This summer was marked by significant changes in managerial positions, with nearly half of the Premier League clubs kicking off the 2026/27 season under new leadership. Following six rounds of matches, there is enough evidence to assess the early results of these appointments. Journalists from BritBall.Net have compiled a detailed report card for the nine managers who took the reins before the championship began.
1. Enzo Maresca (Manchester City)
The new gaffer of the Cityzens has earned the status of an outright leader in our rankings. Maresca hasn’t just replicated Pep Guardiola’s visual style but revamped the squad into a disciplined 4-1-4-1 formation, maintaining the championship-winning tempo: six victories out of six matches. However, Maresca’s biggest test remains off the pitch; while the higher echelons of the club hide behind pre-recorded video messages due to allegations on 114 counts, it’s Maresca who fronts the media amid the storm. A stunning 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool at Anfield served as a perfect coaching response to his doubters.
2. Gary O'Neil (Ipswich Town)
A genuine revelation at the start of the season. Against a backdrop of sceptical predictions, O'Neil has managed to mould the newly-promoted side into a disciplined and stubborn competitor. By astutely managing the substantial summer investments, the manager is racking up points in matches where the club would have previously capitulated. Ipswich now finds themselves just one win away from matching their entire point tally from the whole of the 2024/25 season.
Xabi Alonso (Chelsea)
The Spaniard outshines Liam Rosenior with his tactical nous, and ten points from six matches is a decent start. The Blues have transformed into one of the most entertaining attacking forces in the league, although their defensive balance has been completely undermined: Chelsea possesses the worst goal difference among the top seven teams. Alonso’s task will be to instil the same level of discipline that defined his invincible Bayer side, or else the battle for a Champions League spot could turn into a lottery.
Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)
At Anfield, Iraola won’t receive the same credit as he did at Bournemouth. The Reds' defence has been solid (conceding just four goals until a red card in the match against City), but the £300 million worth of attacking players has underperformed. Twelve teams in the league have scored more than Liverpool, and a frustrating draw against relegation candidates Fulham has exposed a lack of creativity. It’s vital for Iraola to integrate Wirtz, Barcola, and Isak into a cohesive attacking unit.
Matthias Jaisle (Newcastle United)
Despite gloomy forecasts following the departure of key players, the German manager has kept the Magpies afloat: two wins, two draws, and two losses have left the team in a steady 11th position. Confident victories against Tottenham and Hull have offset heavy defeats to Leeds and Coventry. The return of Dan Burn should solidify an all-too-vulnerable defence.
Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)
The Frenchman is instilling a bold, combination-based style into his squad: in terms of chances created, the Eagles trail only Brighton. However, their conversion rate is abysmal — they’ve squandered 15 out of 21 clear-cut chances. A fortunate victory over Nottingham Forest means the manager urgently needs to shore up his defence as they face a packed European schedule with matches against Lyon and Besiktas.
Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest)
With a £13 million annual salary, expectations were high for the Austrian to deliver more than a 15th place start with just one win. The Forest are struggling with a lack of goals (only crisis-ridden Tottenham have scored fewer), despite not deserving the disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace (1-3). Glasner faces demands for a quick turnaround.
Marco Rose (Bournemouth)
The German manager has been grappling with adapting to the pace of English football and an ongoing injury crisis, with Justin Kluivert, Eli Junior Kroupi, and now Alex Scott all sidelined. The Cherries remain winless, and their dishevelled defensive display against Chelsea (1-5) only highlights systemic issues ahead of returning to European action.
Alvaro Arbeloa (Fulham)
Arbeloa has had the worst start among all league managers. His experience in managing Real Madrid's second team has proven inadequate for the Premier League; with the loss of Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson, the Cottagers have plummeted to the foot of the table. Arbeloa has yet to find a winning formula, leaving him perilously close to immediate dismissal.
