Three matchdays into the 2026-27 Premier League season, the early table is starting to take shape, with Arsenal and Manchester City the only two clubs to remain unbeaten after their opening fixtures. Arsenal’s dramatic derby win over Chelsea was the standout result of the weekend, while questions continue to build around Chelsea’s early form under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Quick Answer: Where Things Stand
- Unbeaten sides: Arsenal and Manchester City, both on nine points from three matches
- Standout result: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea at the Emirates
- Talking point: Xabi Alonso’s first defeat as Chelsea manager
- Early pace-setters: Arsenal, Manchester City, and a handful of clubs building early momentum
Arsenal’s Perfect Start
Arsenal’s 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea was the highlight of the weekend’s action, with Mikel Arteta’s side showing genuine composure after falling behind inside the opening two minutes to Morgan Rogers. Goals from Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard turned the match around, keeping Arsenal level with Manchester City among the league’s perfect records heading into the September international break period.
Why Arsenal’s Start Matters
Beyond the three points, the manner of this win — recovering from a shock early deficit against a newly reshaped Chelsea side — offers an early signal of squad character heading into a season where Arsenal will be expected to sustain a title challenge deep into the spring. Their attacking depth, with Havertz and Ødegaard both contributing directly to the winning goal sequence, continues to be a genuine strength.
Manchester City’s Continued Consistency
City’s own unbeaten start keeps them level with Arsenal at the top of the early table, continuing their recent pattern of strong starts to Premier League campaigns. With City also juggling their opening Champions League fixtures this week, their squad depth will face an early test balancing both competitions simultaneously.
Chelsea’s Search for Answers Under Xabi Alonso
The defeat to Arsenal marked Xabi Alonso’s first loss since taking charge of Chelsea, despite his side taking an early lead through a lightning-fast Morgan Rogers goal inside the first 77 seconds. Chelsea’s front three of Cole Palmer, João Pedro, and Rogers showed genuine attacking quality throughout the match, actually outperforming their expected-goals value, but questions remain about defensive organization as Alonso continues implementing his tactical approach in his opening weeks at the club.
Other Early-Season Storylines
Beyond the top of the table, several clubs are using these opening matchdays to establish their season-long identity — new signings bedding into starting lineups, managers fine-tuning tactical systems, and squads managing the always-tricky balance between domestic form and, for several clubs, the opening rounds of the Champions League and Europa League running concurrently this week.
What to Watch For Next
With the Champions League now also underway, several Premier League clubs — including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea — face an immediate test of squad depth as they juggle both competitions. How each club manages rotation over the coming weeks will likely have a significant bearing on how sustainable these early-season starts prove to be once the fixture list becomes more congested heading into October and November.
Why the Early Table Is Trending
Every Premier League season draws heavy search interest around its opening weeks as fans size up early form, but this year’s table carries extra intrigue given Chelsea’s high-profile managerial change and Arsenal’s continued push to finally convert strong regular-season form into genuine title contention. Expect “Premier League table” and “Arsenal unbeaten” to remain popular search terms as the season progresses through its early rounds.
Further Reading
- Full Soccer coverage on Sports News ERA
- More Football analysis on Sports Dastak
- Browse the Premier League (EPL) section on Sports Tamasha
- Read our full Arsenal vs Chelsea match report on Sports News ERA
FAQs
Which Premier League clubs are unbeaten after three matchdays?
Arsenal and Manchester City, both with nine points from three matches.
What happened in the Arsenal vs Chelsea match?
Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1, with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard overturning an early Morgan Rogers opener for Chelsea.
Was this Xabi Alonso’s first loss as Chelsea manager?
Yes, his first defeat since taking charge of the club.
How are Premier League clubs balancing domestic and European fixtures right now?
Several clubs are juggling early Champions League and Europa League matches alongside their Premier League schedule, making squad rotation a key early-season storyline.
