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Premier League Matchday One: Ranking Every Team's Performance

The Premier League's usual top clubs had contrasting experiences in the opening fixtures. Some impressed while others struggled to find their footing.

Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, faced questions before the season about whether the league could live up to the excitement of a World Cup filled with thrilling matches and standout stars. He confidently predicted an exciting competition, and the first round of games delivered plenty of drama, surprises, and moments worth talking about.

How We Ranked the Teams

  • Performance: Judging how well each side played by looking beyond just the final score, focusing on the flow and quality of their football.
  • Expectations: Giving credit to teams that exceeded what was anticipated from them.
  • Venue: Considering the advantage of playing at home, with away results earning a bit more respect due to the lack of home support.

Rankings from Bottom to Top

  • 20. Aston Villa (0–4 Loss to Brighton) – Manager Unai Emery admitted his team lost emotional balance early on. The match was marked by confusion, including Emery's silence over why top scorer Ollie Watkins was left out.
  • 19. Tottenham Hotspur (0–3 Loss to Brentford) – A tough day for Spurs, whose display looked like a continuation of their recent struggles, despite heavy investment in players.
  • 18. Manchester United (0–2 Loss to Hull City) – Michael Carrick’s side showed vulnerability and a lack of attacking threat, failing to rise to the challenge against newly promoted Hull.
  • 17. Coventry City (0–3 Loss to Arsenal) – Coventry was unable to make much impact against the reigning champions, highlighting the gap between divisions.
  • 16. Sunderland (1–2 Loss to Ipswich Town) – Although level for most of the game, Sunderland were generally second best and lacked style.
  • 15. Nottingham Forest (0–1 Loss to Leeds United) – New manager Oliver Glasner described the team's performance as a process, pointing out the need for growth after a meek debut.
  • 14. Crystal Palace (0–2 Loss to Everton) – Off-field distractions and missed chances plagued Palace’s defeat to Everton.
  • 13. Fulham (2–3 Loss to Chelsea) – Despite a high-scoring loss, there were signs of promise including a debut goal from Gonzalo García.
  • 12. Liverpool (2–2 Draw with Newcastle) – Dominating possession and shots but struggling defensively, Liverpool left fans questioning their midfield discipline under new coach Andoni Iraola.
  • 11. Bournemouth (1–2 Loss to Manchester City) – A strong showing for Bournemouth until a late collapse, showing determination under new boss Marco Rose.
  • 10. Chelsea (3–2 Win vs. Fulham) – Xabi Alonso saw his team shine offensively but struggle with defensive indecision, yet they secured victory.
  • 9. Everton (2–0 Win vs. Crystal Palace) – David Moyes acknowledged some luck, but clinical finishing from Thierno Barry helped Everton claim the win.
  • 8. Leeds United (1–0 Win vs. Nottingham Forest) – Daniel Farke celebrated a historic win and joked about the possibility of future titles.
  • 7. Newcastle United (2–2 Draw with Liverpool) – A strong counterattacking display was marred by a late penalty conceded due to a lapse in concentration.
  • 6. Manchester City (2–1 Win vs. Bournemouth) – New manager Enzo Maresca experimented with defense-heavy tactics; defender Marc Guéhi impressed in midfield, while star striker Erling Haaland struggled.
  • 5. Ipswich Town (2–1 Win vs. Sunderland) – Breaking their past pattern, Ipswich secured a deserved home victory under Gary O’Neil.
  • 4. Arsenal (3–0 Win vs. Coventry City) – The champions started smoothly, cruising to a straightforward win that lifted spirits at the Emirates.
  • 3. Brighton & Hove Albion (4–0 Win vs. Aston Villa) – A dominant display, scoring four goals in just 30 minutes, though they missed opportunities in the second half against ten men.
  • 2. Brentford (3–0 Win vs. Tottenham Hotspur) – Keith Andrews praised his relentless side who pressed Spurs into submission with impressive intensity and control.
  • 1. Hull City (2–0 Win vs. Manchester United) – Manager Sergej Jakirović cleverly exploited United’s weaknesses, securing a memorable win through strategic preparation.

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