The first five matchdays of the 2026/27 Premier League season have already given shape to a campaign that promised uncertainty from the outset. With the table still settling and another international break leaving a long pause before Matchday 6, there is time to take stock of what has emerged so far.

Arsenal’s title defence has already met resistance after a heavy defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Before that trip, they looked close to untouchable, but the champions have not yet shown enough to pull clear of their rivals. Bruno Guimarães has added quality, though injury has delayed his rhythm, while Christos Tzolis has stepped in as a serviceable replacement for Leandro Trossard. Even so, Arsenal’s attack was found wanting in their toughest test to date, with concerns lingering over the goalscoring burden on Bukayo Saka and the lack of a set-piece breakthrough.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are navigating a period of change after rebuilding their core in the summer. Their first league win of the season offered encouragement, with Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and João Gomes all making useful contributions. Bournemouth have begun slowly under Marco Rose, but there is little panic as they balance league form with European demands after an opening win at Real Sociedad. Brentford continue to look like a difficult assignment at home, built on physicality and a set-piece threat that has already caused problems for visiting sides.

Brighton’s pressing game has been a feature of the early weeks, while Chelsea’s start under Xabi Alonso has raised serious questions about their structure without the ball. Coventry City finally recorded a first Premier League win in more than 25 years, though goals remain a concern. Everton’s window left them thin on options, Fulham are showing signs of adjustment under Álvaro Arbeloa, and Hull City have been one of the early surprises, even if history offers a warning.

Elsewhere, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur all have distinct questions to answer as the season develops.

Alexis Mac Allister’s future has become a talking point after Liverpool chose not to hand him a new contract. The midfielder remains tied to Anfield until 2028, but the absence of an extension has left the situation open to interpretation.

His standing at the club has not always been in doubt. Mac Allister was outstanding in his first season and played a central role as Liverpool secured their second Premier League title in 2024-25. Even so, there was a clear drop-off during Arne Slot’s difficult second season in charge, which explains why the club may be reluctant to move quickly.

The 27-year-old has since apologised for remarks he made, saying they were the result of an emotional reaction to a difficult moment. That has not removed the broader issue, though. With no renewal agreed and the contract already ticking towards its final years, interest from elsewhere remains a realistic possibility.

One club mentioned in connection with him is Manchester City, who were viewed as considering him as a possible alternative to Enzo Fernández in the summer. However, they ultimately moved on to their preferred option, and after restructuring their midfield so quickly, a move for a player with Mac Allister’s profile appears unlikely in the near term.

Atlético Madrid also sit among the potential destinations. Diego Simeone has not been shy about welcoming compatriots, and the club may soon need to think about succession planning around Koke, whose long service remains remarkable. At the same time, Atlético are already well stocked in midfield, with Morten Hjulmand and Kang Lee-in added in the summer, while Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo Mendoza and Ottó Vargas are all part of the picture.

That makes Mac Allister less of a specific target and more of a market opportunity. Even so, Simeone’s interest is easy to imagine.

Enzo Maresca has dismissed the backlash around Manchester City’s disputed derby winner, arguing that the reaction has taken attention away from his side’s display. The City manager said it was “quite poor” that the performance was being overlooked, while also pointing to a similar call that went against City in a 2023 derby.

The incident centred on Fernández, who went up to challenge for the ball and missed it, leaving Haaland onside from the original cross. The debate came down to the Argentine’s position in front of goal, with his movement affecting the reactions of others around him.

On Match Officials Mic’d Up, referee chief Howards Webb admitted the VAR focus narrowed too heavily on Haaland. “The VAR gets super focused on Haaland,” Webb said. “He establishes he’s onside, he thinks that’s a good goal. He doesn’t truly evaluate the full impact of Fernández’s position.”

City had already spent much of the match playing with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half for tangling with Bruno Fernandes. That context, Maresca argued, mattered just as much as the disputed goal.

“Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think it’s quite poor,” Maresca said on Wednesday, his first press conference since the officials publicly acknowledged the error on Sunday.

He also made clear that he believed the team’s display deserved recognition. “I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”

Maresca did not deny City benefited from a mistake, but framed it as part of the game rather than a special case.

“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football,” he said.

To underline his argument, the new City boss referred back to January 2023, when United won a derby 2-1 after coming from behind. Bruno Fernandes scored the equaliser after an offside Marcus Rashford chased the ball without touching it, then left it for his teammate.