Premier League Matchweek 2: Arsenal and City stay perfect as Hull continue remarkable start

The second round of the 2026/27 Premier League strengthened the early positions of Arsenal and Manchester City, while Chelsea also maintained a perfect record and newly promoted Hull City emerged as the biggest surprise with a second consecutive victory and clean sheet.

The second round of the 2026/27 Premier League concluded on August 31 with several early contenders maintaining perfect records. Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and promoted Hull City all moved onto six points, while Aston Villa, Coventry City and Crystal Palace remained without a point after two matches.

Defending champions Arsenal completed the weekend with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Aston Villa. Bukayo Saka scored the only goal in the 59th minute after Riccardo Calafiori delivered the ball across the penalty area. It was a less dominant performance than Arsenal’s opening 3-0 win over Coventry, but Mikel Arteta’s side again demonstrated defensive control and finished Matchweek 2 with two victories and two clean sheets.

Aston Villa’s start has moved in the opposite direction. After losing 4-0 to Brighton on the opening weekend, Unai Emery’s team suffered another defeat and remain without a goal. The early results have increased pressure on a squad already experiencing significant changes during the summer transfer window.

Manchester City produced one of the strongest performances of the round, beating Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice as Enzo Maresca continued his winning start in the Premier League. City had needed late goals to overcome Bournemouth in Matchweek 1 but looked considerably more comfortable in their second outing.

Cherki’s contribution was particularly notable. The French midfielder had already made an impact from the bench in the opening victory against Bournemouth and followed that performance with two goals against Palace. His rapid integration gives City another attacking option alongside Haaland as Maresca reshapes the team following major summer changes.

Chelsea also maintained their perfect record, although their 4-3 victory over Brighton was considerably more chaotic. Xabi Alonso’s side established a 3-0 advantage through Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro before Brighton threatened a remarkable comeback. Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s fourth, which ultimately proved decisive after Pascal Gross reduced the deficit again in stoppage time.

The result gives Chelsea six points from two games but also highlights an early imbalance. The club has already demonstrated significant attacking quality under Alonso, scoring seven goals across its opening two league matches, but has also conceded five. Maintaining that offensive output while improving defensive control is likely to become one of the first challenges of the new regime.

The biggest surprise of the opening weeks remains Hull City. After stunning Manchester United 2-0 on their return to the Premier League, Hull followed up with a 1-0 away victory over fellow promoted side Coventry City. Liam Millar scored the winner in the 82nd minute from a counterattack.

Hull therefore enter September with six points, two victories and two clean sheets. Few teams promoted to the Premier League begin so efficiently, and their disciplined approach has already given them valuable early distance from the relegation places. Coventry, by contrast, have lost their opening two matches without scoring.

Elsewhere, Sunderland collected their first victory by beating Fulham 1-0, with Wilson Isidor scoring the decisive goal. Bournemouth and Everton shared the points in a 1-1 draw, while Leeds United and Brentford produced the same scoreline.

After two rounds, the most significant development is the emergence of a four-team group with maximum points. Arsenal have begun their title defence with complete defensive consistency, Manchester City are already finding attacking rhythm under Maresca and Chelsea have started quickly under Alonso. Hull’s presence alongside those three clubs provides the unexpected element, with the promoted side currently producing one of the strongest starts in the division.

The Premier League remains far too early for firm conclusions, but Matchweek 2 has already created clear early storylines: the established title contenders are collecting points, Chelsea’s new project has begun aggressively and Hull have transformed an encouraging promotion campaign into an exceptional start to life back in the top flight.