The Premier League title race has been blown wide open as of Thursday, February 12, 2026, following a dramatic set of midweek results that saw league leaders Arsenal stumble in their quest for the trophy. With 26 matches played for the majority of the top contenders, the battle for both the championship and the Champions League spots is intensifying.
Current Premier League Table Top 5 (As of February 12, 2026)
Following the latest round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford on Wednesday, the standings at the summit are as follows:
| Rank | Club | Played | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 26 | +32 | 57 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 26 | +30 | 53 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 26 | +10 | 48 |
| 4 | Manchester United | 26 | +10 | 47 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 26 | +8 | 45 |
Title Race Analysis: Gunners Slip as City Closes Gap
Arsenal remains at the top of the table with 57 points, but their recent 1-1 draw at Brentford has allowed Manchester City to close the gap to just four points. Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down a resilient Brentford defense, failing to capitalize on their dominance in possession. Meanwhile, Manchester City continues to apply pressure, boasting a superior scoring record that could prove vital as the season enters its final third.
Aston Villa has emerged as a genuine third challenger this season. Despite being nine points off the lead, a late own-goal in their recent fixture secured three crucial points, keeping them ahead of Manchester United in the race for the top three.
Understanding the Tie-Breaker Rules
As the race tightens, the Premier League’s specific tie-breaking criteria may determine the final standings. If teams finish level on points at the end of the season, the following order is used to separate them:
- Goal Difference: The total number of goals scored minus goals conceded.
- Goals Scored: The total number of goals a team has successfully put in the net.
- Head-to-Head Points: Points gathered in matches between the tied teams.
- Head-to-Head Away Goals: If still tied, the team with more away goals in matches against the other tied team(s) ranks higher.
The Battle for Europe and Survival
While the spotlight remains on the title, the fight for the top four is equally fierce. Manchester United and Chelsea are currently projected to finish in the Champions League spots, though Newcastle and Tottenham remain within striking distance. At the bottom of the table, Burnley provided a massive boost to their survival hopes on February 11 with an upset victory over Crystal Palace, ending a long winless streak and tightening the relegation scrap.
With 12 games remaining for most clubs, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with analysts predicting the title winner may need at least 88 points to secure the crown.