The title race might as well be done for Arsenal. They are at the top of the table, and their rivals are struggling. The question now: is it over?
Arsenal are ahead with a flying start. They have won the majority of their initial matches and they are razor-sharp. Standings up to date, Arsenal are position number one with 22 points for 9 matches for the season 2025-26.
Their rivals are falling behind. Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool are falling behind. They have lost or dropped too many points. They are pole position, and the rest of the pack are running around trying to keep up.
Why Arsenal appear to be in title charge
Arsenal’s performances are good. They’ve started well. They possess a robust goal difference. The table is leaving them alone at the top after nine games.
They are showing stability. In the past, they would have blow-ups and troughs. Currently, they are level keel. Their defense is also in good condition. First-class title-winning defense is what it is. In 2024-25, Arsenal conceded just 34 goals โ the best in the league.
Why the title race may not be over yet
A respectable opening aside, nothing has been done as yet. There are 38 games in the season. Lots of points are still out there to be taken.
Arsenal too must keep going in the pace. Injuries, dips in form, or shock losses can derail them. We have seen that happen to great sides before.
Opponents can always recover. The feeling of winning the title is not foreign to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
And, for that matter, starting well is one thing; finishing well is another. Pressure and expectation gather over the period of time.
How significant is the lead, really?
Arsenal are in the lead at this point, but the gap is not overwhelming. For example, after nine games:
Arsenal: 22 points.
Tottenham: 17 points.
Manchester City: 16 points.
That leaves rivals 4-6 points behind. That can be covered.
But the longer the season progresses, the wider the gap can become in a flash โ especially if Arsenal continue to win and rivals fall increasingly further behind.
Bournemouth and Sunderland are also in the top 4 but such teams are not used to dealing with the pressure.
What the opposition have been doing
Tottenham have had a mixed bunch. Good wins, some draws. They have the ability to do better but without consistency.
Manchester City, for all their record, have at times produced glimpses of being under pressure this season.
Liverpool, the previous champions, do not seem as dominant as in their championship year.
Hence, the competitors are not going full throttle. When they do not, the favourite has a genuine opportunity to build a lead.
Manchester United has actually played well in their last 3 games. But for that reason, we cannot factor in them showing strength against Arsenal in title race.
Upcoming key factors
Games in hand: Arsenal can extend their lead by winning those games if they have games in hand. That’s significant.
Tough fixtures: Arsenal will have tough opponents to play against in the coming future. How they address those will decide whether they are to hold on to their position.
Injuries and depth: In every match day, some or the other Arsenal players are getting injured. At the end of the season, depth matters. Fatigue and injuries hit hard. Arsenal need to handle them.
Psychological edge: Being top is pressure. “Title favourites” don’t always succeed. How Arsenal go about it will be crucial.
Author’s Insight
Yes โ I believe the title race is very much in Arsenal’s favour. Their initial form, their consistency, and the weakness of challengers place them in the driver’s seat. They are better placed than some at this time.
But I would not be so presumptuous as to say it is done. There are still risks. To slacken here would leave the door slightly open.
In simple language: Arsenal are the best by a mile. Their rivals must do something amazing to get near to them. If Arsenal continue, they will win the title. It’s not done yet — but it is very much on that trajectory.
