Premier League Title Race: Are Arsenal and Man City Already Out in Front After Four Games?

Four matches may be too early to decide a Premier League title race, but Arsenal and Manchester City have already created a gap at the top that is difficult to ignore.

Both clubs have won all four of their opening league matches and sit on 12 points, with Arsenal leading the way on goal difference. They are already four points clear of third-placed Hull City and five points ahead of several of the teams expected to challenge for the title.

Arsenal, the defending champions, have continued their strong form under Mikel Arteta. Their league winning run has now reached nine matches, while victories over Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland have strengthened their early title credentials. Their defensive record has been particularly impressive, with just one league goal conceded so far.

Manchester City have also made a perfect start under Enzo Maresca, who took over after Pep Guardiola’s departure. City have beaten Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Coventry and Manchester United, although their 1-0 derby victory over United was later overshadowed by the Premier League refereeing body admitting that Erling Haaland’s winning goal should have been ruled out for offside.

Yet the numbers suggest the title race may not be as straightforward as the table indicates. Arsenal and City have each scored eight league goals, fewer than Brighton and Chelsea, while neither side ranks particularly high for total shots. Arsenal and City are also sixth and fifth respectively for touches in the opposition box.

The bigger concern for the chasing pack is that several of the pre-season favourites have made uneven starts. Chelsea are fifth with 10 goals but have conceded nine, including at least two goals in each of their first four league matches. Liverpool are seventh and unbeaten but have drawn three of their four games.

Manchester United are 13th with four points, matching their worst opening to a Premier League season since 1992-93. They have produced more shots than any other team, but their attacking pressure has not translated into enough points, while they have scored and conceded seven goals.

Tottenham’s start has been even more difficult. Roberto de Zerbi’s side are 17th and have made unwanted history by failing to score in their opening four league matches for the first time in the club’s history. With Chelsea, Liverpool, United and Spurs all still finding their feet, Arsenal and City have an early opportunity to establish themselves as the teams everyone else must catch.