Every Premier League club sets out at the start of a season hoping to do better than the last—but some have made much bigger leaps than others in 2025/26. Let's take a closer look at which teams have climbed the improvement table and which have taken a step back.

At the top of the list, Manchester United have enjoyed a stunning turnaround. After finishing a dismal 15th last season—their worst ever Premier League finish—the Red Devils have surged into Champions League contention. A dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool last weekend sealed a top-five spot, and much of the credit goes to interim boss Michael Carrick. United now sit a remarkable +22 points better off than at the same stage last season, leading the league in points improvement.

Manchester City (+12) are the second-most improved side, even as they chase Arsenal in the title race. Everton (+9) round out the top three, showing signs of recovery after a turbulent campaign. Interestingly, only five teams in the league currently boast a positive points swing compared to last season—a sign of how competitive the 2025/26 campaign has been.

At the other end of the spectrum, defending champions Liverpool have suffered a dramatic fall. After losing just four games in their title-winning 2024/25 season, they've already been beaten 11 times this term. With a -24 point swing after 34 games, they share the unwanted record for the biggest decline with Wolves, who were relegated with five matches to spare. Both teams are 20+ points worse off than last season.

Newcastle United (-20) and Nottingham Forest (-21) have also struggled to replicate their previous form, while West Ham are the only side in the division with a perfect zero change from last season. For fans tracking the ups and downs, it's clear that momentum can shift fast in the Premier League—and the teams that adapt best are the ones that rise.