Premier League 2025–26 season to date: Surprise contenders, shaky giants, and a season on a knife-edge
The 2025–26 Premier League season is off to a thrilling, unpredictable start — a campaign defined by early stumbles from giants, sharp performances from promoted sides, and a congested league table.
With seven weeks played, Liverpool have been leapfrogged by Arsenal, who now sit atop the table, but their grip on first place is anything but secure. Manchester City, Bournemouth, and a revitalised Tottenham are all within striking distance, while the traditional pecking order is under threat from teams defying expectations.
With that in mind, for those who follow the digital sportsbook for football and are partial to online football betting, let’s take a look at the season’s biggest storylines thus far and how it may influence the markets for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
Liverpool cracks begin to show
After winning their first five league games as defending champions, Liverpool have lost back-to-back games in the English top-flight and three straight fixtures across all competitions.
As a result, they have been leapfrogged by Arsenal in the table and are currently sitting second. It’s not only in the Premier League table where the Reds are second to the Gunners – with Arne Slot’s side widening to second-favourites among most bookmakers to win the league.
With key fixtures ahead and the Champions League group stage in full swing, they’ll need to find a higher gear quickly if they’re to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
Manchester City stutter as injuries bite
Manchester City, winners of five of the last six titles, have endured a mixed start. A narrow 1–0 win over Brentford last weekend, courtesy of an Erling Haaland goal, brought relief but also concern. Influential midfielder Rodri limped off with a hamstring injury, joining an increasingly long list of absentees for Pep Guardiola.
City have struggled to string together dominant performances, and with squad depth under scrutiny, their ability to keep pace at the top may hinge on January reinforcements or the return of key players.
Promoted sides punch above their weight
Sunderland’s return to the top-flight has been one of the most compelling stories of the season. Led by an inspired Robin Roefs in goal, the Black Cats have stunned analysts with mature, well-organised performances. Their resilience in tight games has yielded vital points, and they currently sit comfortably mid-table — well ahead of where many predicted.
Leeds United and Burnley have found the going tougher but have each registered key wins that suggest survival is within reach if form improves.
Everton and Newcastle show intent
Everton produced perhaps their most complete performance of the season last week, coming from behind to beat a previously unbeaten Crystal Palace side 2–1. Goals from Jack Grealish and new signing Iliman Ndiaye gave fans at Hill Dickinson Stadium a glimpse of what this revamped side can achieve under David Moyes.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain steady. A 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest, with Bruno Guimarães pulling the strings, showcased their control and depth.
Looking ahead
With the table tightly packed and no runaway leader, the 2025–26 campaign is shaping into one of the most competitive in recent memory. As injuries mount and winter approaches, squad depth, tactical adaptability, and off-field stability may prove just as crucial as raw talent.
Whether Arsenal can hold their lead, City can rediscover their rhythm, or a dark horse like Sunderland can push further up the table — remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this Premier League season is wide open.
