And yet, as we enter the run-in, there appears to be a proper Premier League title race. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after his side scored their second goal during the Premier League win over Newcastle Manchester. The days of a Manchester City or a Liverpool reeling off win after win and accumulated points totals in the high 90s are over, and were a historical aberration. Whether it’s Arsenal or Manchester City who win the league, the likelihood is they’ll do so with about 85 points. In the short term, at probably unacceptable cost, the outcome is balance and, perhaps, an old-fashioned title race in the Premier League in which stamina and nerve are the principal virtues.

Source: Irish Examiner February 23, 2026 17:52 UTC