By the end of this Premier League matchday, we will be heading into the final 10 games of the season. While Arsenal have been widely regarded as out of the title race. Some uncalculated events could mean that there is still another story to tell between Arsenal and title favorites, Liverpool.
This season was filled with hope and expectation for Arsenal. As they were looking to claim the Premier League title for the first time since the 2003/04 season.
As the months went by, and the bizarre form of reigning champions Manchester City began. The Gunners were given quite the boost, which meant that the prospect of a title was looming closer.
However, what wasn’t on the cards was the run that Arne Slot’s Liverpool side was about to occur. Where they were picking up points each week, showing high levels of consistency.
By matchday 15, the Reds were already seven points ahead of Arsenal. Doubt started to creep in at that moment, as they had already lost twice in that period.
Those doubts have continued all season, along with the impressive form of Liverpool. Leaving us to the present day, where Arne Slot’s side are 12 points ahead of the North London club.
Over the final international break of the season though, we were treated to unexpected news from both clubs.
Events that could completely twist how this story unfolds. Is it unlikely? Yes.
However, confidence and momentum are key to any club’s success. This is why Arsenal should head into the final stretch of the season with belief.
Why Liverpool’s Premier League title at risk
Before going into why the Reds could potentially be unable to win the league. We must appreciate how well the side and Arne Slot have done in the Coaches’ first season.
At one point, the Reds were one of the favorites in the Champions League, reached a League Cup final and expected to win the league.
Ending the group phase of the Champions League in first place. Ahead of the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-German etc.
While their on-the-pitch maturity and versatility lead them to convincingly win games. In a manner that was similar to but different as well from the ways of their previous coach Jurgen Klopp.
Alexander Arnold News:
However, the news that broke during the latest international break could be pivotal for their run-in. As it was reported by David Ornstein “Real Madrid working to close deal to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on free.”
Although Alexander Arnold is currently out of action with an injury. The dynamics inside the dressing room could easily shift in a matter of hours.
In the days of social media, where players are seen active and interacting on these platforms. This means that they see those things firsthand. Therefore if these news was not told to them before, then it could negatively impact relationships.
We have witnessed a similar situation with Liverpool last season. Where Jurgen Klopp announced his sudden departure from Liverpool in January. Only for the side to completely lose form in the second phase of the season.
Cup exits:
Secondly, getting knocked out of the Champions League and losing the League Cup final could have a massive effect.
After going for 120 minutes + penalties against PSG, only to be defeated in the cruelest of ways. Followed by a 0-2 loss against Newcastle, who created history on that day.
Not to mention the dip in performance from the majority of the squad. Where even wins feel undeserved, with a sense of doubt creeping in while players are burdened with fatigue.
Goalscoring:
Finally, goalscoring. Although Liverpool are the top-scoring team in the league, their reliance on a certain Egyptian could be deemed unsustainable.
As out of their last two losses, Mohamed Salah was not able to provide the goods. 44 G/A means that he has been involved in over 60% of the teams’ goals in the Premier League.
To conclude this point, these are all variables that we don’t yet know their outcome.
However, when looking at Arsenal’s point of view, they will be hopeful that all of the above come to fruition.
What Arsenal need to win the Premier League
What has been mentioned above are all elements that are in Liverpool’s hands. Hypothetically speaking, if all of the above are to occur, where does Arsenal stand in this position to grab the opportunity?
The Gunners have been granted an enormous boost, as Bukayo Saka is now fit to participate for the rest of the season. After what could have been a season-ender for the English international, has ended in the best-case scenario.
Therefore, they must be able to find a way to find their goalscoring boots for the remaining 10 fixtures.
Wing play may not be an issue with the English winger returning. In addition to Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all being options for the Gunners.
Is it as simple as converting the chances that arrive in front of them? No, however, defensively they have proven to be competent.
Chance creation will be enhanced by a large portion with the comeback of Saka now imminent.
Summary
In conclusion, as mentioned above, most of the above aspects are in Liverpool’s hands at the end of the day.
However, there are no guarantees in football, what is for sure, is that Arsenal should put themselves in the best place to take advantage of the worst-case scenario for the Reds.
