Manchester City Make Flying Start to 2026/27 as Five Wins Deliver Eight-Point Improvement
Manchester City have made a sensational start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, securing a maximum 15 points from the opening five matches – eight points more than they managed at the same stage last season.
A glance at the two campaigns says it all.
After five league matches:
2025/26: 2W, 1D, 2L – 7/15 points
2026/27: 5W, 0D, 0L – 15/15 points
City’s 5W from 5 campaign is currently a perfect record as they top the table on 15 points after Matchweek 5.
City’s perfect start comes as Enzo Maresca continues his charge up the managerial rankings
The Italian has steered his team to an unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Their latest win saw them beat Sunderland 5–3 at the Etihad Stadium, with their victory coming despite them conceding three goals. Reuters revealed that the result marked City’s seventh consecutive win in all competitions under Maresca’s management.
However, the win also highlighted the contrasting aspects of their game, with Maresca noting that while their attack was prolific, he must address their defensive frailties as they move forward.
Their manager was also mindful of the early stages of the season as he noted the importance of getting points on the board.
“Of course, it is still early days, but it is always important to get three points,” said Maresca.
From 7/15 to 15/15 in the space of 12 months
The difference between City’s opening two Premier League campaigns can hardly be more contrasting.
They stumbled out the blocks in 2025/26, winning only two of their opening five league matches – claiming seven points in total. That was their worst-ever return from the first five league games since the 2006/07 season, according to the Premier League’s records.
But, as mentioned, it is a completely different story for City in 2026/27.
They have enjoyed five league wins from five matches so far, netting 13 goals and conceding five, according to the comparison with their opening five league matches.
The goal difference of +8 and five consecutive league wins are further evidence of their blistering start, with City currently sitting atop the standings with a perfect record.
That record has also seen them score 13 goals in their opening five league matches while managing only five goals conceded.
City’s attacking prowess has been on display as they have registered five league wins from five matches.
The latest example of their attacking quality came in their 5–3 win over Sunderland, as they got goals from Semenyo and Haaland.
Their attacking depth and strike force have been on show in their opening weeks as the hosts have laid the foundations for being one of the league’s most potent outfits.
But their defensive frailties were also exposed in their 5–3 win over Sunderland as Maresca looks to turn their solidity at the back around.
A different start, but how will things pan out?
While their eight-point improvement from their opening five league matches may suggest that they are set to enjoy a successful season, five matches represent only a small sample size in a 38-division campaign.
But the improvement in their start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign has been extraordinary, particularly when compared to 2025/26.
In fact, following their 15-point haul from their opening five league matches, City appear to have gathered incredible momentum ahead of what is sure to be a grueling campaign.
They have five consecutive league wins to their name and will have an opportunity to build on their early success when the international break concludes.
Maresca will be looking to maintain their winning form while also addressing the defensive lapses that have seen them register three goals conceded in their latest league match.
As mentioned, City’s record of 15 points from 15 available in their opening five league matches is a stark contrast to their 7/15 haul from the same number of fixtures in the 2025/26 campaign.
It remains to be seen whether their improvement from last season will be enough to see them finish as league champions.
