Premier League Gameweek 10: Five Must-Watch Drama-Filled Storylines That Could Shape the Season
We've reached the first quarter mark of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, with compelling storylines emerging throughout the league.
The established 'Big Six' clubs have experienced varying degrees of success in these opening stages, while the three promoted teams have impressed significantly, defying recent patterns. Managerial changes, underperforming new signings, and the growing importance of set-piece situations have dominated discussions.
The tenth gameweek promises to intensify these narratives, featuring crucial matches across England. This is the Premier League, where excitement is always just around the corner.
Here are five key narratives to monitor during this weekend's fixtures.
Arsenal Seek to Strengthen Premier League Advantage
Manchester City's struggles and Liverpool's decline have enabled Arsenal to establish a commanding position over their primary championship contenders. The Gunners currently sit four points ahead of second-place Bournemouth, but crucially hold a six-point cushion over City and seven over Liverpool.
Arsenal will take the field before either of their recent title rivals compete this weekend. Mikel Arteta's squad travels to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, where they'll be favored to maintain their exceptional momentum at Turf Moor—a ground where they netted five goals during their last appearance.
Arsenal's defensive solidity positions them as favorites in any matchup currently. The North Londoners have surrendered merely three goals across all competitions and maintained a clean sheet throughout October, while their set-piece prowess ensures they consistently edge opponents by narrow margins.
The Gunners will be eager to increase their lead and strengthen their grip on the championship race with a victory against Burnley.
Manchester United Pursue Fourth Consecutive Victory
Manchester United are experiencing their finest spell under Ruben Amorim following a third consecutive triumph against Brighton & Hove Albion at home last weekend. The Red Devils dominated for three-quarters of the match before enduring some anxious moments as the Seagulls mounted a late charge, yet United will approach their weekend visit to Nottingham Forest with optimism.
Their transformed attacking unit has been central to this revival, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha excelling in the Brighton victory. Benjamin Šeško has found his scoring touch recently and displays encouraging signs, while Bruno Fernandes remains reliable when needed.
Considering Forest's considerable difficulties this campaign and their loss in Sean Dyche's Premier League debut with the club last time out, United will be confident of securing a fourth straight victory that could see them conclude Gameweek 10 in the top four. How rapidly circumstances can shift!
Tottenham Target End to Chelsea Jinx
Tottenham Hotspur haven't been perfect under Thomas Frank's leadership, but their finest displays have occurred in Premier League action. Spurs begin the weekend in third position having collected 17 points from their initial nine matches, though their top-four aspirations face examination against London neighbors Chelsea on Saturday.
The Blues arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following an unconvincing stretch. Last weekend's home defeat to Sunderland was succeeded by an unnecessarily tense 4–3 Carabao Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Enzo Maresca's team won't be brimming with confidence for the approaching derby, yet they possess a solid away record against Spurs.
The Lilywhites have triumphed in only one of their previous eight home encounters with Chelsea in regulation time and have shipped four goals in their last two meetings with the Blues in North London. Frank's more conservative and structured methodology should assist Tottenham in their quest to achieve a rare home victory against their bitter rivals.
Liverpool Face Potential Fifth Consecutive Premier League Loss
Liverpool have emerged as the season's most unexpected disappointments, with the Reds now in turmoil after suffering six defeats in their last seven outings across all competitions. They fell to Crystal Palace for the third time this season in midweek Carabao Cup action, and their loss at Brentford last Saturday extends their league losing streak to four matches.
They haven't endured five consecutive league defeats since 1953, but this prospect looms large this weekend when they welcome Aston Villa. The Reds lack confidence and are committing fundamental mistakes both individually and collectively, with Unai Emery's well-organized outfit positioned to capitalize.
Villa defeated in-form Manchester City last weekend, even maintaining a clean sheet against a potent attacking unit, and have a track record of troubling Liverpool in recent campaigns—though typically at Villa Park. The situation has deteriorated to where the Reds might welcome a draw, with fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City approaching before the November international window.
Should Liverpool lose this weekend while Arsenal win, they'll trail their title competitors by ten points and likely be eliminated from championship contention already.
Erling Haaland Set to Recover From Unusual Scoreless Display
Erling Haaland's phenomenal form has been crucial to Manchester City's recovery this season, yet Pep Guardiola's team has still displayed weaknesses despite the Norwegian's remarkable scoring output. When he failed to score last weekend, the Citizens suffered defeat at Villa Park, with his only other goalless performance this campaign also resulting in City's 2–0 loss to Tottenham.
Guardiola's squad must reduce their dependence on Haaland's individual excellence to challenge Arsenal for the title, but the Scandinavian striker rarely remains quiet in consecutive matches. Bournemouth face the unfortunate task of confronting a highly-motivated Haaland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Cherries have performed magnificently this season and currently occupy second place, but containing Haaland represents their most challenging assignment yet. It would take considerable courage to wager against the 25-year-old adding to his 24 goals for club and country against Bournemouth.