Poyet's volley and two red cards - fans' opening-day memories

[BBC] [Getty Images] With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. Here are some of your replies: Colin: The best opening day fixture was in 1984 away at Highbury. We were back in the top division after too long away. I'll admit to crying that day as Colin Pates led us out and I remember being overjoyed when Kerry Dixon equalised. Sal: Chelsea v Leeds United on the opening day of the 1972-73 season, with the first rebuilds of the stands meaning the new stand was closed. Chelsea won 4-0. My dad took me and my sister. I remember using the toilet that the lady selling tea used at half-time - I don't think there was a women's toilet there with the old stand gone. We stood and watched on the old track around the pitch as there were too many of us for the new capacity. I think some supporters were even locked out. Roger: My worst opening-day memory was a 3-2 loss at home against Burnley in August 2017. Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas were sent off. We were Premier League champions at the time as well, which made this defeat even harder to swallow. Ash: The best memory has to be Chelsea's opening day 4-0 thumping of Sunderland in 1999, when Gus Poyet scored that brilliant volley and Gianfranco Zola looked sharp as ever. After watching that performance, I thought Chelsea would win the league that season - but that wouldn't come until 2005. Still, that opening day in 1999 marked the start of something special for me - and I knew success was just around the corner. Peter: Beating Derby 5-0 in 1984 when they were favourites to go up to the First Division and we were favourites to gown to the Third Division! Andy: Chelsea v Sunderland. We had just bought Chris Sutton for £10m in the summer transfer market. He broke from the halfway line, the East Stand was on its feet roaring him on, and he slipped before getting a shot off. There was the loudest sigh as everyone sat down. Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Blues' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.