Overview

• Arsenal lead the table on 16 points after seven matches, one ahead of defending champions Liverpool.
• Liverpool have suffered three consecutive defeats, conceding in the 97th minute at Crystal Palace and the 96th at Chelsea before a Champions League loss to Galatasaray.
• Chris Sutton, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville now tip Arsenal as favourites, while Ian Wright backs their squad but says Mikel Arteta must refine key selections.
• Context pieces urge patience with Arne Slot’s rebuild, noting Alexander Isak is expected to hit peak sharpness by mid to late October and Florian Wirtz has created a high volume of chances despite modest output.
• Pundits highlight creative voids since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit and increased scrutiny on Ibrahima Konaté’s form amid contract uncertainty, with Mohamed Salah’s subdued start also under review.