EPL matchweek 2: Man Utd bounce back as Arsenal, Chelsea maintain perfect starts

The 2026/27 English Premier League season produced another weekend of drama as Matchweek 2 delivered high-scoring victories, surprise results and early warning signs for several clubs.

Manchester United produced one of the biggest statements of the round, beating Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday. Bruno Fernandes stole the spotlight with a hat-trick as United recovered from conceding the opening goal to claim their first league victory of the campaign.

Chelsea also maintained their perfect start under the new manager, Xabi Alonso after edging Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues appeared to be in control after building a strong advantage, but Brighton fought back and turned the match into a tense contest before Cole Palmer eventually secured all three points for Chelsea. The result left Chelsea with two wins from two matches.

Manchester City were equally impressive on Friday night, cruising to a 4-1 victory away to Crystal Palace. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice as City underlined their attacking strength and moved quickly into the early-season title conversation.

Liverpool, meanwhile, were unable to secure their first victory under manager Andoni Iraola after being held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Forest twice took the lead, but Liverpool responded on both occasions. Alexander Isak and Victor Muñoz got the goals for the home side, with Muñoz scoring late to rescue a point for Liverpool.

Newcastle United also made a strong statement by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 away from home.

Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa scored after the break to give Newcastle their first win of the season, while Tottenham suffered another defeat without scoring. The result leaves Spurs with no points and no goals after their opening two matches.

Arsenal completed the Matchweek 2 fixtures with a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday.

Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the second half, allowing Arsenal to maintain their 100 per cent start to the campaign. Villa, meanwhile, remain without a point after losing their opening two league matches.

Elsewhere, Hull City continued their impressive return to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Coventry City, making it two wins from two for the newly promoted side.

Sunderland secured their first victory of the campaign with a 1-0 win over Fulham, while Leeds United and Brentford shared the points after a 1-1 draw.

Bournemouth and Everton also played out a 1-1 draw, with Everton rescuing a point through James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time equaliser.

With two matchweeks completed, the early Premier League picture is already beginning to take shape. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have made strong starts, while Manchester United have responded emphatically after their opening defeat.

At the other end, Tottenham and Aston Villa face early pressure after suffering back-to-back defeats, while Liverpool will be looking to turn their two draws into victories as the season progresses.