Four pointers to most open Premier League title race in years

The 2026‑27 Premier League title race is shaping up to be the most open in years, driven by four interconnected factors. **New managers, new expectations** Manchester City have long been favourites, having secured six of the past nine Premier League trophies, but they begin the campaign without Pep Guardiola. The 55‑year‑old oversaw 17 major trophies in a decade before departing at the end of last season; his former assistant Enzo Maresca took over. Maresca has been inactive since stepping down as Chelsea manager in January. Chelsea themselves appointed a new head coach, installing Liam Rosenior in January only to part ways before the season’s close, after which former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso assumed control. Alonso guided an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side to the Bundesliga two years ago, though his stint at Real Madrid proved difficult. Many expected him to replace 2024‑25 champion Arne Slot at Liverpool, yet the Reds chose Andoni Iraola, who guided Bournemouth to a sixth‑place finish last term. Consequently, three of the traditional “big six” now operate under new bosses. Adding to the turnover, Manchester United’s Michael Carrick and Tottenham’s Roberto de Zerbi only assumed partial responsibility during the previous campaign. Five of the accepted big six will therefore start the upcoming season with a different manager than they held at the outset of last year; only Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, in post since 2019, remains unchanged. **Saliba’s absence might sink Arsenal** As defending champions with an experienced manager, Arsenal enter the season as title favourites. However, a prolonged injury to a pivotal defender could jeopardise their challenge. The club announced that William Saliba is set to miss an “extended period” after sustaining a back problem while