2024/25 EPL Gameweek 1 Review: Performances of Ghanaian stars

With Spurs playing out an enthralling 1-1 stalemate against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday night, culminating in the climax of the opening day’s actions, here’s how Ghanaian stars fared across the various match centres.

Arsenal — Thomas Partey

A resounding 2-0 victory for the Gunners over Wolverhampton Wanderers did not come as a surprise. Mikel Arterta’s side went neck-and-neck with Manchester City, who eventually ended up securing a record-breaking fourth successive English Premier League crown last season.

Arteta and his side would have to be flawless to usurp Manchester City as the dominant force in England, which started with aplomb. Thomas Partey, who featured 14 times last season after an injury-ridden season, was in from the start. The Ghanaian — having Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice either side of him in midfield, albeit Odegaard operating much higher up the pitch — completed a full game for the first time since May 4, 2024.

A composed midfield performance saw him win 6 out of 10 contested duels, 3 tackles, and provide 4 key passes. Partey will be a focal point if the Gunners are to mount a title charge or, perhaps, go all the way.

Bournemouth — Antoine Semenyo

The Cherries snatched a point from the jaws of defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City ground via a well-taken finish from Antoine Semenyo. The departure of Dominic Solanke — to Tottenham Hotspurs — left a huge void in the Bournemouth set-up prior to the commencement of the season. Head coach Andoni Iraola will hope Semenyo, who led the line from the onset, will have the impetus needed to stomach the goalscoring responsibilities and better his 8 Premier League goal haul from last season.

Crystal Palace — Jordan Ayew

A record-breaking day at the G-Tech community stadium for Brentford as they beat Crystal Palace for the first time in the Premier League on Sunday. Jordan Ayew joined the fray with 20 minutes to go as he took Daichi Kamada’s place. His 13 touches, which included 1 key pass, meant his minimal impact could do little to affect the outcome as Palace lost by 2-1. The Ghanaian, whose future remains uncertain, would hope to hit the ground running when Palace take on West Ham over the weekend. Meanwhile, Jeffery Schlupp was an unused substitute for Palace.

Leicester City — Fatawu Issahaku

An inspiring performance from the former Sporting CP lad, providing a crucial assist for Jamie Vardy in a raucous atmosphere at the King Power Stadium on Monday night as the Foxes held on for a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspurs on their Premier League return.

Fatawu, after an eventful first campaign with Leicester, which saw him wrack up 19 goal involvements in the championship (including 13 assists and 6 goals), was on hand to tee up veteran Jamie Vardy for Leicester City’s equalizing goal against Spurs.

A menace all night, Fatawu provided 2 key passes, completed 3 out of 6 attempted dribbles, got an assist for his efforts, and saw out the entire game. He could not have asked for more as his link-up with Jamie Vardy earned Leicester a valuable point. More of the same is needed, if the Foxes are to stay up come May.

West Ham United — Mohammed Kudus

The Starboy, as described by his West Ham teammates during pre-season, was the only sparkle in an indifferent display by the Hammers; reminiscent of David Moyes’ tenure. Amadou Onana and John Dhuran, who was linked to West Ham all summer but turned out to be the pantomime villain on Saturday, gave the Villans all three points. Lucas Paqueta scored from the spot for West Ham as they suffered a bitter 2-1 opening-day loss – despite a splurge of cash to bring in new signings this summer.

Kudus, starting his second Premier League campaign, made 59 touches, completed two key passes and got away with three dribbles from an attempted 5. The former Ajax man looked the most potent threat amongst all West Ham players as he continued to dazzle on the right wing, bamboozling Matty Cash. A decent showing was made by the 24-year-old, who expressed a strong desire to make a statement this term.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana is close to full fitness after suffering an injury, as confirmed by his coach (Russell Martin), while Tariq Lamptey missed Brighton’s trip to Goodison with an injury.

By Andrews Sefa Bamfo

The post 2024/25 EPL Gameweek 1 Review: Performances of Ghanaian stars first appeared on 3News.

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