We are five games into the Premier League season and now is a good time to dish out grades based on what we’ve seen so far.
Warning: it’s all over the place. Just the way we like it.
With an extremely long three week international break coming up, all 20 Premier League teams will be taking stock of how they performed in the opening month of the 2026-27 season.
It has been ugly for plenty, but there are also clubs overachieving.
Premier League grades based on the season so far
Brighton: A+
Fabian Hurzeler’s side smashed Arsenal 3-0, and it could have been more, to underline their progress. Full of energy, creativity and hunger, Brighton have taken a big step forward this season. Especially in attack. Their squad is also pretty large and that is needed with their Conference League campaign. They can push for the top six against the odds, once again.
Hull City: A+
What a start to life back in the big time for the Tigers. They have recorded some big wins, they go for it in attack and are very comfortable defending deep. They look set for a comfortable midtable finish, which is beyond their wildest expectations. They will fear nobody and hang in games.
Manchester City: A
After so many changes this summer, City winning five from five is impressive. They have looked a little ropey defensively but going forward Enzo Maresca is getting the best out of the supporting cast underneath Erling Haaland. If they can become more solid at the back they will overtake Arsenal as title favorites.
Brentford: A
Once again everyone thought the Bees would struggle, and once again everyone was wrong. Keith Andrews is proving last season wasn’t a fluke as Brentford are battering teams with their high-pressing, set-piece wizardry and incredible ability to pounce at key moments to inflict the maximum damage on opponents.
Arsenal: A-
This grade would be higher but the surprise heavy defeat at Brighton was a wake-up call. Mikel Arteta’s side ground out a few wins at the start of the season and perhaps the Brighton defeat was a one-off? Four wins from five is still very good and they are still title favorites. But there is now a little concern about how they can manage a few more injuries if they build up.
Ipswich Town: B+
Gary O’Neil is a perfect fit for this job and the Tractor Boys are in every game and have picked up a couple of big wins already. They have more than a fighting chance to stay up and look much better in attack this time around.
Leeds United: B+
Daniel Farke has kicked Leeds on and they’ve bought well in the transfer market. Leeds look more solid and they could push for Europe if everything clicks in attack and Calvert-Lewin stays fit.
Everton: B+
See above. David Moyes’ side had a poor end to the transfer window which left them short up top but Thierno Barry is stepping up and so are plenty of attacking midfielders. The Toffees are good at the back and can push for the top six.
Liverpool: B
Andoni Iraola’s Reds have found a way to improve their balance, which was a huge task. Now it’s all about becoming more creative in attack. Unbeaten so far, but it hasn’t been a spectacular start in charge at Anfield for Iraola. But given their individual talents in attack, top four seems likely.
Newcastle United: B-
Matthias Jaissle is a breath of fresh air and the results have been very good. The performances are a bit unbalanced and point to issues later in the season, but the Magpies are playing with real energy and will push for the top 10.
Sunderland: C
Regis Le Bris’ side have played better than their points tally suggests and they also won their Europa League opener. Brian Brobbey has been excellent up top and the Black Cats just need a little more luck. They look to have bolstered their squad sensibly and will be in the mix for a top 10 finish.
Chelsea: C
What a weird start to the season. At times Xabi Alonso’s new-look side have resembled peak Barcelona in attack. The problems are at the other end of the pitch as Chelsea have the worst defense in the league. They has to be rectified if they’re going to be a top four team.
Nottingham Forest: C-
A strange start to the season for Oliver Glasner as the new Forest boss. They’ve played better than the points tally says and they will be tough to beat and always be in games. They need someone to step up in attack and finish off chances.
Bournemouth: D
Plenty of promise in their displays but there is a worrying trend of slack defending at key moments and coughing up leads. Marco Rose is carrying on Bournemouth’s high-pressing style but it seems like that will be tough to do with the Europa League to contend with too.
Aston Villa: D
One of the craziest squad overhauls in league history has given Unai Emery one heck of a job to do. But there are signs Villa are improving. Still, they have looked all over the place at the back and have to regain some solidity as they clearly have dangerous, exciting players in attack.
Crystal Palace: D
Pierre Sage has had a tough first month in charge of Palace but there are signs it is improving. Still, one win from five to start the new season isn’t great and the Europa League will stretch this small squad to its limits. You fear a little for Palace in the league.
Fulham: D
No wins in his first five games for Alvaro Arbeloa but there are promising signs. Fulham are younger, sharper and more exciting and if they can find a way to close out games they will be absolutely fine this season. But until that happens, concerns will grow about a relegation scrap.
Coventry City: D
The win at Forest eases plenty nerves and there have been some good moments in games so far. Frank Lampard’s side have signed a lot of new players who are still gelling. They are going to be in a relegation scrap but are showing signs of improving defensively and are dangerous on the counter.
Manchester United: D-
Where do we even start with this? Michael Carrick’s side have looked sluggish and disinterested to start the season and defensively they have been woeful. There is a lack of identity and intensity and given the way they finished last season, that is a big surprise. Will this poor start jolt them into a reaction?
Tottenham Hotspur: F
After a summer of huge spending Roberto De Zerbi would have expected much more than this. Spurs are bottom of the table and have shown fragility defensively and a real lack of confidence in front of goal. Have they been unlucky in moments? Yes. But they’ve also shown that the issues at the core of their downward spiral in recent years are still there. A third-straight relegation scrap is now seeming more likely. That is a huge underachievement given the players and manager they have.
