Premier League Talking Points: Big Three Begin With Wins In Wide-Open Title Race

‎The 2025/26 Premier League season is off to a flying start, with all three major title contenders Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal securing victories on the opening weekend.

‎But while the champions, challengers, and hopefuls all began with three points, the manner of their wins could not have been more different.

‎From Liverpool’s chaotic late drama at Anfield, to Manchester City’s ruthless dominance at Molineux, and Arsenal’s defensive stand at Old Trafford, the first round of fixtures offered plenty of storylines.

‎Sportxparte breaks down the three biggest talking points from the opening weekend.

‎Liverpool Lack Balance Despite Attacking Firepower

‎Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth may look convincing on paper, but the match revealed worrying signs for Arne Slot’s reigning champions.

‎The Reds’ new-look attack is already showing its quality. Hugo Ekitike, making his Premier League debut, scored one and assisted another for Cody Gakpo. Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah then came to the rescue with two late goals to snatch victory.

‎However, the defensive frailties were glaring. Liverpool blew a 2-0 lead and allowed Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo to score twice, including a remarkable solo goal that saw him run unchallenged from his own half before firing past Alisson.

‎Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was scathing in his assessment,  “How many players were ahead of the ball, maybe eight players, when they were winning 2-1? That can’t happen. It’s absolutely shocking at this level.”

‎With Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi reportedly on Liverpool’s radar, reinforcements may soon arrive. But Slot’s biggest challenge remains: how to maintain attacking flair without leaving his side exposed on the counter.

‎Reijnders Steps Into De Bruyne’s Void for City

‎Manchester City are determined to bounce back after last season’s disappointment, when their run of four straight league titles came to an end. If the opening weekend is anything to go by, Pep Guardiola’s refreshed squad already looks hungry again.

‎City swept aside Wolves with a 4-0 win, and it was new signing Tijjani Reijnders who stole the spotlight.

‎The Dutch midfielder, brought in from AC Milan for £46.5 million, was at the heart of everything City created. His slick footwork set up Erling Haaland’s opener, he then scored his first goal for the club, and capped off a sensational debut by assisting Haaland’s second.

‎”We knew he was a top signing for the coming years for City,” said Guardiola.

‎”Lovely guy and has made an impact from day one.”

‎With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure leaving a creative hole in midfield, Reijnders may just be the man to fill it. His instant chemistry with Haaland suggests City will once again be formidable in attack.

‎Arsenal Grind Out Victory at Old Trafford

‎For Arsenal, it wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. A 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford underlined the Gunners’ defensive resilience and their determination to stay in the title race.

‎United, now under Ruben Amorim, has invested heavily in its forward line with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. But despite their attacking additions, the Red Devils failed to break down Arsenal’s disciplined backline.

‎The match ultimately turned on two goalkeepers. United’s stand-in Altay Bayindir gifted Arsenal the only goal when his error allowed Riccardo Calafiori to score. At the other end, Arsenal’s David Raya produced key saves to deny Mbeumo and Cunha.

‎Arsenal’s defensive display may have delivered an important three points in their quest to win a first league title in 22 years.

‎But Mikel Arteta’s men must show more going forward if they are to end City and Liverpool’s duopoly of the title stretching back to 2017.