The 2026/27 Premier League season has started with a weekend full of surprises, late drama and early statements from England’s top-flight clubs.
Arsenal made the strongest opening statement among the title contenders, defeating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates as the reigning champions began their title defence in convincing fashion.
Manchester United, however, endured one of the biggest shocks of the opening round. Newly promoted Hull City stunned United 2-0, securing their first league victory over the Red Devils in 52 years and immediately putting pressure on Michael Carrick’s side.
Manchester City also had to dig deep to secure three points. Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, with Josko Gvardiol scoring a stoppage-time winner after Marc Guéhi had equalised late in the match.
Liverpool were involved in another dramatic encounter, rescuing a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park through Dominik Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty. The result marked an eventful beginning to Andoni Iraola’s tenure at Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Brighton produced one of the weekend’s biggest results with a 4-0 demolition of Aston Villa, while Brentford defeated Tottenham 3-0. Ipswich Town marked their Premier League return with a 2-1 win over Sunderland, while Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0 and Leeds United edged Nottingham Forest 1-0.
Matchday One concludes on Monday with Fulham hosting Chelsea at Craven Cottage, with Chelsea beginning the new campaign under Xabi Alonso.
After just one round, the Premier League has already delivered its familiar mix of title contenders, unexpected results and last-minute drama, setting the stage for what promises to be another fiercely contested campaign.
