The English Premier League title race appears all but decided after a crucial weekend of matches. Liverpool extended its lead at the top, while Arsenal’s struggles continued, leaving many to wonder if the competition is effectively over.
Arsenal’s Title Hopes Fade
Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday pushed the Reds 15 points clear at the top of the table with just nine matches remaining. The following day, Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United further dented the Gunners’ title aspirations.
Despite the fact that Arsenal still has a game in hand, the gap seems insurmountable. Manager Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated after the match and avoided giving a definitive answer about his team’s title chances.
“I don’t want to say that,” Arteta responded when asked if Arsenal was out of the race. “Today, the frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and we are obligated to win every single match. I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about it.”
Another Missed Opportunity for Arsenal
Arsenal entered the match against Manchester United with confidence, especially after a dominant 7-1 Champions League win over PSV. However, their attack lacked cutting edge, and despite controlling possession for most of the first half, they fell behind after a brilliant Bruno Fernandes free-kick just before halftime.
Declan Rice managed to equalize in the second half, but a draw was not enough to keep pressure on Liverpool. Arsenal has now dropped points in three consecutive league matches, significantly reducing its chances of overtaking the Reds.
With Manchester City, Chelsea, and United failing to challenge for the title this season, this was a golden opportunity for Arsenal to reclaim the Premier League trophy for the first time since the 2003-2004 season. Instead, frustration is growing among fans, particularly over the club’s failure to sign a top-class striker in January.
Liverpool Moves Closer to Glory
Liverpool’s win over Southampton was another example of their resilience. Despite conceding early, they bounced back with three second-half goals. Mohamed Salah was clinical from the penalty spot, scoring twice, while Darwin Núñez netted the equalizer.
The performance may not have been flawless, but Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliot emphasized that results matter more than style at this stage of the season.
“It’s just about winning, not how we win,” Elliot said. “Sometimes, you have to win dirty and today was one of them days. We caused ourselves problems, but at the end of the day, it’s three points and it keeps the momentum high.
“I think we know that’s what winners do really: when times are hard, what do you do? How can you come up with something to win the game? Luckily, this squad is full of them players.”
Is the Title Race Over?
While mathematically still possible, Arsenal’s chances of catching Liverpool now seem highly unlikely. A historic collapse from the Reds would be required for any other team to take the title, making it feel like only a matter of time before Liverpool officially secures its second Premier League trophy in 35 years.