The Premier League is back, and the opening weekend of the 2026/27 season wasted absolutely no time delivering goals, late drama and a few major surprises.
Defending champions Arsenal started exactly where they left off, cruising to a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City. Mikel Arteta’s side entered the new campaign as title favourites and did little to change that view with a controlled opening-night performance.
Manchester City also got their campaign off to a winning start, although they were made to work much harder for it. In Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League match in charge, City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1, with Josko Gvardiol grabbing a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Liverpool were another of the pre-season title contenders, but their campaign began with dropped points at St James’ Park. Newcastle twice led before Liverpool fought back to secure a 2-2 draw, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a penalty deep into stoppage time to rescue a point.
Chelsea were involved in another five-goal thriller on Monday night, coming away from Craven Cottage with a 3-2 victory over Fulham to start their campaign with three points.
But perhaps the biggest story of the weekend came at Hull City.
Back in the Premier League after nine years away, Hull stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 victory. It was the perfect return to top-flight football for the Tigers and an opening-weekend result United will want to forget quickly.
There was more misery for Tottenham, who were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Brentford, while Aston Villa endured an equally disastrous start as Brighton hammered them 4-0.
Ipswich also marked their return to the Premier League with three points, beating Sunderland 2-1 thanks to a late winner, while Leeds, Everton and Brighton were among the other sides celebrating opening-weekend victories.
Who are the favourites to win the Premier League?
After one round, Arsenal remain the team to beat.
The Gunners shortened to around 1.84 (5/6) in the outright market following their opening victory and remain the clear favourites to successfully defend their Premier League crown.
Manchester City are likely to provide the biggest challenge. Their opening victory showed plenty of character, and with a squad packed with quality and Erling Haaland leading the attack, writing City out of any title race would be brave.
Liverpool remain another serious contender despite dropping two points at Newcastle. A new managerial era may require some adjustment, but the quality within the squad means they should remain in the conversation.
Chelsea could also be worth watching after beginning with a win, while Manchester United’s opening defeat already leaves them with ground to make up.
It’s only one weekend, but the early message is clear: Arsenal are still the side everyone has to catch.
Early title picks:
Arsenal – The favourites
Manchester City – Major challengers
Liverpool – Still firmly in the race
Chelsea – The outside threat
The Premier League is back — and if the opening weekend is anything to go by, we’re in for another massive season.
My Goat Sports 