The Premier League returns from the international break this weekend with a strange split-screen. On the pitch, Manchester City have been flawless. Off it, they have just been found guilty in the biggest financial case in Premier League history. Between those two stories sit stumbling champions, an inspired Brighton and a Tottenham side in freefall.
Maresca's perfect start
Life after Pep Guardiola could hardly have begun better. Enzo Maresca's Manchester City have won all five league games and sit top on 15 points, three clear of Arsenal. Erling Haaland leads the scoring charts with five goals, while Rayan Cherki has added three. The transition many expected to be painful has, so far, been seamless.
The verdict hanging over the Etihad
On 29 September, an independent commission found City guilty of all charges of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules across nine seasons, from 2009/10 to 2017/18, and of most charges of failing to cooperate with the investigation. According to the league's statement, sham arrangements inflated revenues and reduced costs by more than £900 million. No sanction has been set yet: it will be decided at a separate hearing, and the options include fines and points deductions. City are appealing. "I completely trust the club," Maresca said. "In this moment, we are top of the league."
Arsenal wobble, Brighton soar
The reigning champions, who ended a 22-year wait for the title last season, suffered their first defeat in style: a 3-0 loss at Brighton, with goals from Pascal Groß, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andrés. Arsenal remain second on 12 points, but they suddenly look beatable. Brighton, by contrast, look formidable. They are third with the league's best goal difference (+11), and that includes a 5-0 win at Coventry. Brentford, who beat Chelsea 3-0, and Daniel Farke's Leeds are both still unbeaten.
Crisis corner
The gloom is thickest in north London. Tottenham are bottom with two points and no wins, despite spending more than £300 million in the summer, and Roberto De Zerbi's ideas have yet to take root. Michael Carrick's Manchester United are 12th with five points. There was joy for Coventry City, though: Jay Dasilva's goal at Nottingham Forest gave the promoted club their first Premier League win in 25 years.
A weekend to remember
The fixture list could hardly be richer. On Saturday, Arsenal host unbeaten Leeds, and Manchester United welcome Tottenham at Old Trafford at 18:30 (Italian time) in a match that may already feel like a must-win for both. Then, on Sunday 11 October at 17:30, City visit Andoni Iraola's Liverpool at Anfield in their first match since the verdict. Liverpool will be sweating on Alexander Isak, second in the scoring charts with four goals, who returned from international duty with a fitness concern. Expect a hostile welcome and a game that could shape the story of the season.
Frequently asked questions
Who is top of the Premier League?
Manchester City, with 15 points from five matches, three ahead of Arsenal.
What happens next in the Man City case?
City are appealing the verdict, and any sanction, which could include a points deduction, will be decided at a separate hearing.
When is Liverpool vs Manchester City?
Sunday 11 October 2026 at Anfield, at 17:30 Italian time (16:30 in the UK).
Filippo Toneatti
Editor-in-Chief, Sportallin
Aggiungi commento
Commenti