Liverpool’s Title Bid Stumbles, but Remains Strong
Liverpool’s bid for the Premier League title took a dramatic turn at Goodison Park on a night that will long be remembered by Everton fans. With just minutes left on the clock, it seemed as though Liverpool would extend their lead to nine points over second-placed Arsenal, solidifying their stronghold on the title race. However, James Tarkowski’s last-minute equalizer changed the narrative, bringing the Anfield rivals level and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Despite the setback, Liverpool still hold a seven-point lead with 14 matches left to play, and Opta’s supercomputer predictor gives them an 89% chance of clinching the title, compared to Arsenal’s 10.9%.
Historical Context: Liverpool’s Advantage
While Everton’s late goal might have injected a glimmer of hope into the hearts of Arsenal supporters, history is not on their side. In the Premier League era, the largest deficit overturned when all teams have played 24 games is five points. Manchester United achieved this feat in the 2002/2003 season, coming from behind to win the title by five points over Arsenal. The Gunners faltered, winning only three of their seven matches across March and April. More recently, Manchester City also overcame a five-point gap in the 2018/19 season to finish ahead of Liverpool. For Arsenal to close the current seven-point gap, Liverpool would need to drop points in at least three of their remaining 14 games—a tall order given the Reds’ current form and resilience.
Liverpool’s Resilience and Clinical Strikers
Reflecting on the match, former Manchester United defender and TNT Sports expert Rio Ferdinand praised Liverpool’s overall grit and determination. "With this Liverpool team, it looks ominous for everybody else," Ferdinand remarked. "They have a really gritty side to them; you have to put them under pressure, otherwise they just cruise." The team’s relentless clinical edge, epitomized by Mohamed Salah, one of the most prolific strikers in the league, allows them to maintain their lead even when not playing at full intensity. The late equalizer against Everton may have been a setback, but it has not dampened Liverpool’s spirit or their title aspirations.
Upcoming Fixtures: Liverpool’s Busy Schedule
The aftermath of the Everton draw will be a true test of Liverpool’s title credentials. The Reds face a demanding schedule, starting with a Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, February 16. This is followed by a trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday, February 19, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The highlight of their upcoming fixtures is undoubtedly the match against defending champions Manchester City on February 23. After that, Liverpool will play three successive home games against Newcastle United, Southampton, and Everton, interspersed with crucial UEFA Champions League last 16 ties on March 4/5 and 11/12. The League Cup final against Newcastle on March 16 also looms large. The final confrontation with Arsenal is scheduled for the third-to-last weekend of the season, on May 10, adding an extra layer of tension to the title race.
Arsenal’s Return and Injury Concerns
Arsenal, despite the increased pressure on their title challenge, return to action with a renewed sense of purpose. Their first match back is against Leicester City on Saturday, February 15, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The Gunners had a 10-day break for a training camp in Dubai, where they did not participate in the fourth round of the FA Cup. While the break was intended to rejuvenate the team, it also brought some concerning news. First-choice striker Nico Havertz suffered a hamstring injury during a training session, joining Gabriel Jesus, who is out following ACL surgery, and Gabriel Martinelli, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue. The absence of these key players could have a significant impact on Arsenal’s ability to close the gap, especially as they did not sign a forward during the January transfer window.
Looking Ahead: A Fierce Title Race
The upcoming fixtures for both teams will be crucial in determining the outcome of the title race. Liverpool’s busy schedule, with five Premier League games in just 15 days, will test their depth and ability to maintain form under pressure. Their ability to handle the congested calendar, including European and domestic cup commitments, will be a key factor. Arsenal, on the other hand, face a tricky run of games, starting with Leicester City, before matches against West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United. The Gunners will need to manage their injury concerns and make the most of their available resources to stay in contention. The match between Liverpool and Arsenal on May 10 could well be a title decider, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. Fans can stream all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of this intense and unpredictable title race.
