The 2025/26 Premier League season has developed into one of the most competitive title races in recent years, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa setting the pace.
After 17 rounds, they are separated by just three points (39, 37 and 36), where any minor slip-up could prove costly.
Leader Arsenal has been the most consistent, often controlling games and grinding out results even when not at its best. This has been possible due to the team’s centre-back partnership — arguably the league’s strongest — between Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
In midfield, Declan Rice has been pivotal, offering defensive security, leadership and the ability to transition the play.
The lack of a true No. 9 — a long-standing issue for the Gunners — was addressed with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, who won the Gerd Muller Trophy (most prolific striker) last season.
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> — Premier League (@premierleague) [December 23, 2025](https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/2003392635717763419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Manchester City, as ever, remains the benchmark. Having won six of the last nine seasons, the side’s experience in navigating high-pressure situations is unmatched.
After last season’s setback, manager Pep Guardiola refreshed his squad with key signings in AC Milan genius Tijjani Reijnders, Champions League winner Gianluigi Donnarumma and French maestro Rayan Cherki.
These new signings, along with world-class striker Erling Haaland, have rejuvenated the Manchester outfit.
The biggest surprise has been Aston Villa, which has announced itself as serious challenger after a memorable 2-1 victory over Arsenal.
Villa’s high-intensity pressing and structured counter-attack reflect Unai Emery’s tactical brilliance. The gaffer has brought out the best in Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and custodian Emiliano Martinez.
In contrast, the biggest disappointment has been Liverpool, which was tipped as the pre-season favourite following “massive signings”, including star strikers Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, and Bayer Leverkusen elites Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
However, poor cohesion, internal conflicts and inconsistent performances have limited The Reds to nine wins out of 17 games. The contrast between their summer hype and reality has been one of the season’s defining stories.
Published \- December 24, 2025 07:12 pm IST