Premier League Title Race: Is It Already Down to Arsenal and Manchester City?
The Premier League title race is already starting to look like a battle between Arsenal and Manchester City. After the first four matches of the 2026/27 season, both teams have made perfect starts and sit level on 12 points at the top of the table.
Arsenal are ahead on goal difference, while Manchester City are also unbeaten with four wins. Liverpool, Chelsea and other expected challengers have already dropped points, raising an interesting question: is the title race already becoming a two-team fight?
Arsenal Have Made the Perfect Start
Arsenal have been the strongest team in the opening weeks of the season. Mikel Arteta’s side won their fourth league game by beating Sunderland 2-0. The result kept Arsenal perfect with 12 points from four matches and gave them the early advantage at the top of the table.
Their start is especially important because Arsenal entered the new campaign as defending Premier League champions. They now have the difficult task of maintaining their level throughout a long season while also competing in Europe.
Manchester City Are Right Behind Arsenal
Manchester City have also won their opening four league matches and have collected 12 points.
Their latest victory came against Manchester United in the Manchester derby. City won 1-0 despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour after Phil Foden was sent off. Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in the second half.
The win moved City level with Arsenal on points. Their goal difference is slightly worse, which leaves Arsenal at the top for now.
Liverpool Are Already Losing Ground
Liverpool were expected to be one of Arsenal and City’s biggest challengers, but their opening results have been less convincing.
The Reds drew 0-0 away to Fulham in their latest match and have six points from four games. They are already six points behind the two leaders.
That gap is not impossible to recover from at this stage. There are still many months and a huge number of matches left. However, Liverpool cannot afford to keep dropping points if Arsenal and City continue winning regularly.
Chelsea and Other Challengers Still Have Time
Chelsea are another team expected to compete near the top, but they have also made a mixed start.
Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Hull City in their latest league match. They currently have seven points from four games.
Brighton, Brentford, Hull City and several other teams have also made encouraging starts. However, it is too early to say that any of them are genuine title contenders.
The Premier League season is long, and injuries, European football, fixture congestion and January transfers can completely change the picture.
Is the Premier League Already a Two-Team Race?
It is too early to call it a two-team title race, but Arsenal and Manchester City have certainly separated themselves from the main group after four matches.
The current table gives Arsenal and City 12 points each, while Chelsea have seven and Liverpool six.
That makes the current situation look like this:
| Team | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 12 | 1st |
| Manchester City | 12 | 2nd |
| Chelsea | 7 | 5th |
| Liverpool | 6 | 7th |
| Manchester United | 4 | 13th |
The gap between the top two and Liverpool is already noticeable, but four matches are nowhere near enough to decide a Premier League title race.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Could Become the Main Battle
If both teams continue at their current pace, the Premier League could eventually develop into another Arsenal vs Manchester City battle.
Arsenal have the advantage of being the defending champions and currently lead on goal difference. City, however, have the experience of competing for titles under pressure and have shown their resilience with the recent derby win.
The biggest challenge for both clubs will be consistency.
A title race is not won in September. It is usually decided during the difficult winter period and the final months of the campaign.
Liverpool Cannot Be Written Off Yet
Despite their slow start, Liverpool should not be removed from the title conversation.
They have only played four games and still have a long season ahead. A strong run of five or six wins could quickly change the standings.
The same applies to Chelsea and other clubs currently sitting outside the top two.
One bad month for Arsenal or City could bring several challengers back into the race.
The Premier League Title Race Is Only Just Beginning
For now, Arsenal and Manchester City are clearly the early front-runners.
Both have four wins from four games and 12 points, while Liverpool and several other expected challengers have already dropped points.
But calling it a two-team title race would be premature. The Premier League season is still in its early stages, and there is plenty of time for Liverpool, Chelsea or another team to close the gap.
What is already clear is that Arsenal vs Manchester City looks like the biggest title battle to watch right now.
