Premier League Matchweek 5: Two Perfect Records, an Unbeaten Promoted Side and Iraola’s Return
Ten fixtures, two perfect records and one promoted side still unbeaten. Matchweek 5 also brings the strangest subplot of the young season: Liverpool’s new manager returning to the club he left.
Matchweek 5: quick answers
- When is it? 19–20 September 2026, ten fixtures.
- Who is perfect? Arsenal and Manchester City, both 4-0-0.
- Game of the weekend? Brighton v Arsenal — the league’s top scorers against its meanest defence.
- Best story? Iraola returns to Bournemouth with Liverpool.
- Record to watch? Hull City can stay unbeaten in their first five as a promoted side.
- Sunday times? Three games at 14:00 BST, then Fulham v Manchester United at 16:30 BST.
Matchweek 5: every fixture and kick-off time
| Date | Fixture | Kick-off (BST / ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 19 Sep | Brentford v Chelsea | 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET |
| Sat 19 Sep | Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa | 12:30 BST / 07:30 ET |
| Sat 19 Sep | Newcastle United v Hull City | 15:00 BST / 10:00 ET |
| Sat 19 Sep | Brighton v Arsenal | 15:00 BST / 10:00 ET |
| Sat 19 Sep | Everton v Ipswich Town | 15:00 BST / 10:00 ET |
| Sat 19 Sep | Nottingham Forest v Coventry City | 17:30 BST / 12:30 ET |
| Sun 20 Sep | Bournemouth v Liverpool | 14:00 BST / 09:00 ET |
| Sun 20 Sep | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | 14:00 BST / 09:00 ET |
| Sun 20 Sep | Manchester City v Sunderland | 14:00 BST / 09:00 ET |
| Sun 20 Sep | Fulham v Manchester United | 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET |
The five games that matter
Brighton have scored 13 goals, more than anyone, and forced more high turnovers than any other side (41). Arsenal have faced just 2.7 expected goals all season, and only won at Sunderland last weekend because David Raya saved a penalty. Something has to give: either Brighton’s press cracks the best-organised defence in the league, or the champions pick them apart on the counter.
Andoni Iraola left Bournemouth for Liverpool in the summer; Bournemouth now play the same high-pressing, direct football under Marco Rose. Liverpool drew 0-0 at Fulham last weekend and look like a team still learning each other. Bournemouth have scored in every league game this season and conceded twice in three of their four — and they played their first-ever Europa League match in midweek.
Hull are unbeaten on their return to the Premier League and could become the first promoted side to avoid defeat in their first five games since Portsmouth in 2003/04. Newcastle have conceded eight league goals already — four of them on Monday at Leeds — have faced more shots than any other side (76) and have conceded 39 league goals in 2026. The Tigers will fancy this.
City won at Old Trafford last weekend despite playing a man down and have a 100% record. Sunderland have started well but have not won away yet, and they played their first European fixture in half a century in midweek. This is the classic Matchweek 5 trap: momentum against a squad with heavy legs.
Leeds put four past Newcastle on Monday. Palace have been the leakiest side in the calendar year, and only they and Chelsea have conceded more Premier League goals than Newcastle in 2026. Expect chances at both ends.
What we think happens
- Brighton 1-1 Arsenal. The press will cause problems, and Arsenal have not yet been asked to defend for 90 minutes. A draw keeps both unbeaten.
- Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool. Two teams playing the same way, both fatigued in different ways. This has goals written on it.
- Newcastle 2-1 Hull. Hull deserve better on form, but St James’ Park is where unbeaten starts usually end.
- Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland. Perfect record, home, opponent off a European trip. Comfortable.
- Fulham 1-2 Manchester United. United have been unconvincing, but Fulham have not beaten them at home since 2009.
Shirt demand index: Matchweek 5
Built from our own order flow and range depth, not from a poll. It moves on Sunday night.
Arsenal and Manchester City. Both 4-0-0, both in the deepest ranges we carry, and both moving every week regardless of the fixture.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa — full ranges with steady weekly trade.
Brighton, Newcastle, Everton and Hull. Smaller selections that jump when a result lands, especially the promoted side.
Matchweek 5 shirts
All ten clubs in this weekend’s fixtures, in fan and player editions. Printed names add a few days.
Arsenal 3rd Shirt | Premium Breathable Fit
Manchester City Away Shirt | Breathable Perfo…
Liverpool Away Shirt | Lightweight Breathable…
Chelsea Away Shirt | Breathable Performance F…
Tottenham Hotspur Home Match Custom Shirt in…
Manchester United Away Shirt | Premium Breath…
Newcastle United Long Sleeve Shirt - Navy
Everton Away Shirt | Moisture-Wicking Fan Fit
Aston Villa Home Shirt - Claret
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. 26/27 Away Shirt…
Our verdict
Two unbeaten records, one promoted side nobody can beat and a manager returning to the club that made his reputation. Matchweek 5 is where early-season tables stop being noise — by Sunday night we will know whether Brighton’s press is real, whether Liverpool have a shape yet, and whether Hull are the story of the autumn.
When is Premier League Matchweek 5?
What are the biggest games in Matchweek 5?
Which teams have a 100% record?
Can Hull City stay unbeaten?
Why is Bournemouth v Liverpool notable?
What time are the Sunday kick-offs?
Which Matchweek 5 games are on TV in the US?
Where can I buy Premier League shirts?
Wear the weekend
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