The Premier League season is well underway, and a familiar battle is unfolding at the top. After 11 matches, Arsenal holds the top spot, looking to finally end their long wait for a title. Meanwhile, Manchester City remains a formidable threat, poised to strike. And what about last season’s champions, Liverpool? They face a tough climb after a difficult start.

This title race is already shaping up to be a classic. Each contender has clear strengths and potential weaknesses that could define their season. Let’s assess the pros and cons for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool as they navigate the demanding campaign ahead.

Arsenal: Can the Gunners Finally Go the Distance?

After three consecutive runner-up finishes, Arsenal currently leads the pack with 26 points. There’s a growing belief that this could be their year. However, questions about their nerve remain.

The Case For Arsenal (Pros)

• Current Advantage: The Gunners have a four-point lead over Manchester City. This early cushion provides a valuable buffer as the season progresses.
• Defensive Rock: Mikel Arteta has built one of the league’s best defences. For instance, they won six games in a single month without conceding a goal, showcasing incredible solidity.
• AFCON Boost: Crucially, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in early 2026 is a major advantage. Arsenal is not expected to lose any key players, while their main rivals will see their squads depleted.
• Improved Squad: Significant summer signings like Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi have added quality and depth, making the team better equipped to handle injuries and fixture congestion.

The Case Against Arsenal (Cons)

• Mental Hurdles: The biggest question mark is psychological. Having faded late in previous title races, including blowing an eight-point lead in April 2023, the team must prove they can handle the pressure. Pundits like Dwight Yorke still doubt if they can “last the distance.”
• Missing a Clinical Striker: While the team creates many chances, they have been criticized for lacking a truly ruthless goalscorer. This wastefulness could be costly in tight matches.
• Tough Fixtures: The path ahead is not easy. Analyses show Arsenal faces a challenging run of fixtures, which will test their consistency and depth to the limit.

Manchester City: The Relentless Winning Machine

Four points behind Arsenal, Manchester City had a “turbulent start” but can never be counted out. Their experience and quality make them a constant danger to anyone with title aspirations.

The Case For Manchester City (Pros)

• Unmatched Experience: City has won six of the last seven titles. They possess the mental strength and know-how to perform under immense pressure, especially during the run-in.
• Incredible Squad Depth: Pep Guardiola has a world-class squad with exceptional talent in every position. This allows them to rotate players and maintain high performance levels across all competitions.
• Guaranteed Goals: With a striker like Erling Haaland, goals are almost a guarantee. His clinical finishing provides an edge that other teams often lack.
• Proven Form: Despite a slow start to this season, City has been the team to beat in the 2025 calendar year, averaging more points per game than both Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Case Against Manchester City (Cons)

• Defensive Questions: At times, City’s defence has looked vulnerable. A lack of solidity could be a concern, as strong defences are often the foundation of a title win.
• AFCON Absences: Unlike Arsenal, City will lose players to AFCON. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri will be unavailable, testing the team’s depth.
• Managerial Uncertainty: With this potentially being Pep Guardiola’s final season, it could either be a huge motivator or a distraction. See updates from Pep Guardiola’s press conferences.

Liverpool: A Mountain to Climb for the Champions

Reigning champions Liverpool have endured a challenging start to their title defence. Sitting in eighth place, they are eight points adrift of the leaders and face a difficult fight to get back into contention.

The Case For Liverpool (Pros)

• Champion Quality: As the 2024/25 winners, Liverpool undoubtedly have a squad filled with talent and a winning mentality.
• Summer Reinforcements: The club invested heavily in the summer, bringing in exciting players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. These additions could provide a much-needed spark.
• Potential for a Turnaround: With a new manager in Arne Slot having had time to implement his ideas, a strong run of form could see them quickly climb the table.

The Case Against Liverpool (Cons)

• Significant Gap: An eight-point deficit is a lot to make up in the Premier League. They have already lost five games this season.
• Pundits Writing Them Off: Following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, pundits like Roy Keane and Alan Shearer have suggested their title challenge is already “done.”
• Key Absences: Liverpool will lose their talisman, Mohamed Salah, to AFCON. Furthermore, they are currently dealing with a list of injuries to important players like Alisson and new signing Jeremie Frimpong.
• Defensive Frailties: Concerns about the team’s defensive solidity have persisted from last season, with a tendency to concede too many goals.

The Verdict: An Unpredictable Race to the Finish

As it stands, Arsenal is in pole position. Their current lead and unique AFCON advantage give them a fantastic opportunity to finally secure the title. However, Manchester City’s relentless consistency and deep-rooted experience make them an ever-present threat that cannot be ignored.

For Liverpool, the road back looks incredibly steep. While their quality is undeniable, the points gap and key player absences present a monumental challenge. One thing is certain: the next few months promise plenty of drama, twists, and turns in what is shaping up to be a memorable Premier League title race.