Premier League Power Rankings: Are bouncing back Man City already title favourites?

The opening weekend of the 2025-26 Premier League season is in the books, and we got some surprises along with some expected results as all 20 teams were in action.

Ninety minutes of action in the books allows us to create our first power rankings of the season, which aims to illustrate the relative strength of each team at a given point in time. Unlike the standings, power rankings are not meant to look at the overall picture, but rather to provide a snapshot based on current form, strength of opposition and other factors.

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With every team now having played one match, here are DAZN News' power rankings after Matchday 1.

Premier League power rankings

1. Manchester City

We expected a bounce-back campaign by Pep Guardiola's side and they started the new season with a bang, defeating Wolves by four goals at the Molineux.

Next match: Aug. 23 vs. Tottenham

2. Liverpool

An expected victory over visiting Bournemouth didn't come easy as the Reds needed late heroics by Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah to secure the three points.

Next match: Aug. 25 at Newcastle

3. Arsenal

A classic 1-nil to the Arsenal to open the new season didn't come without its criticisms as the Gunners looked second-best to Manchester United for long stretches of their match.

Next match: Aug. 23 vs. Leeds United

4. Nottingham Forest

Forest had their opening match against Brentford won by halftime, making a great first impression in the new season.

Next match: Aug. 24 at Crystal Palace

5. Newcastle

The Magpies were dominant in possession at 10-man Aston Villa but couldn't break through, showing just how much they miss wantaway striker Alexander Isak.

Next match: Aug. 25 vs. Liverpool

6. Chelsea

The conditions were prime for a statement victory to open the season, but the Blues couldn't get past a steadfast Crystal Palace defence at Stamford Bridge despite enjoying the lion's share of possession. 

Next match: Aug. 22 at West Ham

7. Aston Villa

Villa held off Newcastle well enough to earn the draw, but the inability to control the game at home prior to Ezri Konsa's 66th-minute red card is a concern.

Next match: Aug. 23 at Brentford

8. Fulham

The Cottagers stunned Brighton with an equaliser deep into stoppage time, snatching a point when defeat seemed certain.

Next match: Aug. 24 vs. Manchester United

9. Brentford

The Bees will need to put an uninspiring display at the City Ground behind them as another tough test awaits this upcoming weekend.

Next match: Aug. 23 vs. Aston Villa

10. Brighton

The Seagulls will rue their inability to close out their match against Fulham, but their overall play showed some silver linings.

Next match: Aug. 24 at Everton

11. Crystal Palace

Palace frustrated Chelsea en-route to a deserved draw to start the league campaign, and now they head home in search of their first win.

Next match: Aug. 24 vs. Nottingham Forest

12. Bournemouth

The Cherries went toe-to-toe with the reigning champions at Anfield and only fell due to a final few minutes of Liverpool brilliance.

Next match: Aug. 23 vs. Wolves

13. Everton

This season is supposed to be one of renewed hope for the Toffees, but a 1-0 loss at Premier League newcomers Leeds is not the start the were hoping for.

Next match: Aug. 24 vs. Brighton

14. Tottenham

Spurs did what they needed to do against newly promoted Burnley on the first match day, but a much bigger challenge looms.

Next match: Aug. 23 at Manchester City

15. West Ham

The Hammers were pre-season relegation candidates and looked every bit the part against Sunderland in a woeful three-goal loss to kick off the campaign. Their current position in these power rankings is precarious at best.

Next match: Aug. 22 vs. Chelsea

16. Manchester United

Moral victories aren't what the Red Devils need after their disastrous 2024-25 season, but that's what they got by holding Arsenal to just a single goal in defeat.

Next match: Aug. 24 at Fulham

17. Sunderland

The Black Cats made a great first impression in their reutrn to the top flight, and they now look forward to a familiar foe on Matchday 2.

Next match: Aug. 23 at Burnley

18. Leeds United

A late penalty gave Leeds a win on the first weekend of Premier League action, but things look much tougher for the promoted side in week two.

Next match: Aug. 23 at Arsenal

19. Wolves

Losing by four to Manchester City isn't the most surpsing of results for Wolves, who got arguably their toughest home match out of the way at the earliest possible time.

Next match: Aug. 23 at Bournemouth

20. Burnley

Stepping up into the top flight is always tough, and the Clarets experienced the worst of it right off the bat.

Next match: Aug. 23 vs. Sunderland

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.