Manchester United enjoyed a stunning 53-point swing over Liverpool to underline the clubs' respective resurgence and decline during the 2025-26 Premier League season. The Red Devils secured a return to Champions League football by finishing third in the top flight, with Michael Carrick inspiring an upturn during his interim spell in charge after replacing Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January.
United's Transformation Under Carrick
Manchester United's improvement has led to Carrick securing the job on a permanent basis, with the club undergoing a startling transformation after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season. Unsurprisingly, United had the largest positive points swing of the 17 teams who featured in the top flight over the past two seasons. Having finished with 42 points in the 2024-25 campaign—their lowest in the Premier League era—United's tally increased by 29 to finish on a total of 71 this season.
Liverpool's Dismal Title Defence
While United had the biggest positive swing, Liverpool's dismal title defence was reflected by Arne Slot's side having the largest negative swing. The Dutchman had led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, finishing on 84 points. Their tally dropped by 24 points this season, although the Reds still secured Champions League qualification by finishing fifth.
Arsenal and Manchester City Improve
Champions Arsenal joined United as the only sides to have a double-digit increase in their points tally over the two seasons. Mikel Arteta's side improved their 2024-25 total by 11 points this campaign, as the Gunners ended a 22-year wait to secure the Premier League title. Manchester City improved by seven points in Pep Guardiola's final season in charge, but ultimately finished as runners-up.
Tottenham's Narrow Escape
Tottenham, remarkably, made the fourth largest improvement in points over the two campaigns despite avoiding relegation on the final day of the season. A three-point improvement from 38 to 41 reflects their dismal showings over the last two campaigns, which have ended in back-to-back 17th-placed finishes. Tottenham benefited from the bottom three teams being cut adrift last season, with Ange Postecoglou able to focus on winning the Europa League without relegation risk.
Other Notable Swings
Bournemouth, who secured Europa League football, and Everton were the only other sides to increase their points total from last season, adding one to their 2024-25 totals. As well as Liverpool, there were stark drop-offs for Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, and Chelsea. Relegated Wolves, who remained bottom of the table for the entire season, saw their points tally drop from 42 to 22. After qualifying for Europe last season, Nottingham Forest's points declined by 21 points, with the club ultimately pulling clear of the relegation fight in the final weeks.
Chelsea and Newcastle Decline
Both Chelsea and Newcastle saw their points tallies drop by 17 points, with the sides going from Champions League qualification last season to finishing 10th and 12th respectively. Aston Villa and Brighton both saw declines of one and eight points, despite clinching Champions League and Conference League qualification respectively. The lower totals required were in part caused by the dramatic difference in points accumulated by the newly promoted sides compared to those relegated in 2025-26. Sunderland, who earned Europa League qualification by finishing seventh, Leeds, and Burnley earned 123 points between them this season—more than double the 59 points mustered by Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton last season.
