Ighalo’s goal not enough to fire Watford to victory

Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, scored a goal to earn Watford a point on their Barclays Premier League return as they held Everton to an opening-day 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

The Hornets, playing their first top-flight game since 2006-07, took a surprise lead in the 14th minute from Miguel Layun.

Ross Barkley 76th goal broke the resilience of the visitors, but they got ahead in the 83rd through a clever effort from substitute Ighalo.

The Nigerian raced clear in midfield before dummying inside John Stones to slot home from the edge of the box.

Everton substitute Arouna Kone then ensured his team salvaged something with a far-post finish with four minutes of normal time remaining.

Thibaut Courtois was sent off and Chelsea twice squandered the lead in the champion’s league opener against Swansea at Stamford Bridge.

Oscar’s free-kick put the Blues ahead and Willian’s deflected cross made it 2-1 after Andre Ayew had equalised for the visitors.

But Courtois was dismissed for bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis seven minutes after the break and the striker converted the resulting penalty to earn a point.

A first-half blitz from Leicester blew away Sunderland to hand new boss Claudio Ranieri a dream start and top spot in the league.

England striker Jamie Vardy’s header and Riyad Mahrez’s brace, one coming from the penalty spot, put Leicester in complete control after just 25 minutes.

Jermain Defoe pulled one back, but Marc Albrighton ended the contest with the Foxes’ fourth, even though Steven Fletcher made it 4-2.

Crystal Palace beat new boys Norwich 3-1 at Carrow Road with a well-taken finish from Wilfried Zaha on 39 minutes opening the scoring.

The Eagles doubled their lead at the start of the second half through captain Damien Delaney.

Substitute Nathan Redmond gave the Canaries hope with a 25-yard strike on 69 minutes before Jerome thought he had scored an equaliser – only for the goal to be ruled out for dangerous play. Palace scored a third deep into stoppage time through Yohan Cabaye.

Rudy Gestede scored 13 minutes into his Aston Villa debut to secure a 1-0 victory at newly-promoted Bournemouth.

The striker, a £6million summer arrival from Blackburn, headed home an Ashley Westwood corner after coming on as a second-half substitute.