Honestly, if you told me back in August that Michael Carrick would be the man to essentially hand Arsenal the title, I would’ve called you crazy. But here we are. It is January 17, 2026, and the Manchester Derby just flipped the entire season on its head. United didn't just win; they dismantled City 2-0 at Old Trafford, and in doing so, they’ve given Mikel Arteta a golden ticket.
The current Barclays Premier League results table looks a bit like a fever dream for anyone who isn't a Gunners fan. Arsenal sits comfortably at the top with 49 points from 21 games. They haven’t even played their match against Nottingham Forest yet today, meaning they could potentially end the night nine points clear of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. That is a massive gap for this time of year. Usually, City starts their terrifying 15-game winning streak around now, but this year they look... tired.
The Shock Manchester Derby and the Top Four Scramble
You've got to feel for Pep. His team had 65% of the ball today, yet Gianluigi Donnarumma was the busier keeper. United, under Carrick’s fresh leadership, played a 4-2-3-1 that felt like a throwback to the Ferguson years—compact, lethal on the break, and completely unafraid. Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu scored the goals that silenced the blue half of Manchester.
This result didn't just help Arsenal; it threw the Champions League race into total chaos. Manchester United has climbed into 4th place, at least temporarily, with 35 points. They’re leapfrogging a Liverpool side that just struggled to a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield. Yes, you read that right. Burnley, fighting for their lives at the bottom, snatched a point from the Reds.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa remains the season’s biggest "how are they doing this?" story. Unai Emery has them sitting in 3rd place, tied on 43 points with City. They’ve played 21 games and look every bit like a team that belongs in the elite bracket.
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Breaking Down the Barclays Premier League Results Table
If you look at the raw numbers, the separation is becoming clear. Arsenal has only lost twice all season. Their goal difference is a staggering +26. Defensively, David Raya has been a wall, leading the Golden Glove race with 14 clean sheets. It’s hard to find a weakness in that squad right now.
- Arsenal: 49 Points (21 Games Played)
- Manchester City: 44 Points (22 Games Played)
- Aston Villa: 43 Points (21 Games Played)
- Manchester United: 35 Points (22 Games Played)
- Liverpool: 35 Points (22 Games Played)
- Brentford: 33 Points (22 Games Played)
It is weird seeing Tottenham way down in 14th. They lost 2-1 to West Ham earlier today, and the atmosphere around that club is getting toxic. On the flip side, Sunderland—back in the big time—are sitting in 10th. Who would've thought? They just beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, and their fans are dreaming of Europe.
The Golden Boot Race: Haaland vs. The Field
Erling Haaland is still Erling Haaland. He has 20 goals. Even in a "down" year for City, the man is averaging nearly a goal a game. But Igor Thiago at Brentford is making it interesting. He’s on 16 goals and has been the catalyst for Brentford’s surprise push for the European spots.
Then you have Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth with 10 goals. It’s a diverse list this year. We aren't just seeing the usual suspects from the Big Six dominating the scoring charts, which makes the Barclays Premier League results table even more volatile week to week.
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The Grim Reality of the Relegation Battle
At the bottom of the pile, things are looking bleak for Wolves. They have only seven points. They’ve managed one win in 21 games. It’s statistically one of the worst starts in the history of the competition. Burnley and West Ham are also in the red zone, though West Ham's win over Spurs today gave them a massive lifeline, moving them to 17 points.
Nottingham Forest is hovering just above the drop with 21 points. They have the unenviable task of hosting the league leaders, Arsenal, tonight. If they can pull off a miracle, the title race stays alive. If not, we might as well start engraving the trophy in North London.
Leeds United, another newly promoted side, is doing just enough to stay afloat in 16th. They beat Fulham 1-0 today at Elland Road. That’s the kind of gritty result that keeps you in the division.
Why This Season Feels Different
Most years, we talk about "The Big Six." This year, that term feels outdated. Villa is 3rd. Brentford is 6th. Sunderland is 10th. Chelsea and Newcastle are struggling for consistency in 8th and 9th.
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The gap between the "elite" and the rest of the pack has shrunk, mostly because of smart recruitment and tactical evolution in the mid-table. You can't go to places like the Stadium of Light or the Gtech Community Stadium and expect an easy three points anymore. City found that out the hard way recently, and Liverpool just learned it against Burnley.
Key Factors for the Remainder of 2026
- Injury Management: Arsenal has stayed relatively healthy, but a long-term injury to Bukayo Saka or William Saliba could change everything.
- European Distraction: As the Champions League and Europa League knockout stages kick off in February, the squads with better depth (City and Arsenal) will be tested.
- The Carrick Effect: Can Michael Carrick actually sustain this United resurgence, or was the Derby win just a one-off emotional high?
The Barclays Premier League results table is more than just a list of numbers; it's a reflection of a massive power shift in English football. Arsenal is the hunted now. Everyone else is just trying to stay in the rearview mirror.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking the league closely, keep an eye on the "Games in Hand" column. Arsenal has a game in hand over City, which is basically a dagger to the heart of the defending champions.
Also, look at the upcoming fixtures for West Ham and Nottingham Forest. The battle to stay in the league is going to be decided by the matches between the bottom five, not how they perform against the top dogs.
For those watching the top of the table, the next month is crucial. If Arsenal wins their next three, the math becomes almost impossible for City. Check the results regularly, because in 2026, the table is moving faster than ever.
Monitor the injury reports for Manchester City specifically; if Rodri or Foden pick up knocks, their ability to close a nine-point gap becomes non-existent. Stay updated on the January transfer window movements, as several mid-table clubs are looking to spend big to secure those lucrative European spots.