The Premier League table looks simple: three points for a win, one for a draw, none for a defeat. The detail that confuses people is what happens when two clubs end the season level on points. Here is how it works.
How points are awarded
- Win: 3 points
- Draw: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Twenty clubs play 38 matches each, home and away against every other club.
Tie-breakers
If clubs are level on points, the table is ordered by goal difference first, then by goals scored. If they are still level, the league’s rules call for a play-off when the position decides the title, relegation or a European place; for other positions, clubs share the same ranking.
What the positions mean
- The champion is the club top of the table.
- The leading clubs qualify for European competitions, with the exact number depending on UEFA’s allocation.
- The bottom three are relegated. See how promotion and relegation work.
Frequently asked questions
Does goal difference come first?
Yes. Goal difference is the first tie-breaker, followed by goals scored.
Can a title be decided by a play-off?
Only if two clubs are level on points, goal difference and goals scored, which is extremely rare.
See more in League Football.
