Arsenal leads the pack as Liverpool stumble and managerial changes escalate

The Premier League is never short of drama, and 11 games into the 2025/26 season, early predictions have already been blown out of the water, with new narratives emerging almost weekly.

After a quarter of the campaign, the title race is shaping into a two-horse affair, while surprise performers continue to make waves in the tight scramble for European places, and promoted teams stubbornly refuse to follow the familiar up-and-down script.

Tight at the top

Arsenal have grabbed the headlines, capitalising on a meltdown by early pacesetters Liverpool to surge four points clear. Eight wins, two draws, and a single loss leave Mikel Arteta’s side top of the table with 26 points and a healthy +15 goal difference, propelled by their unmatched defensive record and depth of quality.

With the top teams separated by narrow margins, consistency — particularly at the back — could ultimately decide the champions, and Arsenal look primed to sustain their challenge.

Manchester City, perennial favourites under Pep Guardiola, sit four points behind and are unlikely to fade quietly, while Chelsea, two points further back in third, face a steeper task. Enzo Maresca’s side will need far more consistency to mount a sustained title challenge and are more likely to be counted among the also-rans.

The same can be said of Manchester United, though the Red Devils are beginning to build momentum and could push for European qualification — even a Champions League spot — by season’s end.

Surprise packages

It isn’t just the traditional “big six” making headlines. Teams like Sunderland and Bournemouth are exceeding expectations. Both sit in the top half of the table, with newly promoted Sunderland currently fourth, thanks to their attacking bravery and refusal to respect reputations.

The parallels with last season are striking. These sides show that the Premier League rewards strategy, cohesion, and belief — not just big budgets or star names.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s fall from grace has been well documented, and Newcastle’s slide has been equally dramatic. Eddie Howe’s side struggle to win away from home, their league form starkly contrasting with European displays.

Yet, like Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Howe retains credit in the eyes of supporters after last season’s cup success and deserves time to correct course.

Here today, gone tomorrow

Early-season instability has also defined the Premier League in 2025/26. Already, the competition has broken its record for early managerial sackings, with four permanent bosses dismissed before November.

Nuno Espirito Santo was relieved of his duties at last season's surprise package Nottingham Forest after just three league games, while his replacement, Ange Postecoglou, lasted only 39 days. Graham Potter lost his job at West Ham, and Vitor Pereira paid the price for Wolves’ woeful start.

All three clubs languish at the bottom with no wins and only two points from 11 matches. Unless momentum shifts quickly, survival could become a long, painful slog for Wolves, Forest, and West Ham.

With the early-season trend set, even a small slide can trigger big decisions, and more managerial casualties are likely as the campaign progresses.

A long way to go

While Arsenal appear to have the firepower and resilience to maintain their title challenge, City remain poised to pounce on any sign of fragility.

The race for European places promises to be a nail-biter, with mid-table sides punching above their weight likely to struggle for consistency, while the traditional giants — Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United — could find their footing in the run-in.

At the other end of the table, Wolves look in grave danger unless a dramatic turnaround occurs, while West Ham and Forest face monumental tasks to secure survival.

Promoted duo Burnley and Leeds could also be drawn into the relegation scrap, setting the stage for an intriguing battle as the Premier League approaches the season-defining festive push.