31 August 1996 – The first month of the league season ends with Sheffield Wednesday as Premier League leaders after winning their first three games of the season. Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United complete the top five, following by newly promoted Sunderland in sixth place. Wimbledon prop up the top flight, with Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City completing the bottom three. In Division One, Stoke City lead the way, a point ahead of Barnsley in the early stages of the race for Premier League football. Norwich City, Tranmere Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and QPR complete the top six.