The Premier League Title Race

Author: Jack Guing, Last Updated: 24.10.2024

We have seen 7 Premier League games to this point, which have been interrupted by two international breaks with another coming up in November. With 38 games in total we are just 18.42% into this Premier League season, but already the title race is becoming clear. It looks like we will have a repeat of last season and there will be 3 teams involved in a tussle for the title. These teams are once again, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Last season it was tight throughout the season between these three, with Liverpool fading away just at the end and Arsenal taking City to the final day but coming up short, with Man City winning a historic 4th Premier League title in a row. This title race could potentially be tighter with Arsenal and Liverpool looking very strong at the start of the campaign and Manchester City suffering an injury to arguably their most critical player, Rodri, who will be out for the entire season. We got a glimpse into how tight the race could be when Man City hosted Arsenal last month. City relied on a 98th minute equaliser from John Stones to draw 2-2 with 10 man Arsenal in a heated encounter. Each team has a realistic chance of winning the league so let’s examine their credentials.

Manchester City

Since Pep Guardiola took over as Manchester City manager he has only failed to win the league in 2 seasons, his first season (16/17) and the 2019/20 season where Liverpool ran away with the title. They won 6 titles in 8 seasons and certainly have a monopoly on the Premier League title, similar to the one Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United had on the title. City have been missing key players at the start of this season, including Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, but they have still managed to remain unbeaten in the league with 5 wins and 2 draws, gaining 17 points which leaves them above Arsenal in 2nd place on goal difference.

Their two draws came against Arsenal and Newcastle, two strong opponents. They have tough tests coming up in November as they take on Spurs at home and travel to Brighton. In the last weekend of November they have a huge encounter away to Liverpool at Anfield, a place they have only won once since 2003, a 1-4 win in 2021, that was behind closed doors. This will be a huge test for Man City to see if they can break their Anfield curse.

Arsenal

Arsenal have been beaten to the last two Premier League titles by Manchester City, faltering in 2022/2023 and losing on the final day last season. They are progressing year on year under manager Michel Arteta and will be hoping this is the year they make that next step and win their first league title since 2004. Like Manchester City, Arsenal have remained unbeaten this season, with the same record, 5 wins and 2 draws. Their 2 draws came in games they went down to 10 men in, versus Manchester City and Brighton.

If Arsenal are to win the league they will have to improve their discipline. In both these games they got needless red cards for kicking the ball away. The one versus Brighton which saw Declan Rice red carded seemed harsh, but they showed they did not learn their lesson when Trossard booted the ball away versus Man City. It is this naivety that can stop a team winning a league title. Arsenal are strong defensively and in attack and have all the capabilities of lifting the trophy come May.

Liverpool

Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League table on 18 points, winning 6 games but suffering a shock home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Liverpool have won a lot of tight games recently, winning 1-2 away at Wolves and 0-1 away at Crystal Palace. Winning these tight games helps build momentum and character and Liverpool look like they have both currently. They were not expected to challenge this season as they are supposed to be going through a transition period having lost legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. Arne Slot has seamlessly come in and has them looking like potential champions. We will learn more about Liverpool in the coming weeks as they take on Arsenal away shortly after the international break as well as taking on Man City at Anfield at the end of November. Do not underestimate them though.

It currently looks like these 3 teams will be involved in the title race this season. Manchester City will be the clear favourites given their recent winning record and also their unbelievable squad. Arsenal and Liverpool have what it takes to push them all the way. This season promises to be an exciting one.

See more news content.