Matchweek four of the 2026/27 Premier League season will mostly be remembered for the controversial VAR decision made during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, although there were strong performances from newly promoted sides like Hull City as well.

Following Leeds United’s Monday night win over Newcastle, Striver.Football breaks down the five key takeaways from Matchweek 4, followed by the essential numbers that defined the round.

Arsenal Maintain Their Perfect Start at Sunderland

Arsenal maintained their flawless start to the season by defeating Sunderland 2–0 at the Stadium of Light.

With Bruno Guimaraes scoring his first goal for the Gunners after coming off the bench and David Raya stepping up to save an early penalty, Mikel Arteta's squad proved they have both the clinical edge and defensive resilience required to maintain their perfect start.

They sit firmly at the top of the table with a perfect 12 points from a possible 12.

Manchester Derby Overshadowed by VAR Controversy

The headline fixture of the weekend saw Manchester City edge past Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in a game overshadowed by controversial officiating decisions.

Despite City going down to 10 men after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, Michael Carrick's United side failed to break down a pragmatic City defense. 

However, the match was overshadowed by a major VAR blunder surrounding Erling Haaland's 60th-minute winner. 

Although Haaland was found to be onside, Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to reach Josko Gvardiol's cross. Pro Ref later acknowledged that VAR should have considered the likely impact of Fernandez's position on the play.

Following the match, refereeing body Pro Ref publicly admitted an "error of judgment," confirming VAR failed to assess Fernández's interference and should have recommended an on-field review. 

This derby win pushed Manchester City up the standings while leaving Manchester United with just four points from their opening four league matches.

Hull City Continue Their Unbeaten Premier League Start

Hull City continued their sensational, unbeaten start to the top-flight campaign by holding Xabi Alonso's high-flying Chelsea to a 2–2 draw at Stamford Bridge. 

Mohamed Belloumi's first-half brace helped Hull City secure a point at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea salvaged a point through Joao Pedro, but Hull proved their defensive structure can withstand elite pressure.

Liverpool experienced a highly frustrating afternoon, playing out a goalless 0-0 draw at home against Fulham.

Despite dominant spells and a forward line featuring Alexander Isak, the Reds lacked the final spark to breach Fulham's low block, dropping crucial early points at home.

Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town Earn Impressive Away Wins

Matchweek four was an incredible round for away underdogs. Nottingham Forest earned a 2-1 win at Aston Villa, their first victory at Villa Park in 32 years.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park courtesy of a 90th-minute winner from Zian Flemming.

Premier League 2026/27 Matchweek 4 by the Numbers

12 — Points accumulated by Arsenal out of a possible 12, standing as the only team in the Premier League with a 100% winning record after four matches.

4 — Goals scored by Erling Haaland across the opening four fixtures, leading the early Premier League scoring charts following his decisive derby winner at Old Trafford.

90' — The minute Zian Flemming scored the winner in Ipswich Town's 3–2 victory over Crystal Palace.

2 — Goals scored by Hull City's Mohamed Belloumi in his first-half brace at Stamford Bridge, helping the newly promoted side preserve their unbeaten start against Chelsea.

0 — Goals conceded by Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side during Matchweek 4, with David Raya's crucial penalty save securing another vital clean sheet.