The world's most watched league is back, meaning that the African brothers are having their say, as ever.

Countries from across the length and breadth were represented in the opening weekend. Goals, assists, flops and tops were seen over the grounds, as Gary Al-Smith reports.

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Algeria midfielder Riyad Mahrez (pictured below) led the African scorers with a brace for Leicester City who spanked visiting Sunderland 4-2. His first goal came via a header in the 18th minute to give the club a 2-0 lead, before making it 3-0 seven minutes later after he had been fouled in the box.

Ghana defender Jeffery Schlupp featured for the whole game and was in sparkling form.

Senegal internationals Cheikhou Kouyate and Papiss Cisse were on target for their English Premier League clubs West Ham and Newcastle United in their opening games.

Kouyate scored the opening goal for the Hammers as they shocked hosts and title favourites Arsenal 0-2 on Sunday. The midfielder beat Arsenal's goalkeeper Petr Cech to a free kick, heading home on 43 minutes. Argentine forward Mauro Zarate capped the win just before the hour mark.

Playing alongside Kouyate for much of the game was fellow Senegal international Diafra Sakho, before the latter was replaced by Mali star Modibo Maiga in the 90th minute.

Meanwhile two Teranga Lions were also involved in another Sunday game, with Papiss Cisse's Newcastle United (pictured below) hosting Sadio Mane's Southampton in a game that finished 2-2.

The visitors, for whom Mane played all 90 minutes, scored first in the 24th minute and Cisse headed home on 43 minutes to make it 1-1. Both clubs were to add a goal apiece in the second period.

Nigeria international Odion Ighalo came off the bench to score for his club Watford as they drew 2-2. 

Ighalo (pictured below) who netted 20 goals to help Watford gain promotion to the top-flight last season, joined the fray in the 74th minute and scored a fine solo goal from the edge of the box to make it 1-2 in the 83rd minute. 

However Cote d'Ivoire striker Arouna Kone (main story picture) denied him the winner when he equalised for Everton three minutes later.

Elsewhere, Ghana star Andre Ayew scored a brilliant goal on his debut as his club Swansea City drew 2-2 at the home of champions Chelsea. 

The 25-year-old needed two takes to score, but left Chelsea and England defender John Terry sprawling with a stupendous drag-back, before firing home from close range.

Wing-back Pape Souare from Senegal featured all 90 minutes for Crystal Palace as they won 1-3 at newly-promoted Norwich City.

Benin international Rudy Gestede (below, right) headed home the only goal of the match for Aston Villa as they edged EPL new boys AFC Bournemouth 0-1. 

The 26-year-old joined the action in the 59th minute in place of another African debutant in the league, Ghana star Jordan Ayew, and scored the goal in the 72nd minute. Midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Senegal also made his debut for Aston Villa following his move from French side Lille. The 25-year-old played all 90 minutes. 

Cote d'Ivoire winger Max Gradel made his debut for Bournemouth as a second half substitute, but could not save his side.

There's one more game to play on Monday between Manchester City, who have Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure and West Brom, who are likely to start Nigeria's Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe as well as Benin's Stephane Sessegnon.

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