Liverpool Edges Closer to Premier League Glory as Arsenal Falters
With two months remaining in this year’s English Premier League season, it appears that a champion is all but decided. Liverpool holds a commanding 15-point lead at the top of the table with just nine games left, making a collapse of historic proportions the only thing standing between them and their second league title in 35 years.
The Reds took another decisive step toward glory on Saturday, coming from behind to defeat Southampton 3-1. Their title charge was further strengthened the following day when Arsenal, their closest competitor, could only manage a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
The weekend’s results reinforced what many already suspected: Arsenal is no longer a genuine contender for the title, despite the mathematical possibility. The pressure on manager Mikel Arteta continues to mount, with expectations growing for him to deliver a major trophy. His frustration was evident after Sunday’s draw, as he abruptly exited a post-match interview when asked if the title race was effectively over.
Later, in his press conference, Arteta remained tight-lipped on the matter. “I don’t want to say that,” he responded when questioned about Arsenal’s title hopes. “Today, the frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and the obligation to win every match. I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about it.”
Following their emphatic 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV, Arsenal would have hoped to carry that momentum into their clash with United. However, they once again struggled in front of goal, squandering their dominance in possession.
Despite controlling much of the first half at Old Trafford, Arsenal was dealt a blow just before halftime when Bruno Fernandes curled in a stunning free-kick. Declan Rice later salvaged a point for the Gunners with a second-half equalizer, but the result was not enough to keep meaningful pressure on Liverpool. Arsenal has now dropped points in three consecutive league matches.
While they do have a game in hand over the league leaders, a realistic title challenge would require Liverpool to suffer an uncharacteristic losing streak—an unlikely scenario at this stage. With Manchester City, Chelsea, and United all failing to mount a serious title bid this season, Arsenal may look back at this campaign as a huge missed opportunity to secure their first league crown since 2003.
Despite the progress Arsenal has made in recent years, there is growing frustration among fans, particularly over the club’s failure to sign a high-profile striker in the January transfer window. Injuries to key attacking players have further exposed the squad’s shortcomings, leaving supporters questioning the club’s decision-making. With league hopes fading, the focus now shifts to the Champions League, where Arsenal will aim to deliver silverware and ease the mounting pressure on Arteta.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continued their relentless march toward the title with their 3-1 victory on Saturday. After conceding the opener, they responded with three second-half goals, including a brace of penalties from Mohamed Salah following Darwin Núñez’s equalizer.
Though it wasn’t their most convincing performance, the Reds did what was necessary to secure the points. “It’s just about winning, not how we win,” said Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott post-match. “Sometimes, you have to win ugly, and today was one of those days. We caused ourselves problems, but at the end of the day, it’s three points and it keeps the momentum going.
“I think we know that’s what winners do really: when times are hard, what do you do? How can you find a way to win? Luckily, this squad is full of those players.”
Liverpool’s coronation as league champions now seems inevitable. The exact timing of their title triumph remains uncertain, given the variables in play over the coming weeks, but few doubt that the trophy will soon be returning to Anfield.
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