Goal difference in football explained: Rules, why who has scored the most could decide Premier League title race

Every goal, every point, and every match counts in the Premier League and that is why the goal difference rule stands as one of the most crucial deciders, especially when the title race tightens up at the top of the table.

The rule holds significant weight, as it can determine the fate of clubs aiming to lift the Premier League trophy. Equally, it can decide who is relegated to the Championship or qualifies for a European place. 

At the March international break in the 2023/24 season, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City were all within a point of each other at the summit.

The Sporting News takes a look at how the goal difference rule would be implemented in the Premier League if they finish on level points at the end of the season.

Who has the best goal difference in the Premier League this season?

In the Premier League, if two or more clubs end the season with equal points, their rank in the table is determined by several criteria, moving on to the next one if the previous measurement can't separate them: goal difference, total goals scored, head-to-head points, and finally, away goals in head-to-head matches.

Goal difference essentially acts as a tiebreaker when teams finish a season with an equal number of points. The significance of the rule becomes particularly apparent during intense title races, where the margins between success and failure can be razor-thin.

As such, teams involved in title races taking advantage of weaker sides can be important. Arsenal have won 6-0 at Sheffield United and West Ham United since the turn of the year, as well as putting five goals past Burnley and Crystal Palace.

In those four games, they managed to add +22 to their already impressive goal difference. Those could yet be the results