The Opening Day Premier League Table: A Historical Look

As the anticipation builds for the start of another exhilarating Premier League season, it feels like only yesterday that the 2023/24 campaign concluded. But here we are, on the cusp of a new season brimming with promise, excitement, and, undoubtedly, drama. 

Last season saw Arsenal push Manchester City to the limit, with Pep Guardiola’s side ultimately clinching the title on the final day. Now, as Guardiola enters his ninth season at the helm, he will be eager to extend Manchester City’s record-breaking run of four consecutive Premier League titles. However, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Arne Slot’s Liverpool are poised to challenge City’s dominance, setting the stage for another fierce battle at the top.

Reflecting on Past Performances

With the Premier League kicking off tomorrow, it’s a perfect time to reflect on past performances and identify areas for improvement. In that spirit, we’ve delved deep into the historical data to assess how clubs have fared on the opening day of the Premier League season. The league table below is based on points per game (PPG) accumulated across a minimum of five opening day matches.

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Chelsea and Manchester United Lead the Pack

Chelsea and Manchester United, both ever-present in the Premier League’s 32 seasons, share the top spot in this opening day league table. Each boasts a PPG of 2.09, having amassed 67 points. As United prepares to face Fulham tomorrow, they will be hoping for a victory that, coupled with a Chelsea loss to Manchester City, could see them take sole possession of the top spot next season. Currently sitting just behind United in second place is Liverpool, with a PPG of 2.00 and 64 points. A win against Ipswich at Portman Road in the early kick-off on Saturday would allow Liverpool to close the gap on their rivals.

Manchester City, the reigning four-time champions, sit fourth in the opening day table with a PPG of 1.89. Their record includes 15 wins, six draws, and six losses from 27 matches, giving them a total of 59 points. Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, follows closely in fifth place with a PPG of 1.88, having secured 18 wins and six draws but suffering two more losses than City. Leeds United rounds out the top six with a PPG of 1.67 from 15 opening day matches, including six wins, seven draws, and two losses.

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Opening Day Premier League Table

Team	Seasons	W	D	L	Points Total	Points Per Game
Chelsea	32	20	7	5	67	2.09
Manchester United	32	21	4	7	67	2.09
Liverpool	32	18	10	4	64	2.00
Manchester City	27	15	6	6	51	1.89
Arsenal	32	18	6	8	60	1.88
Leeds United	15	6	7	2	25	1.67
Bolton Wanderers	13	6	2	5	20	1.54
Tottenham Hotspur	32	13	8	11	47	1.47
Blackburn Rovers	18	7	5	6	26	1.44
Fulham	17	6	5	6	23	1.35
Aston Villa	29	10	8	11	38	1.31
Newcastle United	29	10	7	12	37	1.28
West Ham United	28	11	2	15	35	1.25
Everton	32	9	12	11	39	1.22
Crystal Palace	15	5	3	7	18	1.20
Sunderland	16	4	6	6	18	1.13
Leicester City	17	4	7	6	19	1.12
West Bromwich Albion	13	3	3	7	12	0.92
Middlesbrough	15	2	7	6	13	0.87
Southampton	24	2	10	12	16	0.67

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Strugglers and the middle of the pack

At the other end of the table, Southampton finds themselves at the bottom, with a PPG of just 0.67, based on two wins, ten draws, and 12 losses from 24 opening day fixtures. Middlesbrough (0.87) and West Bromwich Albion (0.92) join them in the relegation zone of this table. Meanwhile, newly promoted Leicester (1.12) and Sunderland (1.13) occupy 17th and 16th place, respectively.

Mid-table regulars such as Fulham (10th with a PPG of 1.35), Aston Villa (11th with 1.31), Newcastle (12th with 1.28), West Ham (13th with 1.25), Everton (14th with 1.22), and Crystal Palace (15th with 1.20) complete the middle pack of this unique opening day league table.

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Premier League 23/24

As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, fans and pundits alike are filled with anticipation. Will Manchester City continue their dominance, or will Arsenal, Liverpool, or another contender rise to the occasion and dethrone the reigning champions? Every team will be eager to make a statement on opening day, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling campaign. With new signings, tactical innovations, and the relentless pace of Premier League football, the stage is set for unforgettable moments, dramatic twists, and the emergence of new heroes. As the whistle blows for kick-off, the journey begins anew—bringing with it all the passion, excitement, and unpredictability that make the Premier League the greatest show on earth.

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