Premier League Update: Arsenal Leading the Charge
In the early stages of the 2025-26 Premier League season, the traditional powerhouses known as the “Big Six”—Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur—are navigating contrasting paths. Currently, they all reside within the top eight, while Bournemouth sits in fourth and Sunderland holds the seventh spot.
As all teams, with the exception of Sunderland and Everton—who face off Monday night—have played ten matches, they have gained insight into their capabilities as the season progresses. Four managerial changes have already occurred: Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest), Graham Potter (West Ham), and Vitor Pereira (Wolves) have been dismissed, while Ruben Amorim of Manchester United is also under scrutiny.
The pressure intensifies on the Big Six to fulfill expectations, delivering both trophies and UEFA Champions League qualification, as some teams outperform expectations while others lag behind. With a quarter of the season already gone, here’s how the teams are measuring up.
Arsenal: 1st Place – Grade: A
After finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive years, Arsenal’s 2025-26 campaign was viewed as a critical opportunity for Mikel Arteta to secure the club’s first title since 2004, especially after a summer spending spree exceeding £250 million on new recruits. Despite facing criticism for conservative tactics in matches against Liverpool and Manchester City, Arsenal sits atop the standings with a six-point lead, exhibiting dominance, particularly in set-piece situations. Their defense has been solid, conceding only three goals in ten league games, making them a formidable contender for the title.
Manchester City: 2nd Place – Grade: C
Pep Guardiola’s squad has had a tumultuous season so far, with notable inconsistencies leading to three Premier League losses. Still, they find themselves in second place and aim to leverage their championship experience to challenge Arsenal as the season unfolds. Their offensive players remain crucial to their position, even amidst scrutiny regarding their overall performance.
Liverpool: 3rd Place – Grade: D
Liverpool’s form has fluctuated dramatically, beginning the season with five wins only to suffer through a four-match losing streak. They finally bounced back with a 2-0 victory at home. Their ups and downs underscore a season characterized by volatility, leaving room for improvement.
Tottenham Hotspur: 5th Place – Grade: C
Under new coach Thomas Frank, Spurs have shown growth after a disappointing last season where they finished just above the relegation zone. However, recent poor performances, including a loss to Chelsea that earned them boos from their home crowd, have stalled their progress. The absence of key players has further complicated their campaign.
Chelsea: 6th Place – Grade: C
The FIFA Club World Cup champions have struggled with consistency this season. The young talent in the squad has shown potential, but their lapses against teams like Brighton and Sunderland indicate a need for further development. With injuries affecting their key offensive players, they have managed to stay competitive in goal-scoring but will need to tighten their defense to improve their standing.
Manchester United: 8th Place – Grade: C
Manchester United has displayed signs of improvement yet continues to face challenges, including an earlier Carabao Cup exit. The team now resembles a more cohesive unit under Ruben Amorim, with key summer signings bolstering the attack. However, defensive vulnerabilities persist, complicating their pursuit of a top-four finish. Addressing their lack of depth will be crucial as they aim for Champions League qualification.
Overall, the Premier League continues to deliver surprises as teams rise and fall in a competitive landscape. With the season still in its early chapter, the subsequent matches will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of these teams.
n
