What we’ve learned from the Premier League so far

The Premier League is set for an almost three-week pause as a four-match international window approaches, and BBC Sport looks at what the opening five games have already revealed.

Arsenal’s harsh lesson at Brighton

Premier League champions Arsenal started the season like a level above, but that momentum was ended by a 3-0 defeat at Brighton’s Amex Stadium. BBC Sport notes that Arsenal had not lost a league match by more than one goal since October 2024, and that this was their heaviest league loss since May 2023—when they also went down 3-0 to the same opposition.

Mikel Arteta framed the result as a learning moment rather than a total reset: “That’s not going to take away what the team has done… but this is a big lesson for all of us to understand what it takes to win at this level.”

City roll on as Brighton & Brentford climb

In the title conversation, Manchester City remain firmly on track under Enzo Maresca. After a Community Shield loss to Arsenal, they have won all five Premier League games, and seven in a row across all competitions following their 5-3 win over Sunderland. Maresca admitted the defence left openings, but insisted the team is improving: “In the press conference… I expect a very tough game… Then we also conceded two or three goals but we have learned a lot in these eight weeks.”

Brighton and Brentford are also turning heads. Brighton’s 3-0 win over Arsenal leaves them third, just two points behind the Gunners, and BBC Sport highlights that they’ve won at home against the reigning champions in each of the past three seasons. Pascal Gross, when asked by BBC Sport if Albion were in the title race, reportedly laughed and said “no”. Brentford sit one point lower—still unbeaten after five games—and fourth, showing progress after the departure of Thomas Frank.

Leeds are also right in the mix near a potential European spot, while Liverpool and Everton remain close on goal difference.

United’s start raises questions

Where the mood is darkest is Manchester United. After a summer for Carrick to work with the squad, BBC Sport says United have only won once in the league, and their five points after five games are their joint lowest total at this stage of a Premier League season. They head into the international break after a 1-1 draw at Fulham, needing a late, deflected Matheus Cunha strike to stop the Cottagers winning their first game of the season.

Gary Neville didn’t hold back on Sky Sports: “I’ve watched Manchester United since the age of five and that’s the worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen… Absolutely pathetic.” The next test comes when United host Tottenham on 10 October, with owners set to stew over the situation for nearly three weeks.