Honestly, if you aren't glued to the TV right now, you’re missing the moment the 2025/26 season just flipped on its head. Today, January 17, 2026, isn't just another Saturday on the calendar. It’s the day Michael Carrick—yes, that Michael Carrick—stepped into the Old Trafford dugout as the permanent gaffer and absolutely dismantled Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The early kick-off was a fever dream. Manchester United won 2-0. For a team that has spent years looking for an identity, they suddenly looked like world-beaters. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu didn't just win the derby; they shoved United into the top four and left City looking uncharacteristically fragile.
But the day is far from over.
While the red half of Manchester is still singing, there is a massive slate of premiere league games today that will dictate who survives the winter "slog" and who starts planning for next year's Europa League.
The Afternoon Chaos: Anfield, The Bridge, and North London
If you’re tracking the 3:00 PM GMT window, your remote is going to get a workout. Most people look at a fixture like Liverpool vs. Burnley and assume it’s a foregone conclusion. It isn't. Not this year.
Liverpool are currently sitting in 5th place with 35 points. They are desperate. Arne Slot’s men have been playing a high-wire act all season, and with Arsenal leading the pack at 49 points, any more dropped points at Anfield basically ends their title hopes before February even starts.
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Chelsea’s Virus Crisis
Over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is dealing with a literal headache. A virus has ripped through the Cobham training ground. Word is Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens were nearly ruled out, though Delap has made the bench. It’s a weird vibe for the Blues. They’re facing a Brentford side that is currently 6th in the table—above Chelsea. Read that again. Igor Thiago has 16 goals for the Bees this season. He is a nightmare for defenders, and if Robert Sanchez isn't on his game today, Brentford could easily leave London with all three points.
The London Derby at Spurs
Tottenham vs. West Ham is the "other" big one today. Spurs are languishing in 14th. It’s been a disastrous campaign for them, but they finally have some good news. Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are back in the matchday squad. They’ve been missing Solanke’s hold-up play since August. West Ham, meanwhile, are in the relegation zone (18th). It’s a battle of who is more desperate, and usually, that leads to a very scrappy, high-card-count affair.
Why Today’s Arsenal Game is the Real Title Test
The late game (5:30 PM GMT / 12:30 PM ET) sees Nottingham Forest host Arsenal at the City Ground. Forest is a tough place to go when the lights are on.
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Arsenal has been nearly perfect. 49 points from 21 games. 15 wins. They look like the team that finally learned how to close out a season. But Forest is fighting for their lives in 17th place. They just lost 3-1 to Villa recently and they are backed into a corner.
Keep an eye on Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard. They’ve both got five goals, but the real engine has been Martin Zubimendi. He’s the one who has stabilized their midfield, allowing Bukayo Saka to roam. If Arsenal wins today, they move 9 points clear of City. That is a massive gap in January.
The Stats That Actually Matter Right Now
Everyone talks about the table, but the individual battles in the premiere league games today are where the money is made.
- Erling Haaland: He’s at 20 goals. He didn't score in the derby earlier today. That’s a rarity. He looked frustrated by Harry Maguire, who made a shock start for United and played like it was 2019 again.
- Igor Thiago: Watch him in the Brentford game. 16 goals. If he scores today, he’s officially in the Golden Boot race with Haaland.
- The Clean Sheet Race: David Raya leads with 10. Arsenal’s defense is the only reason they are top. They’ve only conceded 14 goals all season.
Relegation Scraps: Sunderland and Leeds
It’s great to talk about the top four, but the bottom of the table is a bloodbath. Sunderland is actually doing okay in 10th, which is wild for a promoted side. They face Crystal Palace today.
Leeds vs. Fulham is the one to watch if you like "pure" football. Leeds are in 16th and playing a very dangerous game with the drop zone. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been their savior with 9 goals, but Fulham’s defense, led by Joachim Andersen, is statistically one of the hardest to break down this month.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re following the action, don't just check the scores. The momentum is shifting toward the North. Manchester United’s win under Michael Carrick has signaled a "new era" feel that we've heard before, but this time the tactical shift to a back three looked genuine.
- Watch the Arsenal game: If they stumble at Forest, the title race is wide open again. If they win, start engraving the trophy.
- Track the Injury Reports: Chelsea’s "virus" situation is fluid. If more players drop out before the 3:00 PM kickoff, Brentford's odds move from "underdog" to "favorite."
- Check the Live Table: With United winning, the gap between 4th and 8th is now only four points. Every goal in the afternoon games will move a team three spots up or down.
The Premier League is currently the most volatile it has been in a decade. Enjoy the ride.