Brief

Manchester City’s five‑game winning streak keeps title hopes alive

City’s early dominance has raised questions about the sustainability of a winning run, with experts pointing to fixture difficulty and defensive fragility.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:46:04 GMT

Manchester City have won every one of their first five Premier League fixtures, the only team to do so this season, and the 15th club ever to achieve the feat. The wins have put them three points clear of champions Arsenal and have sparked debate about how much a fast start matters for a title challenge.

Early dominance and historical context

City’s run places them among a small group of clubs that have gone on to win the league after a five‑game winning start – Manchester City in 2023‑24, Liverpool in 2019‑20, and Chelsea in 2009‑10 and 2005‑06. However, only four of the 14 clubs that have won their first five games have finished the season as champions, and none of the last seven clubs to start a season with exactly five wins have done so.

Fixture difficulty and defensive concerns

Analysts note that City’s early opponents were among the weakest in the league, with an average rating of 91.2 according to Opta Power Rankings – only Liverpool (91.1) had a slightly easier run. The club’s defensive record has also been questioned, suggesting the winning streak may be unsustainable once the schedule hardens.

Implications for the title race

City’s five‑game haul keeps them ahead of Arsenal, who have also collected 12 points from four matches, and maintains pressure on other title contenders such as Chelsea, Liverpool, United and Tottenham. The next test will come when City host Liverpool at Anfield, a match that will further reveal whether the team can maintain its early momentum.

Key facts

Manchester City have won all five of their opening Premier League matches (theguardian.com)
City are the 15th club to win their first five games in a Premier League season (theguardian.com)
Only four of the 14 clubs that have won their first five games have gone on to win the title (theguardian.com)
City’s opponents have an average rating of 91.2, the second‑easiest start this season (theguardian.com)
Liverpool had the easiest start with an average rating of 91.1 (theguardian.com)

Background

Felo’s earlier coverage on 14 September highlighted Arsenal and City’s 12‑point haul from four games, setting the stage for the title race. The Guardian article expands on City’s five‑game winning streak and its historical significance.

Why it matters

A sustained winning run can give a team confidence and a points cushion, but the Guardian notes that fixture difficulty and defensive solidity are key factors that may undermine such early success.