Nightmare starts for Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim - but Chelsea and Tottenham have the chance to build some momentum: Winners & losers from the 2025-26 Premier League fixture release
The Premier League fixture release for the 2025/26 season delivered instant drama, handing brutal opening salvos to Mikel Arteta and new Liverpool boss Ruben Amorim, while offering Chelsea and Tottenham a golden chance to build early momentum.
Losers:
1. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): The fixture computer dealt Arsenal a potentially devastating hand. A trip to Anfield on the opening day is the ultimate baptism of fire, followed immediately by a North London Derby against Tottenham. This nightmare start could see Arsenal playing catch-up from day one, piling immense pressure on Arteta to navigate a run that could define their title challenge before it truly begins.
2. Ruben Amorim (Liverpool): While hosting Arsenal is a stern test, Amorim's introduction to the Anfield hotseat gets no easier. After the Gunners, Liverpool face a daunting September including Manchester City away and a resurgent Newcastle at St James' Park. The new manager's philosophy and squad resilience will be tested to the limit immediately, leaving little room for settling-in.
Winners:
1. Chelsea: In stark contrast, the Blues landed a dream start. Home games against newly-promoted sides (likely Leicester and Southampton) offer Enzo Maresca the perfect platform to build confidence and rhythm. A relatively gentle opening six weeks provides Chelsea a significant opportunity to bank points and build crucial early-season momentum after recent inconsistency.
2. Tottenham: Spurs also avoided the immediate giants. While facing Arsenal early (GW2), their other initial fixtures – starting with Crystal Palace at home – appear manageable. Ange Postecoglou's side has a clear runway to implement their high-octane style and accumulate points before facing the absolute elite, potentially setting a strong foundation.
Other Notable Points:
Manchester United: A mixed bag – a tough opener at Fulham but avoids the absolute biggest guns early.
Aston Villa: A challenging start with trips to Brighton and West Ham, testing their top-four credentials quickly.
Newly Promoted Teams: Leicester host Villa first, a tough but winnable start, while Southampton travel to Stamford Bridge.
While fixtures are just dates on a calendar, the psychological impact of a tough or kind start is undeniable. For Arteta and Amorim, the pressure cooker ignites immediately. For Chelsea and Spurs, the path is laid for a fast start – the challenge is seizing it. The 2025/26 season promises fireworks from the very first whistle.
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