Express Sport runs the rule over the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Arsenal FC v Coventry City - Premier League 2026/27
Express Sport runs the rule over the Premier League's opening weekend
After a long summer break, the Premier League is well and truly back. The opening weekend was full of drama and proved that just about anything can happen in England's top flight, with Manchester United losing to newly-promoted Hull City and Tottenham being thrashed by Brentford after spending well over £200million on new players.
Hull weren't the only Premier League newbies to spring a surprise, with Ipswich Town beating Sunderland courtesy of a last-minute winner from Jack Clarke against his former club. Reigning champions Arsenal made the perfect start against Coventry City, while Manchester City needed a late flurry to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea had to dig deep to squeeze past Fulham.
Arsenal will win the league
Arsenal will win the league
It's very difficult to look past Arsenal when it comes to predicting who will win the Premier League this season. They are clearly the strongest team and cruised past Coventry to begin their title defence in emphatic fashion. Although beating a newly-promoted team at home isn't exactly a groundbreaking achievement for the Gunners, they now know what it takes to be champions and should be too strong for the rest of the division over the next 37 games.
Villa are in trouble - but they must keep Emery
Villa are in trouble - but they must keep Emery
Unai Emery's squad has been gutted since the end of last season, when they won the Europa League, and it showed in their chastening 4-0 defeat to Brighton. They conceded every goal before half-time and never looked like bringing themselves back into the game, which turned into a training session for the Seagulls after the interval. It won't be easy for Villa to compete with the Premier League's elite this season, but sacking Emery won't be the answer. He's a proven winner and must be given time to stabilise things.
Man Utd need more signings
There was so much optimism surrounding the Red Devils after they ended the previous campaign as the league's in-form side. However, they were quickly brought down to earth at the MKM Stadium as they were swept aside by Hull in the opening weekend's biggest shock. With only a week until the transfer window closes, United desperately need to add more quality and depth to their squad. They have spent the summer improving their midfield but it's far from the only problem area that needs addressing before the deadline.
Sangare will be a signing of the season contender
Sangare will be a signing of the season contender
Brentford new boy Mamadou Sangare ran the show against Tottenham, contributing at both ends of the pitch as the Bees cruised to a 3-0 triumph on home soil. They smashed their transfer record to sign the 24-year-old for around £39million, which already looks like a steal. If he continues in the same way until the end of the campaign, the midfielder could be worth double that amount next summer. Signing of the season? Quite possibly, but there's a long way to go.