Liverpool received a major boost in the Premier League title race after Arsenal fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat to West Ham at home on Saturday. Arne Slot’s men will now travel to Etihad Stadium later today, knowing a win will put them 11 points ahead of the Gunners. But, does that mean Liverpool have a clear path to the Premier League trophy this season? Let’s discuss.
Premier League Title Race: As It Stands
Liverpool’s recent form has raised concerns about their momentum heading into the crucial stages of the season. In their last three Premier League fixtures, the Reds have dropped points twice, with frustrating draws against local rivals Everton and a resilient Aston Villa side. Even in their solitary win during this period — a narrow 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers — Liverpool looked far from their fluid best, scraping through in a match many expected them to dominate.
A shocking FA Cup defeat at the hands of Championship team Plymouth Argyle has added to the decline in league performance. The underdogs put on a focused and disciplined performance that eliminated Liverpool.
With only one win in their last four outings across all competitions, there’s a growing sense that Liverpool’s intensity may be waning. The once-relentless press and attacking verve that defined their season appear to be fading, sparking concerns among fans and pundits alike. Even though their nearest title rival Arsenal are also losing points, the Merseysiders will feel the urge to revive their early season momentum.
Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham was their first league loss since 2 November and only their second defeat all season. The result brought an end to an impressive 15-match unbeaten run in the league, highlighting just how consistent Mikel Arteta’s side had been up to that point.
However, the loss to West Ham wasn’t an isolated setback. Just days earlier, Arsenal were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Newcastle United, making it two defeats in their last three matches across all competitions. A growing injury list has further complicated matters for Arteta, with several key players sidelined, forcing the manager to rotate his squad and test its depth during this crucial part of the season.
Liverpool’s Reamaining Fixtures
Liverpool face a crucial test on Sunday as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City — a venue where they haven’t secured a win since Pep Guardiola took charge. The fixture could have major implications in the title race, with both sides eager to gain an edge.
Following the City clash, Liverpool return to Anfield to host Newcastle United. The Magpies, pushing for European qualification, held Liverpool to a draw in the reverse fixture and have already claimed three wins over Arsenal across all competitions this season, underlining their ability to trouble the top sides.
However, after these two challenging fixtures, Liverpool’s schedule begins to ease. March offers some breathing room, with the Reds playing just one Premier League match that month. This lighter domestic schedule could prove vital as Jürgen Klopp manages his squad through a busy period.
Between March and April, Liverpool’s Premier League run-in looks favourable. Five of their six league fixtures are against teams currently in the bottom half of the table, with only an away trip to Fulham on 5 April standing out as a tougher test. This run presents an ideal opportunity to gather momentum in the title race.
Despite the calmer league schedule, Liverpool’s calendar won’t be entirely relaxed. A Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain looms, along with the EFL Cup final in March, adding high-stakes fixtures to the mix. Still, the overall workload will be more manageable compared to the winter months.
Come May, the pressure ramps up again. Liverpool face a tough trio of fixtures against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton & Hove Albion, a run that could prove decisive in their season’s outcome. They’ll round off the campaign more gently, hosting Crystal Palace at Anfield on the final day — though by then, the Premier League title race could be well and truly settled.
Arsenal’s Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal face a challenging run of fixtures, beginning with a midweek trip to in-form Nottingham Forest. They’ll then visit Manchester United before back-to-back London derbies against Chelsea and Fulham, followed by a tricky away game against a resurgent Everton.
The upside is a relatively light schedule, with just two Premier League matches in both February and March. This reduced workload could help as injuries continue to mount, though much depends on their Champions League run, where they’ll face PSV Eindhoven in the last 16.
The fixture difficulty only starts to ease towards late April, just ahead of their crucial clash at Anfield.
The Premier League Title Race – What’s Our Verdict?
Liverpool have been struggling lately and have two challenging fixtures up ahead. But, if they can survive those games, Arsenal’s way back to the title will get far more challenging. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli might return to fitness in April, but by then it could be too little for the North Londoners to fight back.
Stranger things have happened in the Premier League, but Arsenal’s challenge to beat Liverpool to the title seems far more daunting now. As things stand, Liverpool should take the 24/25 Premier League trophy home.
