Manchester City have won five from five and lead the early standings, yet their 5-3 victory over Sunderland has prompted questions about control as well as quality. The result confirms their attacking threat; the chaotic scoreline leaves room for debate over whether the approach can survive a full campaign.
For Enzo Maresca, the immediate target is not simply maintaining a perfect record. His prospects will be judged by whether City can turn this explosive opening into a sustained title challenge, particularly when matches become tighter and opponents sit deeper.
The concern around Manchester United is familiar: can promising performances become reliable results? After five games, every dropped point carries extra attention because the leading pack has begun quickly.
At Arsenal, selection is already part of the discussion. Another assessment questioned whether Myles Lewis-Skelly should have started at Brighton, underlining how quickly individual decisions become headline issues when expectations are high.
Liverpool face a different pressure. As a club expected to compete near the top, their early campaign will be measured against the standard set by City. The next run of fixtures will reveal whether their opening form represents a temporary wobble or a deeper problem.
Tottenham being bottom after five matches makes relegation a legitimate talking point, but not yet a conclusion. The danger is psychological as much as statistical: a poor start can change recruitment priorities, increase managerial pressure and make every home game feel like a must-win.
The next fixtures will provide the first meaningful test. City must prove their style is sustainable, while Tottenham, United, Arsenal and Liverpool need results that can quiet the early noise.