The 2026/27 Premier League season is underway, and the opening round produced plenty of records, landmarks and unusual statistics. Here are 10 you may have missed.
1. Brighton matched a 20-year-old Manchester United feat
Brighton were 4-0 up against Aston Villa after just 31 minutes, becoming the fastest team to establish a four-goal lead in the opening game of a Premier League season since Manchester United went 4-0 up against Fulham after 19 minutes in August 2006. Jack Hinshelwood scored twice in two minutes.
2. Newcastle's Liverpool drought continues
Newcastle came agonisingly close to ending their long Premier League wait for a win over Liverpool. They led twice at St James' Park, but Dominik Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty rescued a 2-2 draw for the visitors. Newcastle have now failed to beat Liverpool in their last 20 league meetings.
3. Chelsea's new front three all scored
João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer each scored as Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2. Palmer assisted João Pedro after only 32 seconds, Rogers scored on his competitive Chelsea debut and João Pedro later set up Palmer for the third.
4. Cherki is the Premier League's open-play assist leader
Rayan Cherki came off the bench to assist both Manchester City goals against Bournemouth. He now has 12 Premier League open-play assists since the start of 2025/26, more than any other player.
5. Maresca maintained City's managerial tradition
Enzo Maresca became the fourth consecutive Manchester City manager to win his first Premier League match in charge, following Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola. City's 2-1 victory came courtesy of goals in the 84th and 91st minutes.
6. Liverpool remain opening-day specialists
Liverpool's 2-2 draw extended their unbeaten run on the opening matchday to 14 Premier League seasons. Their record across that sequence is 10 wins and four draws.
7. Haaland finally blanked
For the first time since joining Manchester City, Erling Haaland failed to score in a Premier League season opener. He had found the net on opening weekend in each of his previous four campaigns. Is this the story of Samson? Did the new chop impact his game?
8. Hull made history against United
Promoted Hull marked their first Premier League game in nine years by beating Manchester United 2-0, their first-ever top-flight victory over the Red Devils. Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored.
9. Ipswich had a new Brazilian first
Emersonn became the first Brazilian to play for Ipswich Town and marked the occasion by scoring in their 2-1 victory over Sunderland. Jack Clarke grabbed the winner in the 90th minute.
10. Arteta reached 150 Premier League wins
Arsenal opened their title defence with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry, who were playing their first Premier League game since 2001. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard scored, while the victory was Mikel Arteta’s 150th Premier League win as Arsenal manager.
