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Gary Lineker issued a six-word message after he watched on as Match of the Day returned to our TV screens. The Premier League campaign began on Friday evening as Liverpool took on Bournemouth, before another five games took place on Saturday.
Spurs began their campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Burnley, as Thomas Frank began his tenure as the club's head coach with victory.
There was also a standout win for new boys Sunderland, who beat West Ham 3-1 on home turf to ensure a perfect start to the campaign.
But it wasn't Lineker in the BBC studios come 10.30pm on Saturday evening, with Mark Chapman accompanied by Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney for the first show of the season. That didn't stop Lineker from tuning in, however, with the 64-year-old taking to social media as he kicked back.
"Can't miss Match of the Day," wrote Lineker, who hosted the popular football highlights show for 26 years.
Instead of just one continuous host, the BBC opted to employ a trio to assume the role for the 2025/2026 season and onwards. Chapman will split the duties with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan - with a variety of pundits expected to feature on our screens between now and May.
Much has changed since Lineker left, but the BBC remains confident that the new arrangement will help maintain Match of the Day's robust viewing figures. The programme has consistently drawn in around 3.5million viewers - in recent seasons - despite competition from live TV matches, streaming services and social media clips.
A name change has also been confirmed by the BBC - with all versions of the show carrying a universal tag.
Chapman has addressed to change of name. "I'm intrigued, because I've never viewed Saturdays and Sundays as any different," he told the Radio Times during an interview.
English (US) ·