Arsenal Maintain Advantage as Premier League Title Race Intensifies
London, 10 February 2026 – The Premier League title race has reached a critical juncture following a dramatic weekend of action that saw the gap at the top of the table fluctuate. Arsenal currently lead the standings, sitting six points clear of their nearest rivals, Manchester City. While the Gunners secured a comfortable home victory against Sunderland to strengthen their position, Manchester City kept the pressure on with a last-gasp comeback win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Title Race and Recent Results
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side moved nine points clear temporarily following their win over Sunderland, before Manchester City reduced that deficit back to six points on 8 February 2026. Erling Haaland proved decisive for the reigning champions, converting a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Statistical models now favour Arsenal for the title, with Opta simulations giving the North London club a 63.6% chance of lifting the trophy compared to Manchester City’s 22.9%.
Further down the table, the battle for European qualification remains tight. Everton have climbed into seventh place following a late win against Fulham, courtesy of a Bernd Leno own goal. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 away win at Brighton, and Manchester United continued their recent run of form with another victory to remain in the hunt for a top-five finish.
Premier League: Key Facts and Format
The Premier League remains the top tier of the English football pyramid, renowned for its global reach and competitive format. Established in 1992, the league has evolved into the most-watched football division in the world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Clubs | 20 |
| Matches per Season | 38 (19 Home, 19 Away) |
| Promotion/Relegation | 3 teams relegated to the EFL Championship |
| Current League Leader | Arsenal (as of 10 February 2026) |
| Points System | 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss |
| Record Home Win | 9–0 |
League Developments and Social Initiatives
Off the pitch, the Premier League has launched its new ‘Premier League with Pride’ campaign. This initiative serves as the official successor to the previous partnership with Stonewall and the Rainbow Laces campaign, aiming to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion across all levels of the sport. In terms of individual milestones, James Milner continues to approach the all-time record for the most Premier League appearances, further cementing his legacy in the English top flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are relegated from the Premier League?
At the end of each season, the three teams finishing at the bottom of the table (18th, 19th, and 20th) are relegated to the English Football League (EFL) Championship.
What is the current gap at the top of the table?
As of 10 February 2026, Arsenal hold a six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings.
How are Champions League places determined?
Typically, the top four teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League. However, depending on UEFA coefficients and the performance of English clubs in European competitions, a fifth-place finish may also grant qualification for the 2026/27 season.