The 2026/27 Premier League season got off to a dramatic start, with Gameweek 1 already producing several major talking points. Arsenal began with a comfortable 3-0 win over Coventry, while Manchester United suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Hull City. Meanwhile, Brentford also made quite a statement by dismantling Tottenham 3-0.
Premier League Gameweek 1 Results
Arsenal 3-0 Coventry
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United
Brentford 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton 4-0 Aston Villa
Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool
Fulham 2-3 Chelsea
With plenty to discuss from the opening weekend, here are five expert observations from Premier League Gameweek 1.
5. New Season, Same Old Manchester United
Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Hull City once again highlighted a frustrating pattern that has followed the club for several seasons.
United have repeatedly shown that they can produce huge victories against major rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool, only to drop points against opponents they would be expected to beat comfortably on paper.
This defeat to Hull fits that worrying pattern perfectly.
Michael Carrick's side appeared to struggle when faced with an opponent capable of sitting deep and defending in a compact low block. United need to find a consistent solution against these types of teams because this is precisely where title challengers and Champions League contenders cannot afford to lose points.
If Carrick cannot solve United's struggles against low-block opposition, their problems could become even more serious as the season progresses.
4. Maresca's Manchester City Look Like Genuine Title Contenders
Manchester City's 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth could prove to be an extremely important result.
Even when Bournemouth were leading 1-0, Maresca's City looked relentless. Rather than losing confidence, they increased the intensity of their attacking play as the game progressed. They created several dangerous situations and could even have taken the lead earlier if not for a costly Haaland miss in the first half.
The eventual comeback also demonstrated that elite mentality that Manchester City developed under Pep Guardiola.
Maresca's side may have a different tactical identity, but the mentality clearly remains. With Ayoub Bouaddi arriving and the possibility of Enzo Fernandez joining the project, City's squad could become even stronger.
If that happens, Arsenal may have a serious challenger in the title race.
3. Alonso's Chelsea Frontline Looks Absolutely Devastating
Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham provided another glimpse of the enormous attacking potential in Xabi Alonso's squad.
The Palmer-Pedro-Rogers trio looked incredibly dangerous, combining pace, technical ability, creativity, finishing and intelligent movement. Most importantly, there appeared to be genuine chemistry between the three attackers.
Each player brings something different. They can beat defenders individually, combine in tight areas and create opportunities through quick link-up play.
If injuries do not become a major issue for Cole Palmer, this attacking trio has all the ingredients to become one of the most lethal and entertaining forward lines in recent Premier League history.
Chelsea still have plenty to improve defensively, but their attacking ceiling could be frightening.
2. Brentford's Sangare Looks Like the Real Deal
One of the biggest individual surprises of Gameweek 1 came from Brentford, where Sangare produced a sensational debut against Tottenham.
In Brentford's impressive 3-0 victory, the midfielder looked completely at home in the Premier League. He took control of the midfield battle and made a major impact at both ends of the pitch.
His defensive positioning, physical presence and ability to influence possession immediately stood out.
Of course, one game is not enough to make definitive judgments, but the early signs are extremely encouraging. If Sangare continues performing at this level, it would not be surprising to see him follow in the footsteps of players such as Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Elliot Anderson in becoming the next Premier League defensive-midfield superstar.
1. Liverpool's Andoni Iraola Needs Help Immediately
Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Newcastle may have flattered Andoni Iraola's side.
They were extremely fortunate to escape St James' Park with a point after Dominik Szoboszlai's last-minute penalty rescued them. Throughout the match, Liverpool repeatedly struggled to deal with Newcastle's long balls, pace and direct attacking threat.
Newcastle's forwards were able to exploit spaces and put Liverpool's defensive structure under significant pressure.
The result should be a warning sign for the Liverpool board. If they want Iraola to compete seriously this season, the manager arguably needs reinforcements immediately.
A new defensive midfielder should be high on the priority list, while another quality centre-back to partner Virgil van Dijk could also be crucial.
Liverpool have enough attacking quality to compete with the top sides, but their defensive vulnerabilities could become a major problem over a 38-game season.
If the board fails to support Iraola with the necessary additions, this could turn into a long and painful campaign for Liverpool.
