Premier League Season: Best so far | OneFootball

What better time to look back and reflect on the Premier League season so far than now? The first third of the 2025-26 season is nearly up, and we’re sitting in the doldrums of our third International Break.

So we asked six of our writers to answer a few questions. Their replies provide insight as to some of the best parts of the season so far.

Which team has surprised you (positively) the most?

While Sunderland deserve a mention too given how well they have adapted to the Premier League following promotion, Bournemouth have seemingly got better despite losing several key players in the summer and are in with a genuine chance of qualifying for Europe. — Dan Bennett

Tottenham, although they have often struggled to create chances and break down defences this season their improvement defensively has been remarkable. After finishing 17th last season and losing James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke to injury Spurs could have continued their poor form into this season but Thomas Frank has now made his side hard to beat with big wins against Manchester City and Copenhagen already this season. — Nayan Murthy

Although they may not be flying as high as some others, Brentford have certainly done surprisingly well. Off the back of losing their manager, the majority of their coaching staff, their two best players and their captain; I expected the Bees to be surefire candidates for the drop. However, promoted directly from set-piece coach to head coach, Keith Andrews has adapted to his maiden managerial role seamlessly in the best league in the world. Brentford are not fully in the clear from the threat of relegation but they have captured a solid haul of points from a tricky set of opening fixtures. — Stan Smith

Sunderland. It seemed they had done good business in the summer but I don’t think anyone envisaged them doing this well. To be fourth almost a third of the way into the season is remarkable. — Japtej Ghura

No surprises for a huge pat on the back for newly promoted Sunderland. I tipped them to go straight back down, as did many, but they probably need only a handful of more wins to guarantee survival. — Nick Callow

What’s the best story you’ve seen from the PL so far?

Eberechi Eze signing for the club he has supported in his youth. The Arsenal man was released by the club at the age of 13, and now 14 years on, he gets to represent the side in the Premier League. — Nayan Murthy

(Editor’s note: I doubt Crystal Palace supporters are inclined to agree, even though it’s a heart-warming tale to the neutral).

The general rise of Bournemouth as personified by the unlikely England call up of Alex Scott.  The 22 year old from Guernsey was a key member of the triumphant under-21 side from the successful summer Euros campaign and has kicked on. — Nick Callow

Every season has its breakout star. This year, it’s Estevão. Chelsea fans love a wonderkid, but this one feels different. Signed from Palmeiras with huge expectations, the 18-year-old has taken to English football with frightening ease and charisma. Enzo Maresca has already used him in 16 matches not because he wants to develop him, but because he can’t afford not to. — Nazira Yusuf

Igor Thiago’s rapid rise to become one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Few people had even heard of him last season given how little he played due to persistent injury problems but his form has been a huge part of why Brentford have proved many doubters wrong during this campaign. — Dan Bennett

Which manager has performed the best?

Few managerial journeys have been as dramatic or transformative as Mikel Arteta’s at Arsenal. He shed big contracts, built a younger, hungrier squad, and established a clear identity. The result? Arsenal are now a complete, coherent unit. Disciplined. Aggressive. Structured. Relentless. There is a sense around the Emirates that this is the best Arsenal side since the Invincibles era. The pieces are in place, the squad is balanced, and they look every bit like a team ready to take the final step. — Nazira Yusuf

Unsurprisingly, two-thirds of our pundits agreed with Nazira and selected Mikel Arteta. Here were two contrarians.

Regis Le Bris. Many managers find the Premier League a struggle, having done well in the Championship. Scott Parker and Daniel Farke are two of the best examples of this. For Le Bris to have helped so many new signings settle in so quickly, teach them his style of play, and do it in the toughest league in the world is a testament to his managerial ability. — Japtej Ghura

Andoni Iraola had already established himself as one of Europe’s top rising coaches and that reputation has only been furthered this campaign. Similarly to Brentford, the Cherries were subject to a summer raid which left them without a number of key players. However they look unfazed by the departures and have continued to flourish with Iraola’s attacking style of play. — Stan Smith

Who will lift the trophy?

It has to be Arsenal. Only Erling Haaland – I mean Man City – and their own penalty fragility stand between them and a first triumph since the 2004 Invincibles. — Nick Callow

Nearly everyone agreed with Nick here, but there was one lone holdout….

For now I will stick with my pre-season prediction of Manchester City. Arsenal certainly look like the team to beat, but bet against Pep Guardiola at your own peril. After a shaky start, the Blues have grown in form and confidence. With Rodri still to return, City are sure to be a serious force in the title race and I think they will just edge Arsenal. — Stan Smith