Hello and welcome back to another edition of The Full 90. Since the Premier League is on hold due to the November international break, this week, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the current state of the Premier League and where I think it’s going heading into a busy winter period.
Currently at the top of the table sits the dominant defensive leader Arsenal FC. Through eleven games, the Gunners sit four points ahead of second place, Manchester City, and six points in front of third place, Chelsea FC. The Gunners have looked strong and fortified throughout the beginning months of the season, but the pressure mounting a 2-2 draw in their most recent game against Sunderland FC could prove to be costly to the North London side. This dramatic draw to Sunderland was the first sign of defensive weakness with the Gunners. This unusual conceding of goals was not normal for them as through ten games they held the best defensive record in the league, having only conceded three goals before their 2-2 draw to Sunderland. In recent years, Arsenal has been prone to choking and falling short after leading the title race. This result will surely have Arsenal fans reminiscing on their team’s tendency to crack under pressure. Could this result be the beginning of another title running downfall? We will see how the team carries itself heading into a busy schedule with two tough games against rivals Tottenham and Chelsea following the November international break.
Manchester City has restored its levels and seems to be back to its former glory under legendary manager Pep Guardiola. Striker Erling Haaland has been a goal machine on overdrive this season, leaving defenders chasing shadows as they watch him slot the ball in the back of the net week in and week out. The Norwegian powerhouse has now netted 14 goals in 11 games and shows no sign of slowing down. With a big win over Liverpool before the November international break, Guardiola’s side will continue to stalk Arsenal at the top, waiting for the frontrunners to slip up and drop points.
In third place are the young bucks from southwest London, Chelsea FC. With an average age of just 24 years old, Chelsea ranks as the youngest team in the Premier League. Its inconsistent performance within the Premier League has been a pretty accurate portrayal of its youth. Chelsea has had some massive wins this season, like its 2-1 win over Liverpool and its dominant 1-0 over Tottenham. However, for all the good, it has also struggled breaking down lesser opponents, which is highlighted best through defeats to Manchester United and Sunderland FC. Chelsea has been dealing with injuries to key players such as Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, who are both pivotal within its squad. As a result, players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian have all provided an influx of quality to the side. The Ecuadorian midfielder, Caicedo, has been playing world class football for months now, but the world is just now starting to take notice. The midfielder has played every game for Chelsea this season and has been exuding class every week, with performances fit for a player that is the best in the world. As the season goes on, we will see how its team spirit is displayed, as London’s worst enemy is its youthful inconsistency against lesser teams.
Rounding out the top four is arguably the best story of the season, as newly promoted underdog Sunderland FC sits at fourth with 19 points from eleven games. The Black Cats from Northeast England have made an incredible effort this season after being promoted in dramatic fashion with a come-from-behind win against Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final in May of last year. Their hard-fought victory sent a message to everyone surrounding the club, and this was best shown through the influx of funds the owners poured into making their Premier League returning side. The club spent a grand total of $155 million over the summer and secured marque signings like former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and French Defender Nordi Mukiele from PSG. Among these signings were other smart and efficient signings that maximized its minimal budget and bolstered its squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
As the holidays near, the packed Premier League schedule approaches. Expect tantalizing drama, extreme emotions and relentless intensity. With a jam-packed schedule of games imminent, every goal and mistake will matter; this is where titles take shape and true resilience is tested.
