Ipswich: Newly promoted Ipswich Town marked its return to the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, while Everton and Leeds United also opened their campaigns with wins. Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute against his former club to give Ipswich all three points at Portman Road after Sunderland had fought back to level.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ipswich took the lead in the 22nd minute after Julio Enciso capitalized on a Luke O'Nien error and produced a run before setting up fellow summer signing Emersonn, who finished into an empty net for his first competitive goal for the club. Sunderland equalized in the 39th minute when Nilson Angulo curled a free kick into the top-left corner off the underside of the crossbar. Despite threats from the visitors after the break, Ipswich continued to search for a winner. The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when Clarke capitalized on a loose pass before curling a low effort into the bottom-right corner to send Portman Road into celebration.
At Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 despite the visitors creating several of the better chances in the first half. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a series of important saves, including pushing Eddie Nketiah's curling effort onto the post. Jean-Philippe Mateta also struck the woodwork for Palace. Everton took the lead in the 42nd minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired a left-footed shot into the top corner following a pass from Harrison Armstrong. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute when Iliman Ndiaye delivered a cross from the right and Thierno Barry headed home from close range. Everton held on to secure all three points despite Palace creating several opportunities, particularly before halftime.
Leeds United also began its campaign with a 1-0 victory away to Nottingham Forest. Forest threatened in the first half, with Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford producing an important save to deny Igor Jesus' header. Both sides continued to create opportunities after the break. Forest substitute Chris Wood shot wide after being played through, while goalkeeper Matz Sels made a fine save to deny Tarik Muharemovic's powerful header. Leeds finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute when Anton Stach sent a powerful free kick toward the near post, with Sels unable to keep it out. The late goal secured Leeds all three points at the City Ground.