LIVERPOOL CLOSING IN ON TITLE

Liverpool’s grip on the Premier League title is tightening, with Arne Slot’s remarkable debut season at Anfield bringing them within touching distance of their 20th English crown. The Dutchman has guided the Reds to a 12-point lead at the top with just nine games remaining, a position few could have predicted at the start of the season when Liverpool were entering life after Jurgen Klopp.

With Manchester City faltering and Arsenal struggling to build on their previous title challenges, Liverpool’s consistency under Slot has been perfectly timed. Now, with only 16 points needed from their final nine games to guarantee the title, the end is in sight—though Arsenal could still push them all the way if they win every remaining fixture, including a crucial trip to Anfield on May 10.

That said, Liverpool are not champions yet. A difficult international break saw them suffer setbacks in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, exiting in the last 16 to Paris Saint-Germain before losing to Newcastle United at Wembley. Slot’s men must quickly regain focus, and their return fixture could not be more charged—an Anfield Merseyside derby against Everton, where they will be out for revenge after James Tarkowski’s late equaliser in February’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

April will define the title race, with Arsenal facing their last real chance to claw back points. Arteta’s side consistently play before Liverpool throughout the month, giving them opportunities to close the gap. They begin against Fulham a day before the Merseyside derby, then switch opponents with Liverpool days later—Arsenal visiting Everton on April 5, while Liverpool travel to Fulham the following day.

The real test for Arsenal comes mid-month when they face a brutal schedule, with two legs against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals wrapped around a Premier League clash with Brentford. Meanwhile, Liverpool host West Ham, now benefitting from the midweek breaks granted by their lack of European football.

Both title contenders then face relegation-threatened sides on April 20, with Arsenal playing Ipswich just hours before Liverpool meet Leicester. The month concludes with Arsenal hosting Crystal Palace a day before Liverpool face Tottenham at Anfield.

Injuries could play a key role in Arsenal’s fightback. They remain without strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the rest of the season, but the expected return of Bukayo Saka offers a crucial boost. They will need him at his best if they are to make up ground before May, as a 12-point gap at the start of the final month would all but seal the title for Liverpool.

Should Arsenal fail to close the distance in April, Liverpool’s long wait for number 20 will surely come to an end.