The 2026-27 Premier League season got off to a thrilling start, with Gameweek 1 producing plenty of goals, surprise results and standout individual performances. Manchester United suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull City, while Tottenham Hotspur were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Brentford. Arsenal, meanwhile, began their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Coventry.
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 several impressive performances across the opening weekend, here is our Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 1, using a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Konstantinos Tzolakis – Hull City
Tzolakis was one of the biggest reasons behind Hull City's historic victory over Manchester United. The goalkeeper produced six saves to keep United off the scoresheet and secure a memorable clean sheet. His composure and shot-stopping ability provided Hull with the foundation needed to pull off one of the weekend's biggest upsets.
Right-Back: Michael Kayode – Brentford
Kayode delivered an absolutely sensational all-round performance against Tottenham. The right-back was excellent defensively, contributed heavily to Brentford's attacking play and capped his display with a goal. His energy and quality on both sides of the pitch made him an obvious selection at right-back.
Centre-Back: Jaka Bijol – Leeds United
Leeds United secured a clean-sheet victory over Nottingham Forest, with Bijol playing a major role at the heart of their defence. The Slovenian was calm, composed and dependable throughout the contest, dealing effectively with Forest's attacking threat and helping Leeds begin their campaign with three points.
Centre-Back: Kristoffer Ajer – Brentford
Ajer was another key figure in Brentford's dominant victory over Tottenham. The Norwegian defender looked extremely assured at the back, winning important duels and helping his side completely nullify Spurs' attacking threat. His defensive solidity complemented Brentford's relentless work elsewhere on the pitch.
Left-Back: Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal
Calafiori continues to look like Arsenal's undisputed star at left-back and began the new campaign in excellent fashion. He provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Coventry while also offering his usual combination of defensive reliability and attacking ambition. His contribution helped Arsenal control the game from start to finish.
Defensive Midfielder: Marc Guéhi – Manchester City
Guéhi was asked to operate in an unusual defensive midfield role by Maresca because of Manchester City's shortage of midfield options. Rather than looking uncomfortable, he thrived in the position against Bournemouth. The standout moment came when he found the net, adding an attacking contribution to an impressive tactical performance.
Defensive Midfielder: Mamadou Sangaré – Brentford
Sangaré enjoyed an outstanding Premier League debut as Brentford dismantled Tottenham 3-0. His performance in midfield was energetic, intelligent and influential throughout the match. Most impressively, he completely overshadowed Tottenham's record signing Sandro Tonali, who was also making his club debut.
Right Wing: Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Palmer looked back to his lethal best against Fulham. The Chelsea attacker was constantly dangerous in the final third and played a major role in the 3-2 victory. If he can maintain this level while avoiding injuries, Palmer could be heading towards another sensational individual campaign.
Attacking Midfielder: Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal
Ødegaard looks like a player reborn since the end of last season. The Arsenal captain has been fantastic from the World Cup through to the beginning of the new campaign, and his performance against Coventry was another example of his growing influence. His creativity, control and movement made him one of Gameweek 1's standout attacking midfielders.
Left Wing: Rayan Cherki
Manchester City's comeback victory over Bournemouth was heavily influenced by a game-changing performance from the bench from Rayan Cherki. The City winger provided two assists in just 28 minutes, completely changing the momentum of the contest and helping his side turn the match around. His impact makes him a straightforward selection on the left.
Striker: João Pedro – Chelsea
João Pedro continued the excellent form he showed during pre-season by producing another impressive display against Fulham. The striker looks increasingly dangerous under Xabi Alonso and appears ready to take his game to another level. If his early performances are anything to go by, Chelsea supporters could be in for a hugely productive season from their new attacking star.
Final XI (4-2-3-1)
Tzolakis; Kayode, Bijol, Ajer, Calafiori; Guéhi, Sangaré; Palmer, Ødegaard, Manchester City winger João Pedro.
Gameweek 1 has already provided plenty of evidence that the 2026-27 Premier League season could be one of the most unpredictable and entertaining campaigns in recent memory.
