The 2025/26 Premier League campaign took another almighty turn on matchday seven as Liverpool suffered their third straight defeat – second in the league – and surrendered the top spot to rivals Arsenal. The Reds looked poised and ready to break clear of the chasing pack before the recent international break, but a first league defeat at Crystal Palace on matchday six, coupled with a first European defeat of the season against Galatasaray days later, set alarm bells ringing. Unfortunately for the Anfield faithful, things have only gotten worse since.
Arsenal Beat Bogey-Team West Ham to Go Top
Arsenal were the first of our title protagonists in action on matchday seven as they welcomed one of their biggest bogey teams to the Emirates, London rivals West Ham United. The Hammers have won on their last two trips from the East side of the Big Smoke to the north, results which ultimately cost Mikel Arteta’s side and their title hopes dearly on both occasions. This time around, it looked like similar woes could be on the way as the game remained goalless up until the brink of halftime.
With nerves just starting to build at the Emirates, talismanic midfielder Declan Rice was the man of the hour. He blasted the hosts in front in the 37th minute, and it was a lead that his side never looked like surrendering. Bukayo Saka added a second from the penalty spot to catapult the Gunners to the top of the table, at least for a couple of hours. But the Premier League table wasn’t the only thing Arsenal were climbing, as online sports betting sites were also slashing odds on Arteta’s men ending a 22-year drought by winning the title come the end of the season.
The latest Bovada sports betting odds now make Arsenal an odds-on 1.90 favorite to win the title, a shocker considering how far they were off the pace just a fortnight ago. However, much of that pricing is due to what happened hours later at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool Lose Again
Reigning champions Liverpool began the 2025/26 season with five straight victories, one of which came against Arsenal at Anfield. However, in recent weeks, the wheels have come off the big red bus somewhat. Defeat last time out away at Crystal Palace was disappointing, while the 1-0 reverse against Galatasaray in the Champions League turned nerves into outright worry. But anyone hoping for a nice, easy fixture to end the current wobble was about to be disappointed.
The Reds traveled to Chelsea for a crunch clash on matchday seven, and the pressure was already on following Arsenal’s victory hours prior. Arne Slot left big money signing Florian Wirtz, but his decision counted for little when Blues midfielder Moises Caicedo rifled the hosts in front early on with a 25-yard rocket.
Liverpool managed to find their way back into the game as record signing Alexander Isak teed up Cody Gakpo to equalize. But the Reds were unable to find a winner, and deep into injury time, they were punished as Brazilian teenager slid home from close range to spark jubilation at Stamford Bridge.
The Merseysiders are now entering full-blown crisis mode. Three defeats on the spin have seen them surrender top spot in the table and top billing as Premier League title favorites. With clashes against Manchester United and Manchester City just around the corner, the pressure could ramp up on manager Arne Slot, and things could get worse before they get better.
Tight at the Top
While Arsenal may well be the new table toppers, things are by no means over. In fact, the upper echelons of the Premier League couldn’t be much closer, as first place to Manchester City down in fifth, all separated by just three points. And speaking of Pep Guardiola’s Blues, they too enjoyed a successful week on matchday seven.
The former champions headed to Brentford, a team that no one wants to visit due to their set-piece prowess. But City made light work of the potential banana skin trip to West London. Erling Haaland gave his side the lead after just nine minutes, the prolific Norwegian’s ninth goal already this term. The Blues managed to hold on to the 1-0 scoreline, securing a result that sees them return to title contention after a difficult few weeks.
Elsewhere at the summit, Tottenham continued their blistering start to life under Thomas Frank with an impressive victory away at newly promoted Leeds. Goals from Matthys Tel and Mohamed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor’s equalizer, handed Spurs all three points, catapulting them up to third in the table.
Rounding out the top five, AFC Bournemouth’s fairytale under Andoni Iraola continued as they managed to rally in the Friday night game against Fulham. The Cherries fell behind with just 20 minutes remaining, but this team is made of sterner stuff. Justin Kluivert and a brace from the brilliant Antoine Semenyo bagged a 3-1 comeback and ensured that the Bournemouth Cinderella story rolls on.
