Arsenal has the best record against the Premier League’s top seven teams this season, surpassing Liverpool in the head-to-head table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Champions Liverpool has the best record against the traditional ‘big six’ this season, but it’s worth considering whether that will still be relevant in 2025.
Tottenham and Manchester United will both play in the Champions League next season, but their league performances have been dismal, with rankings as low as 17th and 16th, respectively. Meanwhile, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are consistently challenging for Champions League qualification.
As things stand, there is a clear disparity between the top seven teams, all of whom have secured European qualification in some form with games to spare, and the rest of the division.
Liverpool has 20 points from its 12 games against the top seven teams this season. Arne Slot’s Reds have won five and lost just two of their meetings with the Premier League’s best and brightest this season, dropping five points against Arsenal and Chelsea only after clinching the title.
However, Arsenal have the best record against the Premier League’s top seven this season.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners finished far behind Liverpool this season, but they gained one more point against the top sides, implying that falling short against lower-ranked teams was where they went wrong in the title race this season.
This season, the runners-up have not lost a game against Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, or Chelsea. The only defeat they’ve had against the top seven came away at Newcastle United.
Chelsea ranks last in the head-to-head top seven table. Enzo Maresca’s Blues have only 11 points from 11 games against the top seven this season, but a win over Nottingham Forest next week could propel them up the table and secure Champions League qualification.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the head-to-head record of this season’s top seven.
1. Arsenal — 21pts, +10 GD
2. Liverpool — 20pts, +6 GD
3. Manchester City — 17pts, +2 GD
4. Newcastle United — 17pts, -2 GD
5. Aston Villa — 14pts, -6 GD
6. Nottingham Forest— 12pts, -7 GD (Played 11)
7. Chelsea — 11pts, -3 GD (Played 11)
