Arsenal take 21 points from eight games as Premier League title race with Manchester City tightens

Arsenal have opened the Premier League season with a better points return than they managed at the same stage of the campaign in which they won the title, after a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.

The result, in the eighth round of fixtures, took Arsenal’s total to 21 points. They had collected 19 after eight matches last season, which they went on to finish as Premier League champions.

Arsenal made a fast start at Emirates Stadium, taking the lead in the seventh minute through defender Ezri Konsa. Gabriel Magalhaes then doubled the advantage in the 68th minute to secure a fourth league win of the season.

Despite their improved points tally, Arsenal remain second in the table. They are level on points with Manchester City, who sit top because of their superior goal difference.

The comparison between the two campaigns was highlighted by CBS Sports Golazo, which posted on 24 October 2026 that Arsenal had taken more points after eight Premier League games than they had at the same stage of their title-winning season.

Arsenal’s victory over Everton therefore leaves them with a stronger record than during the corresponding stage of last season, although they are still behind Manchester City in the current standings.