Premier League 2026/27 underway

Quite an opening first week of the new Premier League season.

Champions Arsenal strolled past newly promoted Coventry City on Friday evening, 3-0 the final score but if Manchester United and Sunderland thought that they may have a similarly comfortable afternoon in their matches against the other 2 promoted sides, Hull City and Ipswich Town respectively, they were in for a rude awakening. Manchester United were ponderous and looked like a side still in the middle of pre-season rather than playing their opening competitive fixture. Hull City totally outplayed and outfought them as they registered their first home league victory against United since 1974 when both sides were in the old second division.

Sunderland looked better in their match at Portman Road but still fell to a 2-1 defeat courtesy of a late winner from ex-Sunderland player Jack Clarke. The Tractor Boys did not register their first PL win until their 11th match in their previous season in the top flight. They’ve got off to a flyer this time.

Two other sides seemingly still needing to blow off the close season cobwebs are Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa who both crashed to heavy defeats on opening day. Spurs were blown away by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The home side looked fit and fully prepared for the start of the new campaign. Spurs did not. It could have been a lot worse than the final 3-0 scoreline. Villa started quite brightly at the AMEX Stadium but self destructed in defence as they gifted hosts Brighton & Hove Albion 4 goals in the first half hour and then had new signing Joao Gomes sent off, still before half-time. They too were grateful that no further damage was done as the match ended 4-0.

Elsewhere, Liverpool got off to their usual spawny start as they rescued a point in a 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United, their equaliser coming from a soft penalty given in the 6th minute of 5 added minutes. It was expertly converted by Dominik Szoboslai but harsh on the Magpies. Liverpool’s Marseyside neighbours, Everton, fared better as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at the Hill Dickenson Stadium. Toffees manager David Moyes admitted that they really ought to have been 2 goals down by the time Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall smashed in their opener but Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta missed 2 good chances. Thierno Barry added a second in the second half to secure the points for Moyes’ side.

Manchester City also almost came a cropper as well, trailing AFC Bournemouth 1-0 at home with just 6 minutes remaining, before 2 late goals turned a potential frustrating defeat into a 2-1 win, much to the relief of the home fans and new head coach Enzo Maresca. The Cherries again looked in better shape than their more vaunted hosts, a trend running through the weekend, but City managed to scrape the win.

Leeds United were another opening day winner as they returned home from the City Ground with a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest in Oliver Glasner’s first match as Forest manager. Anton Stach’s 88th minute free-kick separated the two sides but the Forest wall did not do its job allowing the ball through although Mat Selz will be disappointed not to keep the shot out having got his hand to the ball.

One more match to come tonight as local rivals Fulham and Chelsea meet at Craven Cottage. If the weekend trend continues, expect a thumping home win.

Premier League Prediction Competition 2026

Welcome back to all.

John F has started fast as he leads on 36 points ahead of Helen on 26 and Tony on 22.

I managed to score zero. Not an auspicious start for me!

DON’T FORGET THOSE PREDICTIONS!

PLEASE INVITE ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART.

CONTACT ME AT… contact.sytykf@gmail.com

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