2025-26 Premier League - a three-way title race set to unfold

Perennial runners-up Arsenal once again fell short of the ultimate goal, finishing ten points adrift of the Reds, albeit bettering Pep Guardiola's side by three points. 

Few had expected Man City to go from an unprecedented four consecutive titles to a third-place finish, but injuries and inconsistency derailed their campaign. 

Guardiola has taken his second trophyless season at the Etihad Stadium personally, prompting the Cityzens to splash out north of £120 million in the early transfer window. 

Unlike last summer, Liverpool have decided not to watch their rivals do business from afar, taking a more aggressive approach to bolster Slot's star-studded squad. 

It leaves Arsenal as the only Premier League title contender yet to make a significant move in the transfer market, raising concerns about whether they can keep pace.

According to Spreadex Sports' research, the lack of top-class signings could condemn the Gunners to another 'we almost did it' type of season. 

Though another three-way title race could be on the cards, the order promises to be a spitting image of last season's standings. 

Let's break it down.

#3 Manchester City 

Despite adding Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders to an already formidable crop of players, the loss of Kevin De Bruyne leaves more than just a creative void. 

For years, he has been Man City's leader on and off the pitch, growing to become a symbol of the most dominant team in the modern Premier League era. 

It's hard to escape the supposition that the Cityzens' downfall coincided with De Bruyne's injury-hit run, but he was at least able to maintain his influence in the dressing room.

Now that he's gone, Guardiola will need a new talisman in the locker room, and Rodri's long-awaited return from injury could help fill the vacancy. 

In addition to De Bruyne, another long-serving stalwart left the Etihad Stadium as Burnley announced the arrival of Kyle Walker on Saturday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, the team showed numerous flaws during the 2024/25 season, particularly in defence, prompting the trophy-laden manager to describe it as "the most challenging of his career."

As such, Guardiola's first assignment is to shore up Man City's defensive woes, especially considering scoring has never been an issue for the ten-time English champions. 

After settling in, Omar Marmoush may be the catalyst to reinvigorate the fallen giants, though much will still revolve around Erling Haaland and his prolificacy in front of goal. 

#2 Arsenal

With Man City reloading and Liverpool building on their title-winning momentum, Arsenal cannot afford to spend the transfer window as spectators. 

The Gunners desperately lack a world-class striker after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus proved unable to deliver the cutting edge required to clinch major honours.

Mikel Arteta would be well-advised to splash the cash on either Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko. Otherwise, it's hard to see Arsenal dethroning the Reds. 

Nevertheless, Spreadex puts them on par with Man City, backing the Emirates outfit to collect up to 79 points, which would still be five fewer than Liverpool's tally in 2024/25. 

Per the Manchester Evening News, the Gunners have 'set a new deadline' for the Swedish star's arrival despite Sporting CP's unwillingness to budge on their £69m asking price. 

Ill-discipline was the Gunners' undoing last term, and it's another area Arteta's side must improve on if they're to bridge the gap on the Anfield giants. 

Whether through lavish spending or greater composure on the pitch, Arsenal must evolve quickly - or risk watching the title slip away yet again.

#1 Liverpool

Slot's success in his first season on Merseyside was nothing short of spectacular, helping Liverpool win the Premier League title. However, retaining the title is often more challenging than winning it. 

Despite being crowned the Premier League champions, Liverpool faltered on other fronts in 2024/25, raising questions about the squad's strength in depth and ability to vie for multiple trophies. 

On that basis, the Reds have significantly strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz. 

Handing contract extensions to long-serving stalwarts Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah further underscores Liverpool's commitment to mixing experience with fresh talent.

That shows the club's awareness of the heightened expectations and the need for continued evolution to stay ahead of the curve.

All signs point to Liverpool entering the new season as title favourites, with a well-knit squad and momentum firmly on their side. 

After all, defending the crown would be a fitting way to pay tribute to the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

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