Remains top in points (5)
I believe the answer is:
stops
'remains' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'top in points' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'points' becomes 'ss' (an abbreviation for a compass point written twice).
'top' placed inside 'ss' is 'STOPS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stops that I've seen before include "Checks" , "Halts" , "Discontinues" , "Prevents" , "Posts (anag.)" .)