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Premier LeagueMon 26 Oct 2026 · 5 of 12

2026-27 Premier League sees record draw rate and tight table

Unsupported claims · 14/18 supported1 cited · 1 min read

NBC Sports reports that 32% of matches in the 2026-27 Premier League season have ended in draws, which would be a record for the Premier League era, surpassing the previous high of 31.32% in 1996-97 . NBC Sports reports that Nottingham Forest, despite having the fourth-highest expected goals (xG) and the second-best expected goals against (xGA), is currently in the early-season relegation zone . NBC Sports reports that the clubs with the three worst expected points totals are Newcastle (8th), Hull City (10th), and Ipswich Town (12th) on the actual points table . NBC Sports reports that there is a six-point gap between the sixth-place team and the 20th-place team, and eight teams are a single bad week away from the bottom three while a similar number could reach European competition spots with a win and favorable results elsewhere . NBC Sports reports that Arsenal and Manchester City are identified as the verified title‑fighter tier (Tier 1) .

Why it matters. NBC Sports notes that the record draw percentage highlights unusually even competition, keeping league positions fluid for many clubs near both relegation and European qualification . NBC Sports notes that Nottingham Forest’s early‑season relegation spot despite strong xG and xGA metrics shows expected performance indicators do not guarantee safety, influencing club strategies .

Earlier on Premier League

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