dangerous shots and nearly scoring with a powerful header that tested Arsenal’s David Raya. Mbeumo’s clever flicks and first touches, including one that set up Cunha, highlighted his creativity and off-ball intelligence. Fans and analysts alike praised his seamless transition, with posts social media noting his “glimpses of promise” and suggesting he could be a key cog in Amorim’s system.
Matheus Cunha, acquired from Wolves, also impressed United fans, who voted him man of the match. His relentless work rate was evident in his 20 duels—the most of any player on the pitch—and his pressing disrupted Arsenal’s build-up play. However, Cunha’s decision-making in possession was less polished, with several rushed long-range shots contributing to United’s low expected goals (xG) tally of 1.52 from 22 attempts. His tendency to shoot from distance, a trait that inflated his goal count last season, may need refining to align with Amorim’s more structured approach. Nonetheless, his energy and commitment suggest he could thrive as a focal point in United’s attack.
Benjamin Sesko: A Promising Cameo
Benjamin Sesko, the third prong of United’s attack, made a late substitute appearance but showed enough to excite fans. The former RB Leipzig striker, who scored 21 goals last season, brought a much-needed penalty box presence, registering four touches in the box and two shots in just 25 minutes. His movement and ability to create space, including a clever flick to set up a teammate, earned praise from Wayne Rooney, who noted Sesko’s knack for positioning himself for chances. While his brief cameo wasn’t enough to judge his long-term impact, Sesko’s physicality and instincts suggest he could complement Mbeumo and Cunha effectively, especially in Amorim’s fluid system.
Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool’s New Star
At Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike’s debut in the win against Bournemouth, showcased why the Reds invested £90 million in the Eintracht Frankfurt striker. Paired with Florian Wirtz, Ekitike displayed chemistry that promises to enhance Liverpool’s already potent attack. His 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games last season highlighted his dual threat as a scorer and creator, and early signs suggest he’ll complement Mohamed Salah and Wirtz in Arne Slot’s aggressive, counter-pressing system. While Liverpool’s heavy summer spending raises questions about squad cohesion, Ekitike’s debut suggests he could be a breakout star.
Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki: Manchester City’s Dynamic Duo
Manchester City’s signings of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki signal Pep Guardiola’s intent to inject dynamism into a squad that faltered last season. Reijnders, a versatile midfielder, and Cherki, a diminutive playmaker likened to Lionel Messi, both made strong impressions in their debuts. Cherki’s close control and 12 goal contributions in 11 Europa League starts for Lyon last season suggest he could unlock defenses alongside Erling Haaland, while Reijnders’ vertical passing and work rate add balance to City’s midfield. Social media posts hailed their performances, with one user describing them as part of a wave of debutants “scoring” and setting the Premier League alight. Their contributions point to a refreshed City side ready to challenge for the title.
Rayan Ait-Nouri: A Defensive Revelation
Rayan Ait-Nouri, another Manchester City signing, also stood out, bringing dynamism to the left flank. His ability to bomb forward while maintaining defensive solidity aligns with Guardiola’s shift toward more vertical football. Ait-Nouri’s debut performance was described as “highly impressive,” with his energy and versatility suggesting he could be a key piece in City’s title push.
Florian Wirtz: A Mixed Bag for Liverpool
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, had a bittersweet introduction to the Premier League. In the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, Wirtz was a standout, creating three chances in the first half, completing 33/36 passes, and assisting Ekitike’s opener. Posts on social media hailed his “masterclass” first half, with stats showing 44 touches, four touches in the opposition box, and three instances of possession won. His Premier League debut against Bournemouth was less convincing. Despite creating three chances, covering 11.4 km, and making 11 passes into the final third, former Liverpool full-back Steve Nicol called Wirtz “average,” noting misplaced passes and a lack of positional clarity. Nicol suggested Wirtz struggled without Ryan Gravenberch’s midfield solidity, highlighting the need for Liverpool to define his role in their 4-2-1-3 system. Wirtz’s vision and creativity (18 goals, 15 assists in the Bundesliga last season) promise a transformative impact, but adaptation may take time.
Jeremie Frimpong: Liverpool’s Dynamic Wing-Back
Jeremie Frimpong, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for €45 million, also debuted in the Community Shield, scoring a “cheeky” goal from a cross/shot in the 21st minute. His pace and attacking instincts as a right wing-back, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold (who joined Real Madrid), suit Slot’s high-energy style. In a pre-season friendly against Preston, Frimpong played 45 minutes, showing recovery pace that bailed out Liverpool defensively, though he was quieter offensively compared to teammate Milos Kerkez. His nine goals and 11 assists from wing-back last season suggest he’ll bolster Liverpool’s attack.
Early Conclusions and Season Outlook
The opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season highlighted the varying fortunes of its new stars. Viktor Gyokeres’ flop at Arsenal raises concerns, but his adaptability and Arsenal’s commitment to integrating him suggest he could yet deliver. Manchester United’s Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko showed promise, with Mbeumo’s flair and Cunha’s work rate standing out, though their finishing needs sharpening. Ekitike’s early synergy with Liverpool’s attack, combined with Reijnders, Cherki, and Ait-Nouri’s dynamic displays for City, point to a fiercely competitive season.
As the campaign unfolds, these debutants will face intense scrutiny. Arsenal will hope Gyokeres can replicate his Sporting form, while United’s attacking trio must gel to lift the club from last season’s lows. Liverpool and City, bolstered by their new signings, look poised to challenge for the title, with Ekitike, Reijnders, Cherki, and Ait-Nouri potentially defining their campaigns. The Premier League’s new faces have set the stage for a thrilling season, and their performances will be crucial in shaping the title race.
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