After just five games, a number of storylines are already emerging in the Premier League. Sky Sports' writers assess the early talking points across an eventful start to the 2026/27 season.

Are Manchester City genuine title contenders? Enzo Maresca was asked whether he considered Manchester City to be title contenders after his side beat Sunderland 5-3. He gave the standard answer: "Too early to tell". But I've seen enough to stick my neck out and say they will be right up there. Maresca has made this exciting, dynamic City squad work for him. He's lucky he has Erling Haaland. He's lucky the club believe so heavily in his cause they were willing to spend £320m on an entirely new midfield department. But there is no doubt this squad is packed with entertainers who are determined to win. I like that the burden of scoring responsibility has been more equally shared; both Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki can boast as many goal involvements as Haaland. Barring any major injuries, City can - very probably will - rival Arsenal in the race.

Spurs find money can't buy them everything. Inevitable expectations followed when Spurs went big this summer - bigger than they've ever gone before. Their £334m outlay sat them only behind perennial big spenders Chelsea and Man City across the transfer window.