Liverpool’s Strong Grip on the Premier League Title
Liverpool’s commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, with many pundits and fans alike hailing it as the decisive match that could clinch the title for the Reds. This win has extended their lead at the top of the table to a substantial 11 points, with 11 games remaining. While Arsenal do have a game in hand, the statistical reality is that even if the Gunners were to win all of their remaining 12 matches, they would only be able to reach a maximum of 89 points. In contrast, Liverpool needs just 26 points out of a possible 33 to secure the title. The Reds have only suffered one loss this season, way back in September against Nottingham Forest, and are currently averaging an impressive 2.37 points per game. Given their form, it seems increasingly likely that Liverpool will not relinquish such a sizeable lead.
The Earliest Title Win Scenario
While the drama of a final-day title decider at Anfield on 10 May, when Arsenal visit, might be appealing, the earliest that Liverpool could mathematically secure the title is on 12 April, when they face West Ham. This scenario would require Liverpool to win all of their games up to that point and Arsenal to lose all five of theirs. However, this is highly unlikely given Arsenal’s current form and the strength of their remaining fixtures. A more realistic estimate suggests that Liverpool will clinch the title if they win against Chelsea in gameweek 35, scheduled for the weekend of 3 May. This would put them well beyond the reach of even a perfect finish from Arsenal.
The Title Race in Numbers
Liverpool’s dominant performance this season is underscored by their impressive statistics. Mohamed Salah, one of the club’s key players, has already notched up 25 goals and 16 assists in just 27 games. The team’s resilience and consistency are further highlighted by their high points-per-game average, which stands at 2.37. In contrast, Arsenal’s average is 2.03 points per game, and they have already lost three matches, drawing one more than Liverpool. With five of their remaining seven fixtures before 3 May taking place at Anfield, Liverpool has every reason to be confident. The team’s strong home form and the relatively weaker opposition in these matches could see them build an unassailable lead even before the crucial match against Chelsea.
Arsenal’s Uphill Battle
While Liverpool’s path to the title seems increasingly clear, Arsenal’s road to an upset is fraught with challenges. The Gunners face tough opposition in the coming weeks, including matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Chelsea. Each of these games could be a potential stumbling block, especially given Arsenal’s recent form. On the other hand, Liverpool’s remaining fixtures are more favorable, with only Fulham standing out as a potential hurdle. The ease of their remaining schedule and their strong home record make it difficult to envision a scenario where they drop enough points to allow Arsenal back into contention.
Remaining Fixtures: A Closer Look
Liverpool has 11 matches left to play, while Arsenal has 12, including a game in hand that will take place on 16 March, the same weekend as Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final. Here is a breakdown of each side’s remaining fixtures:
Liverpool’s Fixtures
- Newcastle (H) – 26 February
- Southampton (H) – 8 March
- Everton (H) – 2 April
- Fulham (A) – 5 April
- West Ham (H) – 12 April
- Leicester (A) – 19 April
- Tottenham (H) – 26 April
- Chelsea (A) – 3 May
- Arsenal (H) – 10 May
- Brighton (A) – 18 May
- Crystal Palace (H) – 25 May
Arsenal’s Fixtures
- Nottingham Forest (A) – 26 February
- Manchester United (A) – 9 March
- Chelsea (H) – 16 March
- Fulham (H) – 1 April
- Everton (A) – 5 April
- Brentford (H) – 12 April
- Ipswich (A) – 19 April
- Crystal Palace (H) – 26 April
- Bournemouth (H) – 3 May
- Liverpool (A) – 10 May
- Newcastle (H) – 18 May
- Southampton (A) – 25 May
Conclusion
While the drama of a final-day showdown at Anfield on 10 May might be the stuff of legend, the reality is that Liverpool’s title win is likely to come much sooner. The team’s consistency, strong home form, and favorable schedule suggest that they could clinch the title as early as 12 April, or more realistically, on 3 May against Chelsea. With only one loss this season and a significant points lead, the Reds are well on their way to securing their 20th Premier League title, further cementing their place in English football history.
