Premier League Pre-Season: Key Winners and Losers Ahead of 2026-27 Kickoff

The new Premier League season is nearly here, with Arsenal set to begin their title defence by hosting newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates. Arsenal remain favorites to hold the crown, especially since many rivals are adjusting under fresh management. For example, Manchester City replaced Pep Guardiola with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, but early signs suggest a tough transition after their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso took charge at Chelsea, surprising many who expected him to manage Liverpool. Instead, Liverpool appointed Basque coach Andoni Iraola after Alonso moved to Stamford Bridge. With the season about to start, we assess how England’s top teams performed in pre-season, who suffered from World Cup fatigue, and which players are ready to shine.

Winner: Christos Tzolis

Once a disappointment at Norwich, the Greek international has made an impressive start at Arsenal. Although fans were initially skeptical, Tzolis has scored, won penalties, and assisted goals during friendlies and the Community Shield win over Manchester City. His performances hint that he might justify Arsenal’s willingness to move on Gabriel Martinelli and become a key player.

Loser: Manchester City Rebuild

Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match ended in a heavy 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, signaling challenges ahead for Manchester City. Despite fielding a strong lineup, their midfield looked fragile, especially with Rodri's impending move to Barcelona. New signings like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez may need time to adjust, potentially leaving City vulnerable early in the season.

Winner: Joao Pedro

The versatile Brazilian forward, omitted from Brazil's World Cup squad, has responded brilliantly for Chelsea. Joao Pedro scored seven pre-season goals, showing potential to surpass his previous best of 20 goals in all competitions. With Erling Haaland around, the race for the Golden Boot looks exciting.

Loser: Liverpool’s Lack of Depth

Liverpool barely strengthened their squad after Andoni Iraola’s arrival. Their thin bench was exposed in pre-season as they lost leads against Leeds and Monaco. Injuries and fitness concerns mean many players can’t sustain Iraola’s intense pressing style. The difference between starters and backups is vast, so merely signing Bradley Barcola to replace Salah won’t make Liverpool title contenders yet.

Winner: Ifeanyi Ndukwe

The 17-year-old defender impressed Liverpool fans during pre-season due to defensive injuries. Although he can’t play competitively this season because of work permit rules, his displays attracted numerous loan offers, suggesting a promising future.

Loser: Newcastle United

Newcastle had a chaotic pre-season with Eddie Howe resigning days after a crushing 4-1 friendly loss. Matthias Jaissle now faces a huge task with a young squad missing key players like Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Recent losses and transfer struggles indicate the Magpies might struggle early on.

Winner: JJ Gabriel

At just 15, Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel became the youngest player to appear in an unofficial match for the club. Though only getting limited minutes in pre-season, he is tipped to feature this season and has been described by Michael Carrick as "a big talent".

Loser: Michael Carrick’s Squad Issues

United’s manager Michael Carrick faces a squad lacking quality depth. Their 4-2 loss to AC Milan revealed that the current roster likely cannot compete in the Champions League. Carrick has acknowledged the need for reinforcements before the season intensifies.

Winner: Brian Madjo

Aston Villa fought hard to get 17-year-old Brian Madjo registered for competitive matches. After overcoming FIFA’s initial block due to his age and nationality issues, Madjo has already scored multiple goals in friendlies and showed promise with a stunning strike against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. He could fill Villa’s striking needs without further signings.

Loser: Eli Junior Kroupi

The promising French forward for Bournemouth suffered a foot injury during pre-season training requiring surgery. Kroupi was on track for a major summer transfer after a strong finish last season, but now faces a lengthy layoff, sidelining him until at least late October.

Pre-Season Performance Highlights

• Arsenal: Title defense favored; key player Christos Tzolis impressing
• Manchester City: Struggling under new manager Maresca; midfield weak
• Chelsea: Joao Pedro prolific in pre-season, aiming for more goals
• Liverpool: Depth problems exposed; need reinforcements urgently
• Newcastle: Managerial upheaval; squad needs strengthening
• Manchester United: Promising youth but overall squad lacks quality
• Aston Villa: Brian Madjo emerging as a new striking threat
• Bournemouth: Lost star forward Eli Junior Kroupi to injury