Premier League 2025/26: who’s really been on top? Ranking all 20 clubs by time spent winning

November 13, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Forget just points on the board — how much time has each team actually spent in control of matches this season? Using Opta’s detailed breakdown of the percentage of time spent winning, drawing and losing, here’s a reverse countdown from 20th to 1st, revealing who’s leading from the front… and who’s constantly chasing the game.

20. West Ham United – constantly behind the pace

West Ham have led for just 9.2% of their total game time, the lowest in the league. Despite a few recent bright spells, their season so far has been spent largely on the back foot.

19. Wolverhampton Wanderers – rock bottom for a reason

Wolves have been in front just 12% of the time, highlighting their continued struggles. With nearly 60% of matches spent losing, it’s no surprise they sit at the foot of the table.

18. Nottingham Forest – little control over games

Forest have only led in 16% of their games this season, while drawing more than 50% of the time. Their lack of cutting edge has left them vulnerable in tight encounters.

17. Burnley – rarely holding a lead

Burnley also come in at 16%, spending almost two-thirds of their time either chasing a goal or holding out for a draw. Their defensive frailty continues to cost them dearly.

16. Fulham – rarely in front

Fulham have spent just 18% of their time winning, despite some spirited performances. The majority of their season has been played either on level terms or while trying to claw their way back.

15. Sunderland – steady but unspectacular

Sunderland have shown promise, drawing 59% of their game time — more than any other team. But with only 20% spent in the lead, their inability to seize full control is holding them back.

14. Leeds United – lacking killer instinct

Leeds match Sunderland with 20% of time spent winning, but unlike their rivals, they’ve also trailed in nearly a third of their matches. Their attacking intent hasn’t translated into match dominance.

13. Liverpool – title hopes slipping

Liverpool FC — Photo: Milosz Kubiak / Shutterstock.com

A far cry from last season’s champions, Liverpool have only led for 24% of their campaign. Spending more time behind than ahead, the Reds are struggling to impose themselves in games.

12. Newcastle United – drawing specialists

Newcastle have spent 25% of their matches winning — not bad — but also 57% drawing. They’ve never been more than two goals up or down, which shows just how finely balanced their games have been.

11. Brighton & Hove Albion – up and down form

Brighton have led for a quarter of their game time, but it’s been inconsistent. With 35% of their minutes spent losing, they’ve found it tough to build real momentum.

10. Everton – signs of progress under Moyes

Everton have led for 28% of the season so far, with a similar chunk spent drawing. A solid, if unspectacular, campaign has kept them in the mid-table mix.

9. Aston Villa – staying competitive

Villa have led for 28% of their games and only trailed for 26%, making them one of the more balanced sides. Unbeaten runs could hinge on converting draws into wins.

8. Crystal Palace – hard to beat

crystal palce — Selman GEDIK / Shutterstock.com

With 31% of their time spent in the lead and just 13% losing, Palace have become one of the league’s most resolute teams. Their defensive organisation has paid off handsomely.

7. Tottenham Hotspur – more control than expected

Spurs have led for 34% of the season despite being behind for the same amount of time. They’ve managed to stay in the top half, even with inconsistent spells.

6. Brentford – outperforming expectations

Brentford have surprised many, leading for nearly 38% of their matches. Though they’ve struggled for points at times, they’ve shown they can dominate games when they click.

5. Chelsea – flying under the radar

Chelsea have spent 38% of the campaign in a winning position — a solid return that suggests they’re improving quietly. With under 14% of time spent losing, their resilience is notable.

4. Bournemouth – bold and on the front foot

AFC Bournemouth — Selman GEDIK / Shutterstock.com

Bournemouth have surprisingly led for 40% of their game time, showing attacking bravery under pressure. Their risk-taking approach is helping them challenge bigger sides.

3. Arsenal – title credentials on show

Arsenal have led in 44.3% of their matches and only trailed for 17%. The Gunners are pushing hard at the top again, with Mikel Arteta’s side staying dominant for long spells.

2. Manchester United – more time leading than results suggest

Despite mixed form, United have led for nearly 45% of their matches — more than Arsenal. Their issue has been failing to hold onto leads and turn pressure into consistent wins.

1. Manchester City – dominance defined

City top the charts with 55.4% of their game time spent in the lead. Guardiola’s side remain the benchmark, controlling matches better than any other team in the league.