Liverpool to kick off title defence as Palace win

Jurgen Klopp's side begin a season as English champions for the first time since 1990 when they host Marcelo Bielsa's promoted Leeds on the opening day of the 2020-21 campaign.

Just 48 days after last season's delayed conclusion, the Premier League is back and Arsenal hit the ground running with a 3-0 win.

In the day's second game of the season, Crystal Palace beat Southampton 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

Palace, who ended last season with seven defeats in their last eight games, took the lead in the 13th minute when Wilfried Zaha volleyed in from Andros Townsend's cross.

Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters got a reprieve when he was harshly sent off for a high challenge on Tyrick Mitchell in the second half, with referee Jon Moss changing his decision to a yellow card after consulting the pitchside monitor.

Danny Ings nearly snatched a last-gasp equaliser but his header was well saved by Vicente Guaita.

While the continued absence of fans due to the coronavirus and shorter than usual break has taken a little anticipation away from the new campaign, Liverpool head into the new season looking to win to be crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time.

Only Manchester United have won more than Liverpool's 19 top-flight titles, but reaching that historic total won't be easy for Klopp's team.

Liverpool have watched title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City sign several expensive new players since the end of last season, while the Reds have been quiet in the transfer market.

After losing the Community Shield to Arsenal on penalties last month, Leeds' visit to Anfield offers a chance for Klopp to assess whether his players are still hungry for silverware.

Leeds are back in the top-flight for the first time in 16 years after winning the Championship last season.

The late game sees West Ham host Newcastle, who have endured a turbulent close season marred by the failed takeover by a largely Saudi Arabia-backed consortium.