Premier League grades: Who is impressing, struggling after a quarter of the season?

With just over a quarter of the 2026-27 Premier League season completed, now seems like the perfect time to take stock of where each team is at. MORE — Latest Premier League table The November international break is always a dangerous time for managers who are in charge of struggling teams, and it's also the period when fans of overachieving clubs start to dream something special is possible. Below are our Premier League grades for all 20 teams based on how they've performed so far. In the principal’s office Manchester United: F Crystal Palace: F Sunderland: D Newcastle United: D Fulham: D+ Report card : Man United being in the relegation zone is shocking given the squad they have. Defensively they are all over the place and one win from 10 will likely cost Carrick his job. The same will happen to Sage at Palace, as the Eagles are also woeful at the back and have no zip or belief in their play. Sunderland's win against Chelsea eased the pressure on Le Bris, for now, but even with Europa League commitments they must kick on over the next few months. Newcastle had a promising start under Jaissle but things have unraveled a bit and they lack a cutting edge and defensive solidity. Arbeloa has endured a tough start at Fulham in terms of results, but they're actually playing some good stuff and have shown signs of improving their solidity. Tries hard, but could go either way Nottingham Forest: C- Coventry City: C+ Ipswich Town: B- Chelsea: B- Manchester City: B- Report card : Glasner's Forest got a big win against Man City before the break to give him lift-off, and if they can keep being more clinical they will kick on. Coventry have done better than expected and have pulled off some big wins, but can they maintain that? Ipswich have also impressed with O'Neil a perfect fit as the Tractor Boys are direct and more dangerous on the break this time around in the PL. Chelsea are a really strange team and Xabi Alonso has tinkered a bit too much after some big injuries and poor results. He needs Joao Pedro back. Fast. Manchester City's slack defending finally caught up with them before the break with three-straight defeats. But you can't ignore Maresca leading them to 7 wins in a row, amid all of the outside noise, before that. Full of potential Liverpool: B Aston Villa: B Tottenham Hotspur: B Leeds United: B+ Hull City: B+ Report card : Iraola's Liverpool are now looking very slick and dangerous in attack, with several stars gelling nicely, but they are still shaky defensively on the counter. Emery's new-look Villa have got their act together and are six games unbeaten, even if the odd implosion still crops up. Spurs are moving nicely in the right direction under De Zerbi and the final step is becoming more clinical in the final third. That will come. Leeds have taken a big step forward under Farke this season and are so solid at the back. They could push for Europe if Calvert-Lewin stays fit. Hull City have been the surprise package of the season and despite not winning since August, they are way ahead of expectations and are so tough to play against. Star students Brentford: A- Everton: A- Arsenal: A Bournemouth: A+ Brighton & Hove Albion: A+ Report card : How do Brentford keep doing this? They cause chaos to close the gap to the big boys and Andrews has built on a wonderful debut season. Moyes and Everton have overachieved massively given their limited attacking resources. The Toffees are genuine top six contenders which is quite remarkable given Barry is their only proper striker after a bungled summer transfer window. Arsenal are a machine and have been exceptional in grinding out results. It's nine wins from 10 for Arteta's side, who have barely got out of second gear. After a slow start Bournemouth are flying under Marco Rose and their small squad keeps high pressing and has adapted to European action masterfully. And speaking of flying, the Seagulls are soaring under Fabian Hurzeler. They have unearthed several new gems in the transfer market, play with unreal intensity, have beaten Arsenal and Man City and look like legit top four contenders. At the very least. Do we have another Leicester City situation on our hands!?