As the 2025–26 Premier League season approaches its decisive final weeks, the title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal leading the table on 73 points from 34 matches, while Manchester City trail closely with 70 points from 33 games.
Manchester United currently sit third with 58 points from 33 matches, buoyed by an impressive run of form under interim manager Michael Carrick. However, beyond the traditional league standings, a deeper analysis of managerial performance based on points per game (PPG) reveals a more complex picture of consistency, managerial impact, and mid-season upheaval.
According to rankings published by Planet Football, Carrick leads all managers with a remarkable average of 2.17 points per game. Since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick has overseen a significant turnaround at Manchester United, guiding the club to secure UEFA Champions League qualification with matches to spare.
Close behind is Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, whose side’s consistent performances throughout the campaign have yielded a PPG of 2.14. Arteta’s leadership has been instrumental in keeping the Gunners at the summit of the league table during a highly competitive season.
Pep Guardiola follows narrowly with 2.12 PPG, as Manchester City continue to apply pressure in the title race. The marginal gap between Guardiola and Arteta is partly attributed to Arsenal having played one additional fixture.
Further down the rankings, Arne Slot of Liverpool and Unai Emery of Aston Villa are level on 1.70 PPG, reflecting solid campaigns for both sides.
The list also highlights the impact of managerial changes during the season. Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed by Chelsea in January, recorded 1.58 PPG, while his successor Liam Rosenior has managed 1.31 PPG since taking over. Similarly, Amorim posted 1.55 PPG before his departure from Manchester United.
Other notable figures include Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton & Hove Albion (1.47 PPG), Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth (1.44 PPG), and Marco Silva at Fulham (1.41 PPG).
Veteran manager David Moyes has recorded 1.38 PPG with Everton, while Eddie Howe has managed 1.23 PPG at Newcastle United.
Towards the lower end of the rankings are managers who have struggled to make a significant impact, including Graham Potter (0.60 PPG) and Scott Parker of Burnley (0.58 PPG). Short-term appointments such as Igor Tudor and Ange Postecoglou registered just 0.20 PPG during brief stints.
The rankings underline how managerial performance cannot always be judged solely by league position, with points per game offering a more nuanced measure of efficiency and impact. As the season draws to a close, both the title race and the evaluation of managerial success remain compelling narratives in English football.