There has finally been some change at the top of the table as we head into the October international break.
With Liverpool losing consecutive matches, this is the first Matchweek to end without the Reds as leaders since October 2024.
Arsenal capitalised on Liverpool’s drop-off yesterday with a victory at home to West Ham United to go top, and Man City are now within three points of the lead themselves after their victory at Brentford.
It may well be that Arsenal stretch their lead at the top, such is their run of fixtures after they return from the break; the Gunners’ next four fixtures are against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland.
While it’s certainly not a guaranteed 12 points, it does offer them a good chance of extending their lead at the top – especially so given Man City or Liverpool, or both, will drop points when they face each other in Matchweek 11.
Man City’s next three matches before that meeting are against Everton, Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth, while Liverpool face Man Utd, Brentford and Aston Villa before heading to the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s side will need to improve if they are to challenge – they had just one shot in the second half at Brentford.
They also lost Rodri to injury once again, with the Spaniard coming off in the 22nd minute while clutching his hamstring. His replacement, Nico Gonzalez, did showcase that he may be ready to deputise.
Man City do have time to up their game, and they are famed for their strong finishes, so they need not be overly concerned with having to chase an opponent down during the run-in.
They won their final 14 league matches in 2018/19 to beat Liverpool to the title, and their final eight games in 2023/24 to hold off Arsenal at the summit.
Chelsea’s victory against Liverpool, despite a raft of injuries, proved that they should not be ruled out and Tottenham Hotspur sit in third place after victory away to Leeds United.
Bournemouth won from behind against Fulham to put themselves in fourth place heading into the break, while Crystal Palace’s 19-match unbeaten run in all competitions was finally ended by Everton.
This weekend has truly shaken up the title race and serves as a warning to never crown the champions too early.
