LIVERPOOL FACE DEFINING WEEK IN TITLE CHARGE
Liverpool’s pursuit of the Premier League title faces a crucial test this week, with trips to Aston Villa and Manchester City set to challenge their credentials. Holding a seven-point lead over Arsenal, the Reds remain in control, but Gary Neville believes the next two games could shape their title charge.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United defender acknowledged Liverpool’s recent resilience but suggested Arsenal may still have hope. He pointed to their hard-fought 2-0 win over Wolves and the dropped points against Everton as signs of the pressure building. “I think it was a good day for Liverpool,” he admitted. “But I also think it was half a good day for Arsenal. Liverpool got over the line against Wolves, but they now have Aston Villa away and Man City away coming up.”
Despite those observations, Liverpool have continued to grind out results in typical title-winning fashion. Even in tighter matches, Jurgen Klopp’s side has found a way to get the job done, showing the mentality that has made them such formidable challengers. Neville acknowledged that teams fighting for the title will always face difficult afternoons. “Sometimes, you get a game where everyone expects you to win easily, but it turns out tougher than expected,” he said. “That’s why it was a good result for Liverpool.”
Looking ahead, Neville highlighted the importance of the upcoming fixtures. While Villa have been inconsistent, Villa Park remains a tricky ground to visit, and Manchester City’s quality speaks for itself. “Villa aren’t in the best of form, but you can get caught out there,” he warned. “And we know what City can do—if you make mistakes, they’ll punish you.”
However, Liverpool have proven they can handle pressure, and if they emerge from these games with four points or more, Neville believes they will be in a commanding position. “If Liverpool can get four points out of the next two games, they will be in a really strong place to win the league,” he said. “Arsenal will drop points as well—it’s inevitable.”
While the Gunners still have tough games against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Chelsea, Liverpool’s main focus will be handling their own business. If they maintain their seven-point cushion through this tricky period, they will be firmly in control of their title destiny.
Liverpool’s experience in title races, combined with their ability to find crucial goals when needed, gives them the edge. As they prepare for one of the biggest weeks of the season, Klopp’s men know that positive results against Villa and City could take them a step closer to another Premier League crown.