Is this the end of the two-horse race?

Azmeer Shahid

The Premier League is considered to be one of the most prestigious and renowned domestic football leagues across the world, attracting players of all kinds, from stars like Bukayo Saka to footballing greats like Cristiano Ronaldo. However, one of the things that the Premier League is famous for is being highly competitive and entertaining to watch. However, in recent years, the Premier League title has turned into a two horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City, two of Europe's best teams. Both teams possess quality players, like Salah, Foden or Jota. But with City's recent addition of goal-machine Erling Haaland, and Sadio Mane's departure from Liverpool to go to Bayern Munich, the dynamics of the league have shifted drastically.

Currently, Arsenal are the league leaders, with new additions, such as Jesus and Zinchenko, as well as a rejuvenated atmosphere in the club, with an impressive 9 wins in 10 games. Manchester City sit 4 points behind after suffering a loss to Liverpool, which was completely unexpected considering Liverpool's 10th place standing in the Premier League. With Liverpool falling behind the rest of the pack, who will be the new challengers to Manchester City's supremacy and dominance of the Premier League?

Arsenal seem to be the most likely contenders, adding talented players to an already youthful and developing squad. Jesus and Saka have been leading the goals for Arsenal, whilst Saliba and Ramsdale have been stoic in the defensive area. With impressive wins over Liverpool and Spurs so far, is this Arsenal's chance to finally challenge for the Premier League title after 6 years? With teams like Southampton and Nottingham Forest on their fixture list, they will be looking to seize their opportunity to maintain this positive start.

Well, in 3rd place, on the same points as Man City, is Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs got off to an inconsistent start, with a few wins over smaller and mid-table teams, but have not been able to display an ability to compete with the top teams, and have lost to Arsenal in an abysmal fashion this season. However, the pieces they have with Son, Kane and Dier give promise of a decent season ahead. With Manchester United and Newcastle being their next two games, it will be clear whether they are truly contenders for the title.

Finally, Chelsea have seen a resurgence in importance after a disappointing start to the season under Tuchel, recording losses against Leeds and Southampton. However, after a managerial change to Graham Potter's more attacking and aggressive style of football, they have started to find more success. Players like Mason Mount have seen a huge improvement under Potter, as well as new signing Aubameyang having a chance to be a starting striker once more. With greater confidence comes greater momentum, and a team like that is one which any team would not want to end up facing.

Overall, this season has become a lot more open to new title contenders and I'm sure that as the season progresses, we will see these teams emerge as true title contenders with the potential they all have.