Once the final international break of 2025 concludes, club football will carry on without interruption until March. With 11 matches completed in the Premier League, it’s a fitting moment to analyze trends across the league. Teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea were anticipated to be among the top four at this point, but what stands out in the league overall?
From Arsenal to Tottenham, let’s highlight significant developments and evaluate their sustainability.
### Liverpool’s Defensive Struggles
While it’s clear that age is catching up with 33-year-old Mohamed Salah, the failings of Liverpool’s defense are particularly striking. After boasting one of the league’s best defenses last season, they’ve now allowed 17 goals in just 11 games. Arne Slot’s defensive unit has undergone considerable changes, including Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkes’ inconsistent performances. Their current defense resembles a shadow of its former self, affecting their title defense significantly. Having started the season with a substantial eight-point lead over Arsenal, they now find themselves in eighth place, needing to surpass several consistently performing teams. Liverpool might manage to defeat top opponents, but their lack of defensive stability threatens their pursuit of another title.
### Golden Boot Contender: Igor Thiago?
As expected, Erling Haaland dominates the scoring charts with 14 goals across 11 matches, but the emergence of Igor Thiago deserves attention. Brentford, viewed as potential relegation battlers following the loss of manager Thomas Frank and key players Brian Mbuemo and Yoan Wissa, has been buoyed by Thiago’s outstanding performance. This 24-year-old forward has netted eight goals this season, helping the Bees rise to mid-table despite modest shooting numbers, suggesting he could be a formidable player in the league.
### Sunderland’s Revival
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is noteworthy after struggling in League One, and with strategic signings like Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, hopes were high. Regis Le Bris has rapidly elevated the team into the top four as they head into the international break. Center-back Robin Rufus and defender Daniel Ballard are also performing admirably, signaling an upward trajectory for the Black Cats. Historically, goal difference is a pivotal indicator of a team’s longevity in the top four, and though Sunderland’s current margin is modest, a mid-table finish or even a European spot is still within reach.
### Tottenham’s Challenges
Interestingly, Tottenham’s center-back Micky Van de Ven is their leading scorer with six goals, highlighting some oddities in their offensive performance. Under coach Thomas Frank, their emphasis on set pieces has fortuitously enhanced their defense, yet fundamental issues remain. Key signings like Muhammad Jerusalem and Xavi Simmons have had little impact, contributing only one goal and five assists collectively. If issues persist with effectively transitioning the ball from midfield, they could face challenges as the season progresses, particularly with the upcoming North London derby against Arsenal.
### Nottingham Forest’s Dilemma
Nottingham Forest’s recent formations might have lacked depth, but they found themselves unexpectedly close to relegation. The surprising managerial shift from Nuno Espirito Santo to Ange Postecoglou has only worsened their situation. Sean Dyche, now at the helm, will need to steer the team away from relegation, especially given the talent of players like Elliott Anderson. However, their attacking struggles paired with the rigors of European competition are creating a precarious balance, and performance must improve soon.
### Newcastle’s Mixed Bag
The absence of Alexander Isak is always a setback, but Newcastle boasts an impressive midfield with players like Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimarães. Defensively, they’ve only allowed 14 goals in 11 matches but struggle in attack, netting just 12. Perhaps they are prioritizing their Champions League commitments? While performing admirably in Europe, it’s essential for Eddie Howe’s squad to regain their league form quickly or risk slipping further down the table.
### Editorial Opinion
This evolving narrative is crucial for soccer fans as it showcases the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, keeping competitive excitement alive. The stakes are high—teams on the rise like Sunderland and Brentford may shake things up, while traditional powers like Liverpool and Tottenham face critical junctures in their seasons.
