Liverpool’s Seven-Point Lead
Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby may not have been the ideal result for the Reds, but it has given them a comfortable seven-point cushion at the top of the Premier League with just 14 matches remaining. Despite this significant gap, Arsenal remain their closest challengers, with Mikel Arteta’s side vying for the title for the third consecutive season. Under the leadership of Dutch manager Arne Slot, Arsenal has emerged as the dominant force in the division, registering only one loss in the league this season. Many fans and pundits now view their lead as nearly unassailable, given their current form. However, as history has shown, the race for the title is far from over, especially with the crucial match between Arsenal and Liverpool set for May at Anfield.
Can Arsenal Close the Gap?
As things stand, both Liverpool and Arsenal have played an equal number of matches, and the gap between them is seven points. Liverpool’s impressive form suggests they are unlikely to lose many more games, and even if Arsenal win the highly anticipated Anfield clash in May, they would still need to make up an additional four points. Moreover, Arsenal can’t afford to lose again at this stage, having already lost two matches and drawn eight. The Gunners’ recent 5-1 victory over Manchester City, however, demonstrates that they possess the capability to challenge Liverpool if the Reds slip up. Various factors, including challenging fixture lists and key injuries, could influence the outcome of the 2024/25 Premier League title race. Despite facing some setbacks, such as Gabriel Martinelli’s recent injury, Arsenal fans remain optimistic as the season enters its crucial phase, drawing inspiration from the club’s own remarkable comeback in 1997/98.
Arsenal’s Historical Comeback
Arsenal’s maiden Premier League title in 1997/98 is a testament to the club’s resilience and determination. By December 1997, it seemed nearly impossible for the Gunners to close a 13-point deficit to Manchester United. After a poor run, which included four losses and two draws in eight games, Arsenal found themselves 12 points behind United in February. Nevertheless, under Arsene Wenger’s guidance, the Gunners embarked on a 10-match winning streak post-Christmas, culminating in a crucial 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of Marc Overmars. This run saw Arsenal go unbeaten until they secured the title in early May, making it the biggest points gap ever overturned in Premier League history. This remarkable comeback serves as a source of hope for Arsenal fans, showing that anything is possible in the world of football.
Manchester United’s Title Comebacks
The 1990s were a golden era for Manchester United, marked by several dramatic title comebacks. In the inaugural Premier League season of 1992/93, United, led by Sir Alex Ferguson, were 12 points behind leaders Norwich in December. However, Norwich’s poor form—failing to win any of their six matches between December and January—allowed United to claw back the deficit and ultimately finish 10 points clear of second-placed Aston Villa. Similarly, in the 1995/96 season, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle led United by 12 points as late as January 1996. A strong run from Ferguson’s side and Newcastle’s subsequent decline saw United secure the title, with the Magpies finishing second by four points.
More Recent Comebacks
Man United’s title defenses continued in the mid-1990s. In 1996/97, they were 10 points behind Liverpool in December, but with two games in hand. A 3-1 victory at Anfield in April helped reduce the gap, and United went on to win the league with a total of 75 points, seven points ahead of Newcastle. The 2002/03 season saw another slow start for United, with a 10-point deficit in November, but a 28-game unbeaten run from Boxing Day to the end of the season enabled them to clinch the title with a five-point margin over Arsenal. In the 2008/09 season, United’s participation in the Club World Cup resulted in a 10-point gap, but they managed to catch up, thanks in part to Liverpool’s mid-season slump. United’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa, featuring a crucial goal from Federico Macheda, sealed the title with a four-point lead.
Recent and Close Title Races
The most recent significant comeback came in the 2018/19 season, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City overcame a 10-point deficit to Liverpool. By December 2018, Liverpool had won 18 and drawn two of their opening 20 matches, but City’s remarkable form after Boxing Day, winning 18 of their last 19 games, saw them clinch the title by a single point. This intense battle between Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Premier League and provided a thrilling climax to the season. As the 2024/25 campaign progresses, history teaches us that no lead is insurmountable, and the title race is far from over.
