From Hull City’s historic victory over Manchester United to Liverpool extending their remarkable unbeaten run on the opening day and Arsenal beginning their title defence in style, the opening weekend delivered plenty of numbers that made headlines. The 2026/27 Premier League season got off to a dramatic start, with Gameweek 1 producing landmark results, late goals and a host of individual milestones. Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City saw manager Mikel Arteta reach 150 Premier League wins. He reached the landmark in 249 games, putting him among an elite group of managers to record 150 Premier League victories in fewer than 250 matches, according to Jio Star.
The result also extended Arsenal’s remarkable record against promoted opposition. Hull’s victory also ended a long wait against United. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 46 consecutive Premier League home games against promoted sides, with 41 wins and five draws. They have won their last 17 such matches, scoring 47 goals and conceding just nine. One of the biggest shocks of the weekend came at Hull City, where the newly promoted side defeated Manchester United 2-0 despite United enjoying 71.6 per cent possession. It was United’s highest possession figure in a Premier League match since September 2023. Their attacking struggles were further highlighted by the fact that United have failed to score on the opening day in back-to-back Premier League seasons, despite registering a combined 43 shots across those matches. The newly promoted side had failed to score in their previous 37 attempts against the Red Devils in the competition before Semi Ajayi found the net. It was Hull’s first league win over United since 1974.
The fixture also continued its remarkable late-goal trend, with this being the fourth consecutive Premier League meeting between the sides at St James’ Park to feature a result-changing goal in the 90th minute or later. Martin Odegaard also made an early impact, scoring in consecutive appearances for Arsenal for the first time since December 2023. His two goals this season have already surpassed his total of one goal in 36 appearances across all competitions last season. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty came at 98:06, making it Liverpool’s latest-ever Premier League penalty and earning the visitors a point. The goal was also Chelsea’s fastest Premier League strike since Pedro scored after 30 seconds against Manchester United in October 2016. Chelsea have now scored 13 goals in the opening minute of Premier League matches, with only Everton having more, at 14.
