Sunderland halt Arsenal, while Manchester City demolish Liverpool among the five stories from Gameweek 11 of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign
The international break will be a welcome boost for some Premier League sides, while others would have preferred to keep their momentum going. Gameweek 11 produced yet more drama, with several key changes at both ends of the table.
The top half of the standings was the main talking point of the gameweek, although there were notable results at the bottom as well. West Ham United look increasingly likely to climb the table, while further questions hover over Leeds United, Burnley, and Wolves, who appear out of sorts at the moment.
Brentford and Sunderland are proving tough to beat on home soil and could thoroughly disrupt the Premier League title race in more ways than one. At the top, the championship battle is shaping up as an Arsenal–Manchester City affair, with Liverpool looking down and out for now.
So, ahead of the Premier League Gameweek 11 review, here are five stories involving perceived top contenders such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Sunderland, Brentford, and West Ham United also make the cut based on their performances.
Liverpool in turmoil
Liverpool are quickly becoming a regular in these reviews, having also featured in Gameweek 10 and others. Losing five of their opening eleven Premier League games casts significant doubt over the Reds’ ability to mount a sustained title challenge. Much has been said about manager Arne Slot during this dreadful run, which has also seen them lose four consecutive away games.
The results have been unprecedented and far from fitting for a reigning champion. The defeat to Manchester City has increased scrutiny on Slot, as the performance was embarrassing to say the least.
Liverpool began the match relatively well, but Manchester City soon took control. Despite showing some intent, Liverpool managed only one shot on target, and Mohamed Salah failed to convert a 1v1 chance, albeit when three goals down.
The penalty save was not a huge talking point, although many believed the spot-kick was wrongly awarded to Manchester City. Giorgi Mamardashvili’s save aside, another controversial decision saw Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser disallowed. Yet, even with that goal, Liverpool looked disjointed both before and after the incident.
With Arsenal dropping points, this was a massive opportunity for Liverpool and City to capitalise, and only the latter did. The Gunners and Cityzens now look like the prime title contenders, and given their momentum, it is difficult to see Liverpool re-entering the conversation. Instead, they may need to refocus on securing a top-four place as this season already requires a revival of sorts.
Manchester City are relentless and back in the Premier League title race
Pep Guardiola has turned things around at the Etihad, even when it appeared Manchester City had carried forward last season’s patchy form. Early defeats to Tottenham and Brighton & Hove Albion raised serious questions about their ability to mount a credible title challenge.
However, recent performances have put them back on course, and the win over Liverpool reduced the gap to Arsenal to just four points. With some tough fixtures ahead for the Gunners, the weeks following the international break could provide City with the opportunity to seize control.
More importantly than results, it is the balance and cohesion Guardiola has restored that now make Manchester City look formidable. Their current form speaks volumes about their intent, as Guardiola will want his key players firing on all cylinders.
Having chased down Liverpool and Arsenal in previous seasons, Manchester City possess immense experience in title pursuits. Yet this challenge might prove Guardiola’s toughest in the Premier League era, given the quality and depth of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad.
Arsenal drop points but remain a level above in the Premier League
Arsenal had won six consecutive league games after drawing with Manchester City, conceding in only one of those matches. Keeping five straight Premier League clean sheets, and eight across all competitions, was seen as a sign of relentlessness, even if some had criticised their pragmatic style.
Yet the unforgiving nature of the Premier League means any dropped points feel catastrophic. Some Arsenal fans already fear for the club’s Premier League title chances after the draw with Sunderland, but context is essential here.
Sunderland have been tough opponents for any opponent, especially at home, where Regis Le Bris’s team remain unbeaten in the Premier League. Arsenal’s first-half display was dull, but they improved significantly after the interval and were unfortunate with both Sunderland goals, particularly the late equaliser that may dent morale slightly.
Arteta’s charges have battled through a mounting injury list, with several key attackers sidelined. The international break offers a much-needed respite, and many absentees are expected to return soon after. There is a high probability Arteta will soon have his full squad available, giving him greater flexibility in changing games when needed.
Despite dropping points, Arsenal should not be written off. They remain favourites in the Premier League title race for now, although Manchester City’s promising resurgence poses a significant threat.
Sunderland and Brentford are expected to cause disruptions
Regis Le Bris continues to silence his critics with another big result under his belt. While the Sunderland boss may have wanted his side to defend their lead against Arsenal more effectively, he will be delighted with a late point against the league leaders.
The Wearside outfit’s summer spending appears vindicated, and the team looks capable of challenging anyone, particularly at the Stadium of Light, where they are yet to lose a Premier League game. Le Bris will hope to maintain that run and build on current consistency after the break.
Similarly, Brentford continues to trouble the top teams. Their impressive victory over Newcastle United further cemented the Gtech Community Stadium’s growing reputation as a fortress. Rookie manager Keith Andrews has done a remarkable job replacing the highly regarded Thomas Frank.
Initially ridiculed for his lack of managerial experience, the former set-piece coach has proved everyone wrong, especially at home. The Bees have already beaten Liverpool and held Chelsea, in addition to toppling Newcastle United.
Like Sunderland, Brentford remain far more effective on home soil than away, but their home performances could significantly influence the title race. Both teams have already taken points off major contenders, and their form at the Gtech and the Stadium of Light, respectively, could play a pivotal role going forward.
West Ham resurgent; Nottingham Forest back on track?
West Ham United endured a tough start to the season before changing managers, with Nuno Espirito Santo now starting to get the best out of his players. A morale-boosting win over Newcastle United halted their slide towards the relegation zone, and the recent victory over Burnley has further improved their outlook.
That result against Burnley has brought the Hammers level on points with Scott Parker’s side, and a few more strong performances could see them climb into mid-table security. Nuno Espirito Santo has the quality in his squad to push higher, perhaps even challenge for a top-ten finish if consistency follows.
A similar resurgence is brewing at Nottingham Forest, where Sean Dyche oversaw a much-needed win over fellow strugglers Leeds United. It was only Forest’s second victory since the opening day triumph over Brentford and has pulled them closer to Burnley in 17th while distancing them from bottom-placed Wolves.
Both West Ham and Forest are showing promise and possess the squads to move clear of the relegation battle. If their current form continues beyond the international break, daylight could soon appear between them and the bottom three.