The Title Race: Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal stands as the closest contender to Liverpool in the Premier League title race, but the challenge is formidable. Currently, Liverpool leads by six points, and the gap could widen to nine after they play their game in hand against Everton, before Arsenal’s next fixture. While Liverpool’s dominance is evident, Arsenal remains determined to fight until the end, even if the odds are stacked against them. The question remains: do the Gunners have enough opportunities to close the points gap and potentially clinch the title?
Gameweek 26: The First Test
The first significant opportunity for Arsenal to reduce the gap comes in Gameweek 26, when they face West Ham United at home, while Liverpool travel to the Etihad to play Manchester City. Arsenal has a considerable advantage, not only due to the comfort of their home ground but also from their recent form. They have won the last two games against West Ham by a combined score of 11-2, although those victories were at the London Stadium. Arsenal’s home record is pristine, with eight wins and four draws in 12 matches, making them the only team yet to lose at home this season. Conversely, West Ham is struggling under Graham Potter, adding to Arsenal’s confidence.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will face a tougher test. Despite their strong away record, having won nine and drawn three out of 12 games, the historical data at the Etihad suggests a challenging encounter. Liverpool hasn’t won an away game against Man City since November 2015, with Man City tallying four wins and four draws in the last eight home league matches against Liverpool. This fixture could provide Arsenal with the chance to put significant pressure on the leaders, especially if they can secure a convincing victory before Liverpool takes the field.
Gameweek 34: The Away Advantage
If Arsenal is to overtake Liverpool, they may need to exercise patience. The next favourable matchup for the Gunners doesn’t come until Gameweek 34, when both teams are at home. Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace, a team known for its solid defensive record away from Selhurst Park, having conceded just 11 goals this season. However, Arsenal’s home form is unmatched, with eight wins and four draws in 12 games. The Gunners have also enjoyed a perfect record against Palace in recent years, winning their last six matches across all competitions, including two this season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool faces Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. These games are typically high-scoring and dramatic, and Liverpool holds a strong home record against Spurs, being unbeaten since May 2011. However, Tottenham’s recent form, particularly their defensive improvements, could make this a challenging game for Liverpool. The memory of relying on Tottenham to drop points might not be pleasant for Arsenal fans, but if history is any guide, it could be a crucial weekend for the Gunners.
Gameweek 35: The Double Challenge
The title race intensifies in Gameweek 35, with both Arsenal and Liverpool facing significant challenges. Arsenal welcomes Bournemouth to the Emirates, a team that was one of the best in the league over the winter, alongside Arsenal and Liverpool. Bournemouth’s unbeaten run was recently broken by Liverpool, and Arsenal will be aiming to replicate that feat. The Gunners’ home record against Bournemouth is perfect, having never lost in eight matches at Highbury and the Emirates.
Liverpool, however, has a tougher assignment, traveling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Chelsea’s form this season has been unpredictable, but they have fared better on the road than at home. Liverpool hasn’t won in their last three visits to Stamford Bridge, drawing all three games. This fixture could be a potential stumbling block for the Reds, especially if it comes between Champions League semi-finals for both teams. For Arsenal, this could be a critical moment to capitalize on any slip-ups from Liverpool.
Gameweek 36: The Decisive Clash
In a scenario that would thrill neutral fans, the title race could come down to Gameweek 36. If Arsenal navigates the previous gameweeks successfully, this could be their moment to take control. Liverpool, with the advantage of playing at home, hosts Arsenal at Anfield. The Reds have lost only once at home this season, a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September. Arsenal, despite being the third-best away team in the league, has only won six of their 12 away games.
Historically, Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool, with Arsenal failing to secure a win in their last 14 visits, dating back to September 2012. The Gunners did manage to knock Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup in October 2020, but that required a penalty shootout. This match is by no means an easy one for Arsenal, but it is the one fixture where they can directly influence the league standings without relying on third-party results.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While Liverpool’s current form and home advantage give them a significant edge, Arsenal’s title aspirations are far from over. The Gunners have a potent home record and a history of turning the tide in crucial moments. West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth represent potential points where Arsenal can narrow the gap, while Liverpool’s away games against Man City and Chelsea offer chances for the Reds to drop points.
The key for Arsenal will be maintaining their consistency, particularly on the road, where they have shown marked improvement. If they can capitalize on their home advantages and navigate the tough away fixtures, they have a real chance of making the title race an exciting one until the final whistle. Liverpool, too, will be tested, and a combination of solid performances from Arsenal and unexpected results for the Reds could shift the balance in the Gunners’ favour.
Conclusion: The Battle for the Premier League
The Premier League title race between Arsenal and Liverpool is shaping up to be a thrilling affair. While Liverpool currently holds a commanding lead, the next few gameweeks offer multiple opportunities for Arsenal to close the gap. The home advantage and recent form against West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth provide a solid foundation for the Gunners, while Liverpool’s away fixtures, particularly against Man City and Chelsea, present potential pitfalls. The decisive clash at Anfield in Gameweek 36 could be the moment that defines the season. With each game bringing new challenges and opportunities, the race for the title is far from over.
