Premier League Tiebreakers Explained
The Premier League orders clubs by points, three for a win and one for a draw. When clubs are level, goal difference decides first, then goals scored, then the head-to-head record. This page explains each step, shows which 2026-27 positions are tied on points today and how they break, and lets you compare any two clubs.
Current Ties in the 2026-27 Table
12 pts2 clubs
Arsenal1st · GD +7 · GF 8
Manchester City2nd · GD +6 · GF 8
Arsenal rank higher on goal difference.
8 pts2 clubs
Leeds United3rd · GD +4 · GF 7
Hull City4th · GD +3 · GF 5
Leeds rank higher on goal difference.
7 pts2 clubs
Brighton & Hove Albion5th · GD +8 · GF 13
Chelsea6th · GD +1 · GF 10
Brighton rank higher on goal difference.
6 pts4 clubs
Brentford7th · GD +3 · GF 7
Liverpool FC8th · GD +2 · GF 6
Everton9th · GD +2 · GF 5
Ipswich Town10th · GD -3 · GF 7
Brentford rank higher on goal difference.
5 pts2 clubs
Nottingham Forest11th · GD 0 · GF 4
Newcastle United12th · GD -1 · GF 7
Forest rank higher on goal difference.
4 pts2 clubs
Manchester United13th · GD 0 · GF 7
Sunderland14th · GD -2 · GF 3
Man Utd rank higher on goal difference.
3 pts2 clubs
Bournemouth15th · GD -1 · GF 6
Crystal Palace16th · GD -5 · GF 6
Bournemouth rank higher on goal difference.
1 pts2 clubs
Fulham18th · GD -3 · GF 4
Aston Villa19th · GD -6 · GF 1
Fulham rank higher on goal difference.
The Official Tiebreaker Order
- 1
Points
Three for a win, one for a draw, none for a defeat. This is the table order itself.
Example Two clubs on 71 points: go to the next step.
- 2
Goal difference
Goals scored minus goals conceded across the season.
Example +45 beats +38.
- 3
Goals scored
Total goals for the season. Rewards the more attacking side.
Example 80 scored beats 72.
- 4
Head-to-head points
Points earned in the two matches between the tied clubs.
Example A win and a draw (4 points) beats a draw and a defeat (1).
- 5
Head-to-head away goals
If the head-to-head points are level, the club that scored more away goals in those two matches ranks higher.
- 6
Play-off
Only if the title, a European place or relegation depends on it and everything above is level: a one-off match at a neutral venue.
Example Has never been needed in the Premier League era.
Goal Difference and Goals Scored
The two numbers that separate clubs on the same points. Tap a heading to sort.
| # | Club | PTS | GD | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal |
12 | +7 | 8 | 1 |
| 2 | Manchester City |
12 | +6 | 8 | 2 |
| 3 | Leeds United |
8 | +4 | 7 | 3 |
| 4 | Hull City |
8 | +3 | 5 | 2 |
| 5 | Brighton & Hove Albion |
7 | +8 | 13 | 5 |
| 6 | Chelsea |
7 | +1 | 10 | 9 |
| 7 | Brentford |
6 | +3 | 7 | 4 |
| 8 | Liverpool FC |
6 | +2 | 6 | 4 |
| 9 | Everton |
6 | +2 | 5 | 3 |
| 10 | Ipswich Town |
6 | -3 | 7 | 10 |
| 11 | Nottingham Forest |
5 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| 12 | Newcastle United |
5 | -1 | 7 | 8 |
| 13 | Manchester United |
4 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| 14 | Sunderland |
4 | -2 | 3 | 5 |
| 15 | Bournemouth |
3 | -1 | 6 | 7 |
| 16 | Crystal Palace |
3 | -5 | 6 | 11 |
| 17 |  Tottenham Hotspur |
2 | -5 | 0 | 5 |
| 18 | Fulham |
1 | -3 | 4 | 7 |
| 19 | Aston Villa |
1 | -6 | 1 | 7 |
| 20 |  Coventry City |
0 | -10 | 0 | 10 |
Why the Tiebreakers Matter
Unlike La Liga or Serie A, the Premier League puts goal difference first, so late goals in comfortable wins can decide a title or a European place months later.
Manchester City won the 2011-12 title over Manchester United on goal difference with the same points.
Each position in the final table changes the prize money, so ties in mid-table matter to clubs even when nothing else is at stake.
A neutral-venue decider exists in the rules but has never been used for a Premier League place.
Glossary
Points (PTS)
Three for a win, one for a draw, none for a loss.
Goal difference (GD)
Goals scored minus goals conceded.
Goals for (GF)
Total goals scored across the season.
Head-to-head
The record in the two matches between the clubs concerned.
Champions League places
The top four, plus a fifth place in seasons where England earns one through UEFA coefficient.
Relegation zone
The bottom three positions; those clubs drop to the Championship.
Form
The last five results, oldest to newest.
Tiebreaker FAQ
What is the first Premier League tiebreaker?
Goal difference. Then goals scored, then the head-to-head record between the clubs, then away goals in those matches, and finally a play-off if a title, European place or relegation is at stake.
Is head-to-head used before goal difference?
No. That is the La Liga and Serie A approach; the Premier League uses goal difference first.
How many matches are in a Premier League season?
38 per club: every club plays the other 19 home and away, from August to May.
Can a Premier League match end in a draw?
Yes. There is no extra time in league matches; a draw is worth one point to each club.
Are these standings shown with tiebreakers applied?
Yes. Our table applies points, goal difference and goals scored. The head-to-head steps are shown in the current ties section for any clubs still level.
Updated · last result change Sep 15