Five matches into the 2026/27 Premier League season, the early schedule has already produced a few surprises. Manchester City got off to a perfect start, but the more interesting stories came from the clubs immediately behind. “Brighton” is third with 10 points, and “Brentford” and “Leeds United” have 9 points. Everton also have 9 points, while Hull City are just one point behind. For teams not expected to compete so high up the table, the opening weeks have provided plenty of reason for optimism.
Could Brighton be the surprise of this season?
Brighton made perhaps the clearest statement of the early season. They beat eventual champions Arsenal 3-0 before producing one of the standout performances of the opening weeks, following a 4-3 defeat at Chelsea. The result left them third on 10 points and 11 goals clear, second best in the division. Their key figures are also promising, with Brighton recording the highest expected goals figure in the Premier League after five matches.
Leeds United’s European Push
Leeds have settled quietly among the early surprises, finishing fifth with nine points from their first five games. Their return to the Premier League has started promisingly, although they have already suffered a setback that could quickly change the mood around the newly promoted side. Their 4-goal win over Newcastle was particularly impressive, while a goalless draw against Crystal Palace showed they can remain competitive when the going gets tough. A top-half finish would still represent a significant achievement.
Hull City surprise
Hull City have made the most impressive start of the three promoted clubs. They restarted life in the top flight, taking six points from their first two matches with a 2-0 win over Manchester United before beating Coventry City. They eventually suffered their first defeat away to Newcastle, but remain in eighth place after five games with eight points. This opening has exceeded the expectations normally placed on a newly promoted side, especially given that Hull have spent nine years outside the Premier League.
The start of a turnaround at Everton
Everton started the campaign in a position that seemed unlikely to have been predicted before the start of the season. They are seventh with nine points from five matches and their latest result was a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town. Their defensive record has been particularly beneficial, with the club conceding just five goals. It is too early to say if Everton have completely turned their fortunes around, but their points tally and defensive solidity have put them in a strong position.
The Numbers Behind the Premier League’s Biggest Surprises
The preliminary table shows that several clubs have produced results worthy of closer attention. Brighton scored 11, Brentford scored 10, and Leeds scored 9. Brighton’s key figures are particularly noteworthy as their expected goals tally was higher than any other Premier League club after five matches. That doesn’t guarantee that their position will remain unchanged, but it does show that their strong start is backed by the chances they create, not results alone.
Which Early Season Trends Could Come True?
The biggest question is whether these teams can maintain their level once opponents learn more about them. Five matches are enough to identify interesting patterns, but not enough to determine where a club will finish in May. Brighton’s attacking numbers provide reason for confidence, while Brentford’s goals have helped them stay at the top. Hull have already shown that promoted clubs can take points from established Premier League sides, although the 38-match season will ultimately test the depth of each squad. Predicting where the clubs will finish after just five matches can feel like playing the lottery or Lottomart, but key stats provide a few clues.
Who has the potential to rise higher?
Brighton have the clearest opportunity to stay in the top group, especially after the win over Arsenal. Brentford are also well placed, although they will need more consistency to stay among the higher positions. Leeds have nine points from five matches and could continue to benefit if their defensive formation continues. Hull’s position is more difficult to assess, but their early wins have shown that they should not be dismissed for their recent arrivals in the division.
Which teams can still surprise us at Christmas?
The start of the season has shown how quickly expectations can change in the Premier League. Brighton, Brentford, Leeds, Everton and Hull have all laid a useful foundation for themselves, but the next part of the campaign will make it clearer whether these starts are a temporary boost or something more substantial. Since only five matches have been played, there is no need to make a definitive conclusion yet. What is already clear is that the usual division between established clubs and outsiders has been less clear-cut than expected, making the competition one of the most interesting parts of the season outside of the traditional title contenders.