The opening Saturday of the 2026/27 Premier League season produced plenty of drama, with two promoted sides celebrating memorable victories.
Hull City made the biggest statement of the day as they marked their return to the top flight with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium.
Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute before club-record signing Nobel Mendy doubled the Tigers’ advantage shortly before half-time.
The result marked Hull’s first top-flight victory over Manchester United and their first league win against the Red Devils since 1974.
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic became the first Bosnian manager to win a Premier League match, while captain Lewie Coyle hailed the character and resilience shown by his side.
The only concern for Hull was injuries to both goalscorers, with Ajayi suffering a suspected hamstring problem and Mendy reporting an adductor issue.
For Manchester United, it was a disappointing opening to the campaign under Michael Carrick. Marcus Rashford made his first Premier League appearance for the club since December 2024, but United could not find a way back into the contest.
There was also late drama at Portman Road as Ipswich Town defeated Sunderland 2-1.
Emersonn put Ipswich ahead after combining with fellow new signing Julio Enciso, before Sunderland’s Nilson Angulo levelled with a direct free-kick.
The Tractor Boys then secured their first Matchweek 1 top-flight victory since 1993/94 when former Sunderland player Jack Clarke struck in the 90th minute to seal all three points.
Brentford also enjoyed an impressive start, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-0.
Keane Lewis-Potter opened the scoring after being teed up by debutant Mamadou Sangare, before Vitaly Janelt added a second before the break.
Michael Kayode completed the scoring after half-time, although Igor Thiago missed a penalty which would have given Brentford the chance to move top of the table on goal difference.
Leeds United also began their campaign with a victory, securing a 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest.
Anton Stach produced the decisive moment two minutes from time, curling home a free-kick to give Leeds back-to-back opening-match victories.
Everton rounded off the day’s action with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave the Toffees the lead before Thierno Barry added a second after the interval, securing Everton’s first opening-day Premier League victory in five years.
It was a difficult afternoon for new Palace boss Pierre Sage, with defender Chadi Riad forced off on a stretcher after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
With two promoted sides already on the winners’ list and several established Premier League clubs suffering early setbacks, the new campaign has certainly wasted little time in delivering drama.
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