Arsenal has taken the lead in the 2025-26 Premier League standings with 19 points from eight matches, holding a three-point advantage over Manchester City and four over defending champions Liverpool. The Gunners' strong start includes six wins, one draw, and one loss, bolstered by key signings and a solid defense. Upcoming fixtures will test their title credentials amid injuries and managerial changes elsewhere.
Arsenal sits atop the Premier League after eight games with a record of 6-1-1, boasting a +12 goal difference and 19 points. This positions them three points clear of Manchester City (5-1-2, 16 points) and four ahead of Liverpool (5-0-3, 15 points), who won the title last season under manager Arne Slot. Bournemouth occupies third with 4-2-2 and 15 points, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur follow with 14 points each.
The Gunners' ascent comes after overcoming early challenges against Manchester United, Liverpool, City, and Newcastle. Manager Mikel Arteta's side has invested in Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi, creating a balanced squad. Defensively, Arsenal has secured nine clean sheets in 12 games across all competitions, including four consecutive shutouts. Their attacking prowess shone in a 4-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on October 21, 2025, marking a sixth straight victory.
However, Arsenal's title hopes hinge on consistency after finishing as runners-up for three straight seasons, including last year's collapse despite City's struggles. On Sunday, October 26, they face Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium—a team that has beaten Liverpool and drawn at Chelsea this season.
Elsewhere, Liverpool travels to Brentford on October 25 without injured players Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ryan Gravenberch. Isak, who moved from Newcastle, has struggled with fitness. Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, seeks a third straight league win against Brighton, who have triumphed at Old Trafford for three years running. Danny Welbeck, 34, has scored four goals in his last three games and could haunt his former club.
Nottingham Forest underwent upheaval, sacking Ange Postecoglou after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea and appointing Sean Dyche as their third manager this season. Dyche's first league game is a tough trip to third-placed Bournemouth on October 26.
Newcastle's Anthony Gordon has four goals in seven games, and Nick Woltemade has five in nine since joining from Stuttgart, aiding their ninth-place standing with nine points. Manchester City, second with +11 goal difference, visits Aston Villa, where they have lost their last two visits.
Key Standings Highlights
- Arsenal: 19 points, +12 GD
- Manchester City: 16 points, +11 GD
- Bournemouth: 15 points, +3 GD
- Liverpool: 15 points, +3 GD
Promoted sides Sunderland (14 points), Burnley (7 points), and Leeds United (8 points) occupy mid-to-lower positions, while Wolves languish at the bottom with two points from 0-2-6.