Premier League opener delivers historic wins, record streaks and surprise upsets
The first round of the 2026/27 Premier League produced several milestones, including Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s 150th victory and Hull City’s shock defeat of Manchester United.
The season kicked off with Arsenal delivering a convincing win over Coventry City, allowing Mikel Arteta to notch his 150th Premier League victory in fewer than 250 games. Hull City stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 result, the Red Devils’ first opening-day loss to a newly promoted club and their fourth defeat in seven seasons on opening day. Liverpool continued a 14-year streak of unbeaten opening matches after a 2-2 draw with Newcastle, which featured a 98-minute penalty by Dominik Szoboszlai.
Chelsea set a new record for the quickest opening-day goal, scored by João Pedro after 31 seconds, and fielded the youngest starting XI of the weekend. Individual milestones included Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock breaking long Premier League goal droughts, and several promoted sides securing victories, underscoring a surprising start to the campaign.
Why it matters
The opening fixtures set early trends and records that could shape the title race and relegation battle.
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