25 August 2026
The Premier League returned last weekend, bringing with it multiple controversies, upsets, and sensational football. A much changed league this year thanks to an influx of new managers, there is plenty of uncertainty about how the final table is going to shape up. Here are our five overreactions from the opening weekend’s action:
Arsenal Will Win The League With Ease
The reigning champions brought down the curtain on the 26/27 season with a comfortable, resounding win over newly promoted Coventry. Following the dismantling of Manchester City in the Community Shield the previous week, the Gunners are picking up where they left off, and perhaps look even stronger.
Although new star man Bruno Guimaraes missed out through injury, fellow newcomer Christos Tzolis shone on the left wing, and Kai Havertz looks as if he has found the perfect role for his capabilities spearheading the attack. With so much uncertainty surrounding the chasing pack, the continuity of Arsenal looks like it will set them up for a title defence they can take at a canter.
The Wirtz Experiment Is Over
Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool looking destined to be the next star of the Premier League. When coupled with the signing of Alexander Isak last summer following Arne Slot’s title win in his debut season, fans at Anfield would have thought that the Redmen would be setting up for a dynasty.
In reality, this hasn’t materialised, and Liverpool are now in a state of rebuild rather than domination. Isak can’t escape blame for this either, showing a worrying lack of form either side of a serious injury, but Wirtz looks lost in a Liverpool shirt. The front foot, fast paced style that new coach Andoni Iraola asks from his players might not be a great much for the young German, who feels a touch lightweight for the physicality of the Premier League, and could be sacrificed for a more commanding midfield presence.
Hull The Most Likely To Stay Up From Newly Promoted Sides
A stunning result in the early kick off saw Hull City sweep aside Manchester United in a chastening defeat for Michael Carrick. Much has been made of the lack of legs in United’s midfield (something which has been a hot topic for some years), but the arrival of Carlos Baleba should go some way to rectify this.
Hull on the other hand were sensational. Before the season started many pointed to their low possession stats in the Championship and how that would translate badly to the Premier League. In fact, their plan worked to a tee. Resolute at the back and a nuisance at the top of the field, they were clinical from set pieces and delivered dangerous crosses from their wing backs all game. If they can replicate the atmosphere at the MKM Stadium thoughout the season, they have a great chance of staying up.
Chelsea Can’t Compete For The Title With Robert Sanchez In Goal
Xabi Alonso’s reign at the helm of Chelsea kicked off with a thoroughly entertaining win against local rivals Fulham. While the new front three, imaginatively dubbed ‘JPMorgan’ ran riot, Chelsea’s issues at the back were compounded by a Robert Sanchez disasterclass.
From letting the ball run out of play for a corner before clearing it, to a terrible misjudgement of angles for Fulham’s opener, Sanchez is not at the required standard for a title charge. Although there was some dicey defending from Levi Colwill and co, Chelsea’s forwards did enough for this game to be comfortably out of sight, but kept getting let down by the man in goal. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea dip their toes in the transfer market, or if Alonso turns to hot prospect Mike Penders from the bench.
Brentford In The Driving Seat For Europe
Much had been made of a new look Tottenham team going into the season, dusting off the cobwebs of two terrible Premier League campaigns and potentially chasing Champions League qualification thanks to a host of new signings. Their hopes for the season however were almost instantly dashed by a scintillating Brentford performance, with the Bees demolishing De Zerbi’s men thanks to an outstanding performance in particular from new man Mamadou Sangaré.
As stated earlier about Arsenal, continuity looks set to be a huge advantage in this season with more than half of the teams experiencing managerial changes. Keith Andrews has given Brentford a clear identity, has strengthened the squad, and has a clearer fixture list in comparison to fellow mid table sides Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Sunderland. Don’t be surprised if you find the Bees at the top end of the table competing for Europa, or even Champions League spots this season.