The 2026/27 Premier League season began with drama as new managers Andoni Iraola and Enzo Maresca faced very different debuts.
Iraola’s first league match at Liverpool ended 2-2 against Newcastle after Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stoppage-time penalty. Anthony Elanga gave Newcastle the lead before Cody Gakpo equalised after the break. Joe Willock then put Newcastle ahead again with his first Premier League goal since 2024.
Liverpool earned a late lifeline when Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz, allowing Szoboszlai to score with the final kick. The result keeps Iraola unbeaten but raises questions after an uneasy performance. He joined Liverpool after taking Bournemouth to Europe with an attacking, high-energy style and now faces the task of rebuilding a side that finished fifth.
Maresca also endured a scare at the Etihad as Manchester City began life after Pep Guardiola with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth ahead before Marc Guehi levelled with six minutes remaining. Josko Gvardiol then scored in stoppage time to seal the comeback.
The win came after City’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. Maresca now faces the huge challenge of replacing Guardiola, who won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. Guardiola also began his City reign with a late win over Sunderland in 2016.
Manchester United suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to promoted Hull, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring, leaving Michael Carrick under early pressure.
Champions Arsenal, meanwhile, started their title defence strongly with a 3-0 win over Coventry. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard scored.
