By Andrew Gum
The 2025/26 Premier League season is only two months old, but it’s already one of the most surprising campaigns in years. It began on August 15, when Liverpool hosted Bournemouth at Anfield to start their title defense after winning a record 20th league title.
After nine matchdays, Arsenal are top with 22 points from nine matches, six ahead of Manchester City. The big shock is Liverpool’s collapse; the champions have lost four league games in a row and now sit seventh with just 16 points
Season of surprises
The summer transfer window was huge, with clubs spending a total of £3.19 billion. Liverpool alone spent around £446.5 million, signing players such as Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké and Alexender Isak.
Managers have come and gone at record speed. Nottingham Forest sacked Nuno Espírito Santo on September 9 after disagreements with the club’s owner. Ange Postecoglou replaced him but lasted only 39 days before being fired after a 3–0 loss to Chelsea. Veteran coach Sean Dyche took over to bring stability. West Ham also made changes, firing Graham Potter after one win in five games and hiring Nuno, completing a strange circle.
Arsenal lead, Liverpool stumble
At the top, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal look strong, boasting the league’s best defense with only three goals conceded. Bournemouth and Spurs sit second and third after impressive runs, while Aston Villa push hard for a top four spot.
But the biggest story is Liverpool’s decline. After starting well with wins against Bournemouth, Ipswich, Southampton, and Newcastle, they led the table by late September. Then came the collapse. A League Cup loss to Crystal Palace, defeats Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brentford, plus another cup exit to Palace.
What went wrong for Liverpool?
Tactical issues: Arne Slot’s style relies on high pressing and ball control, but many teams are now using long balls to avoid the press. Opponents like Manchester United and Brentford have easily broken through Liverpool’s defense. The team struggles with set pieces, conceding six goals that way already.
Death of Jota: The sudden death of Diogo Jota deeply affected the Liverpool squad emotionally. Players struggled to stay focused, with grief and shock visibly impacting their morale and on-field performance. Jota was a very close associate to players like Salah, and that has cost the team a lot.
New players not fitting in: Despite spending heavily, many new signings haven’t adapted. Milos Kerkez has been weak defensively, Wirtz hasn’t adjusted to the Premier League’s pace, and Isak is who is the record signing, hasn’t been good at all.
Star players off form: Mohamed Salah, last season’s top scorer and assist leader, hasn’t scored from open play in seven games. The team lacks sharpness, and critics say they look tired and disconnected. Vigil Van Dirk, Konate and Mac Alister haven’t been at their best this season so far. This has led to great defensive weakness, which has cost the team a lot this season.
Mental fatigue: After last season’s demanding campaign, the players appear mentally exhausted. Moreover, some argue that Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich has disrupted Liverpool’s attacking rhythm, particularly the fluid link-ups he shared with Gakpo
