The 2025/26 Premier League season has roared to life, delivering a weekend full of high-scoring thrillers, statement victories, and compelling individual performances. The opening match week has already set the tone for what promises to be a captivating campaign. This post provides a full breakdown of all the matches played so far, highlighting the standout players and the managerial debuts that defined the weekend.
Match-by-Match Breakdown: The Story So Far
Liverpool (Arne Slot) vs. AFC Bournemouth (Andoni Iraola):
Result: Liverpool 4–2 AFC Bournemouth.
Managerial Debut: Arne Slot's first Premier League game in charge was a dramatic one.
His team, despite conceding a brace to Antoine Semenyo, showed a resilient spirit, with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah securing the win.
Player of the Match: Hugo Ekitiké, who scored a goal and provided an assist on his Premier League debut.
His clever movement and confidence caused problems for Bournemouth's defense throughout the match.
Tottenham Hotspur (Thomas Frank) vs. Burnley (Scott Parker):
Result: Tottenham 3–0 Burnley.
Managerial Debut: Thomas Frank enjoyed a dream home debut, guiding his side to a comfortable victory with a squad that showed significant promise.
Player of the Match: Richarlison, who scored a brace, including a sensational bicycle kick that is already being hailed as a "goal of the season contender" .
Sunderland (Régis Le Bris) vs. West Ham United (Graham Potter):
Result: Sunderland 3–0 West Ham United.
Managerial Debut: Régis Le Bris led the newly promoted Black Cats to a perfect return to the top flight, with an emphatic victory at the Stadium of Light.
The team showed great energy and togetherness. Player of the Match: Dan Ballard, who not only put in a rock-solid defensive performance but also scored a powerful header from a corner kick.
Aston Villa (Unai Emery) vs. Newcastle United (Eddie Howe):
Result: Aston Villa 0–0 Newcastle United.
Analysis: A goalless draw at Villa Park was filled with drama. Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa was shown a red card for a last-man foul on Anthony Gordon in the second half . Despite having a man advantage, Newcastle couldn't find a winner, missing striker Alexander Isak, who was absent due to "transfer uncertainty" .
Player of the Match: Amadou Onana, who was brilliant in midfield and provided a terrific performance after Villa were reduced to 10 men, helping his side hold on for a point .
Brighton & Hove Albion (Fabian Hürzeler) vs. Fulham (Marco Silva):
Result: Brighton 1–1 Fulham.
Analysis: Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz scored a dramatic equalizer six minutes into second-half stoppage time, rescuing a point for his side.
Brighton's Matt O'Riley had scored earlier from a penalty.
Player of the Match: Josh King, a young midfielder who impressed with a strong performance for Fulham, earning praise from his manager Marco Silva .
Wolverhampton Wanderers (Vítor Pereira) vs. Manchester City (Pep Guardiola):
Result: Manchester City 4–0 Wolverhampton Wanderers .
Analysis: Manchester City started their title defense with a dominant away performance.
New signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki scored on their Premier League debuts, while Erling Haaland scored a brace .
Player of the Match: Tijjani Reijnders, who scored a goal and was involved in the build-up for the other three goals on his debut .
Chelsea (Enzo Maresca) vs. Crystal Palace (Oliver Glasner):
Result: Chelsea 0–0 Crystal Palace.
Managerial Debut: Enzo Maresca's side was held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace, who showed a gritty and focused performance.
Player of the Match: Chris Richards, who was a rock at the back for Crystal Palace and was named Player of the Match for his performance.
Nottingham Forest (Nuno Espírito Santo) vs. Brentford (Keith Andrews):
Result: Nottingham Forest 3–1 Brentford.
Managerial Debut: Keith Andrews' first game in charge of Brentford was a tough one, as his side suffered a defeat at the City Ground.
Player of the Match: Chris Wood, who scored a brace and silenced his doubters with a dominant performance.
Matchweek 1 Fixtures and Results
| Match | Score | Winning Manager | Player of the Match | Goalscorers |
| Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth | 4–2 | Arne Slot | Hugo Ekitiké | LIV: Ekitiké, Gakpo, Chiesa, Salah. BOU: Semenyo (2) |
| Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley | 3–0 | Thomas Frank | Richarlison | TOT: Richarlison (2), Johnson |
| Sunderland vs. West Ham United | 3–0 | Régis Le Bris | Dan Ballard | SUN: Mayenda, Ballard, Isidor |
| Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United | 0–0 | None | Amadou Onana | None |
| Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham | 1–1 | None | Josh King | BHA: O'Riley (p). FUL: Muniz |
| Wolverhampton vs. Manchester City | 0–4 | Pep Guardiola | Tijjani Reijnders | MCI: Reijnders, Haaland (2), Cherki |
| Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace | 0–0 | None | Chris Richards | None |
| Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford | 3–1 | Nuno Espírito Santo | Chris Wood | NFO: Wood (2), Ndoye. BRE: Thiago (p) |
| Manchester United vs. Arsenal | 0–0 | None | N/A | None |
| Leeds United vs. Everton | 0-0 | None | N/A | None |