Premier League Tours USA through Historic Tournament

August 11, 2023

European preseason soccer being played in America is nothing new. It’s the perfect chance for fans who can’t make the trip overseas during the season to see their favorite clubs’ stars, mainstays, youngsters and, in some cases, new signings, while the clubs build chemistry.

The Premier League, with Panini serving as a proud sponsor, put on its inaugural Summer Series preseason tournament in late July 2023 and showcased the intensity and passion of England’s top flight at U.S. venues. Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and FedEx Field in Maryland served as host sites. Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle United participated in the American footballing tour.

The competition’s first match ramped up the hype with Chelsea holding on for a 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in a thriller. Participating squads brought their shooting boots in each match, with clean sheets in only three of the nine matches.

There were loads of exciting debuts to enjoy. Chelsea supporters got to witness the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to the storied club. Aston Villa supporters watched the highly touted French winger Moussa Diaby and tactical Spanish defender Pau Torres for the first time. Catching young Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali in his Newcastle United action was a welcome sight for Newcastle United supporters.

The Magpies’ Elliot Anderson led the competition with three goals. Diaby, Nkunku, Jackson, Emiliano Buendía, Simon Adingra and long-time Premier League forward Danny Welbeck each scored two goals.

Adingra’s two goals were the result of a spectacular brace against Brentford, and they marked his first finishes in a Brighton & Hove Albion kit.

Chelsea finished atop the competition with seven points through two wins and a draw. Aston Villa and Newcastle United both bagged five points, with the Lions finishing runners-up on goal differential.

It was a nice final tune-up for these clubs as they primed for what should be an enthralling 2023-24 Premier League campaign.