Arsenal were the reigning Premier League champions entering the 2026–27 opening weekend.
Their title made Arsenal the first team named in the new season’s fixture list, with a home match against Coventry City on Friday 21 August 2026. The fixture was presented as Arsenal’s title defence beginning at Emirates Stadium.
The championship was Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years. Their previous Premier League triumph had come in the 2003–04 season, when they completed the campaign unbeaten and became known as the Invincibles.
Coventry City were one of three promoted teams in 2026–27. The opening match therefore combined the previous season’s champions with a club returning to England’s top division after an extended absence.