Arsenal and Manchester City are embroiled in an intense race for the Premier League title, with both teams displaying identical records against their ‘big six’ rivals this season. But how do the other traditional powerhouses—Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham—stack up in these critical encounters?
Last season, Liverpool excelled against stronger opposition, a pivotal factor in their title victory. They managed to beat Manchester City twice and secured draws with Arsenal, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
After clinching the title with a hefty 5-1 win over Tottenham, Liverpool’s momentum took a hit when they experienced a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea, a loss that followed a week of celebrations. The start to the 2025-26 season looked promising as they won their opening five matches, including a gritty 1-0 victory at Arsenal. However, their fortune quickly shifted, leading to defeats against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City, along with unexpected losses against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest. Although they managed a hard-fought goalless draw against Arsenal in their return fixture, such inconsistencies have dashed their hopes of back-to-back titles.
In contrast, Arsenal’s season took a downturn with a disappointing defeat at Anfield, inflicted by Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick, concluding their remarkable 22-game unbeaten streak (13 wins, nine draws) against other ‘big six’ teams. Their impressive form included a 1-0 win away at Manchester United in this season’s opener. Mikel Arteta’s side initially challenged strongly for the title, consistently securing victories over less formidable opponents while stumbling against powers like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Interestingly, both Manchester City and Arsenal share an unimpressive record in this season’s ‘big six’ matchups. Their upcoming fixture will complete their head-to-head encounters, making it crucial for title aspirations.
Manchester United’s Resurgence
Manchester United has emerged as the top performer among the ‘big six’ this season. Under the guidance of Michael Carrick, they achieved significant victories over Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. However, despite these successes, their overall league performance has been lacking, particularly against lower-ranked teams, thus relegating them from the title race under Ruben Amorim’s leadership.
Last season, United struggled against fellow top teams, finishing at the bottom of the ‘big six’ mini-league. Their current resurgence showcases a stark contrast, indicating a shift in their competitive edge.
Tottenham’s Struggles
Tottenham finds itself at the bottom of the ‘big six’ standings, averaging less than a point per game in high-stakes matches. Despite this, they managed to earn four points against Manchester City, highlighting their capability to surprise even the mightiest teams. Yet, given their current position in the Premier League relegation zone, the situation raises questions about their identity as a ‘big six’ club.
Current Standings of the ‘Big Six’
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, here’s how the head-to-head table among the ‘big six’ ranks up based on points per game:
1. Manchester United
Played: 8
Won: 5
Drawn: 1
Lost: 2
Goals For: 13
Goals Against: 10
Goal difference: +3
Points: 16
Points Per Game: 2.00
=2. Manchester City
Played: 9
Won: 4
Drawn: 3
Lost: 2
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 9
Goal difference: +6
Points: 15
Points Per Game: 1.67
=2. Arsenal
Played: 9
Won: 4
Drawn: 3
Lost: 2
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 9
Goal difference: +6
Points: 15
Points Per Game: 1.67
4. Chelsea
Played: 7
Won: 2
Drawn: 2
Lost: 3
Goals For: 7
Goals Against: 10
Goal difference: -3
Points: 8
Points Per Game: 1.14
5. Liverpool
Played: 8
Won: 2
Drawn: 2
Lost: 4
Goals For: 7
Goals Against: 11
Goal difference: -4
Points: 8
Points Per Game: 1.00
6. Tottenham
Played: 9
Won: 1
Drawn: 3
Lost: 5
Goals For: 10
Goals Against: 18
Goal difference: -8
Points: 6
Points Per Game: 0.67
As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these dynamics evolve, particularly with the encounters looming among the ‘big six.’ The competition remains fierce, and every match has the potential to reshape title challenges and bragging rights within the league.
