Capacity crowds return for first Premier League Saturday of 2021-22 season

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Manchester United fans could not have wished for a better result in their opening game as the Red Devils beat old rivals Leeds 5-1

After 17 months of empty seats and eerily quiet stadiums, capacity crowds returned in force on the first Saturday of the new Premier League season.

Social distancing measures at sporting venues were lifted following the easing of Covid restrictions in England on 19 July.

Brentford stunned Arsenalon a thunderous night in west London on Friday, and the atmosphere was no less buoyant around the grounds on Saturday.

Speaking after his side's victory over Leeds at Old Trafford,Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the return of supporters "creates and sets the mood".

"You get the butterflies again," added the Norwegian. "Suddenly it's a game that matters.

"We felt extra responsibility because it's been so long without them. They mean so much to us. To have that love from the fans is so important."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who found the net in Everton's comeback win against Southampton, said afterwards: "It's a great feeling to score with fans being back in the stadium. I felt like a kid again.

"I scored a few last season but with no fans. That was a special one."

Xisco Munoz, whose Watford side beat Aston Villa at Vicarage Road on their top-flight return, told BBC Sport: "Today was an amazing day, perfect because we met with our fans."

Here's how supporters up and down the country celebrated their return.

Manchester United, Leeds United, Premier League, Old Trafford fansImage source, Getty Images
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Old Trafford was packed for the day's early kick-off between old rivals Manchester United and Leeds

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The stadium erupted when Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark

Turf Moor, fans, Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion, match programmeImage source, Getty Images
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A Burnley fan immerses himself in the Clarets' matchday programme prior to the game against Brighton

Chelsea, Crystal Palace, fans, Stamford BridgeImage source, Getty Images
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At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea fans young and old were desperate to get their first glimpse of the 2020-21 Champions League winners, who took on Crystal Palace

Christian Pulisic, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Stamford BridgeImage source, Getty Images
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Christian Pulisic helped ensure it was an enjoyable afternoon for the Blues faithful

Everton, Southampton, fans, Goodison ParkImage source, Getty Images
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Supporters flocked to Goodison Park to see Everton host Southampton in Rafael Benitez's first Premier League game in charge of the Toffees

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Former Liverpool boss Benitez was pleased with his reception from the Everton faithful

Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, King Power Stadium, fansImage source, Getty Images
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2020-21 FA Cup winners Leicester City hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers at King Power Stadium

Watford, Aston Villa, Vicarage Road, fansImage source, Getty Images
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At Vicarage Road, Watford supporters watched the Hornets beat Aston Villa in their first game back in the Premier League

Norwich City, Liverpool, Carrow RoadImage source, Getty Images
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Norwich City were handed a tough assignment in their first Premier League game of the campaign, welcoming 2019-20 champions Liverpool to Carrow Road

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