After ten rounds of the Premier League, ESPN rated the big6: Arsenal A, Manchester United C, Liverpool D!

November 04 News After ten rounds of the Premier League in the 2025-26 season, ESPN rated the performance of the traditional giants of the Premier League Big6. In ESPN's selection, Arsenal was grade A, Manchester City was grade C, Liverpool was grade D, Tottenham was grade C, Chelsea was grade C, and Manchester United was grade C.

ESPN also wrote in this article about the areas where these six giants need to improve.

Arsenal A

Aspects that can be improved

Arsenal should and will ignore the outside world's doubts about their lack of aura and creativity, but if the striker can score more goals, it will be a huge help to them in their pursuit of the championship. New forward Jokeres is the team's top scorer, but has only 4 goals in the league, while winger Saka (2 goals) is the only offensive player to score more than 1 goal this season. However, on the other hand, 11 players have scored league goals for the Gunners so far this season, which shows that Arsenal are a threat in all positions.

Manchester City C

Areas that can be improved

In addition to Haaland, Manchester City needs more players who can score goals. If Haaland can stay healthy, he may be able to help City win the title, but Guardiola said after Sunday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth (where Haaland scored twice) that it would be "difficult" for City to win the title without Haaland. It's obvious, of course, but if Haaland does miss a spell, City will need other players to step up and contribute goals to keep their title hopes alive.

Liverpool D

Areas that can be improved

Every position in Liverpool needs improvement. So far, only this summer's new signings Ekitic and midfielder Sobo have performed as well as they should. Although Salah is still looking for form, the team's biggest weakness is defense. Liverpool has conceded 14 goals in 10 games. The two central defenders Van Dijk and Konate are defensively unstable, and Slott also lacks a stable full-back.

Tottenham C

Areas that can be improved

A home win always effectively improves morale on and off the field. If they can score three points against Manchester United on Saturday, Tottenham are likely to be among the top four. But winning often only masks problems, and the deeper problem Frank needs to address is that his coaching style runs counter to Tottenham's past tradition of pleasing, offensive football. Frank's style is more direct, focusing on long throw-ins, long passes and set pieces; if he does not want to lose the trust of the fans, Frank not only needs to achieve results, but also needs to improve the viewing experience of the game.

Chelsea C

Aspects that can be improved

Maresca needs to strengthen the team's defense, because Chelsea's offensive firepower is undoubted, and Palmer is expected to recover from a groin injury this month, which will further enhance their offensive threat. But what Chelsea need most is experience, and experience can only be accumulated through games, unless the club abandons the strategy of signing young players and instead introduces a few experienced veterans in January. That's unlikely to happen, though, so Chelsea's growing pains are likely to continue, meaning more unexpected defeats and unnecessary cards before the players gain experience through regular games.

Manchester United C

Areas that can be improved

Casemiro's outstanding performance at Manchester United this season has silenced the doubters, but when the 33-year-old defensive midfielder is absent, neither Ugarte nor Menu can fill the gap, so the club really needs to strengthen Amorim's midfield options in January.

The team's overall lack of reliable substitute players is a problem, and Mbemo and Ahmed are likely to be absent for up to a month due to participating in the African Cup of Nations in December and January, which will leave Amorim stretched in the lineup. Therefore, the club should strengthen the team after the winter transfer window opens to ensure that Manchester United has a chance to qualify for the Champions League. If Amorim can lead the team to keep improving in the new year, it will put pressure on United's hierarchy to raise funds to bring in much-needed new players.