As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are engaged in a fierce competition for the top spot. Currently, Arsenal lead the pack, holding the top position by a slim margin of goal difference over Liverpool, with Manchester City trailing closely behind in third place, just one point behind the leading duo.
With only 10 matches left in the season, the battle for the title is heating up. Each upcoming match carries immense importance in deciding which team will emerge as the ultimate champion of the season. Newsnow Liverpool takes a closer look at five key matches that are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of this year’s title holder.
Manchester City vs Arsenal, March 31
The upcoming game at the Etihad Stadium marks a crucial moment in the Premier League title race, following the international break.
Manchester City face a significant challenge in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive league title, as a third defeat to Arsenal this season could deal a severe blow to their aspirations.
The first loss came at the Emirates Stadium in October, where Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory for Arsenal. Additionally, Arsenal claimed victory on penalties in the Community Shield clash back in August.
Despite Arsenal’s recent success, winning their last eight league matches, Manchester City maintain an impressive unbeaten streak of 22 games across all competitions. Furthermore, their home ground has remained a fortress since November 2022.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa, April 3
If Manchester City secure a pivotal victory over Arsenal, their celebrations will be brief as Aston Villa, contenders for a top-four finish, will visit the Etihad Stadium just three days later.
Aston Villa, former European champions, are experiencing an unexpectedly successful season, currently occupying fourth place as they aspire to secure their first Champions League qualification since the tournament’s rebranding.
Back in December, Unai Emery’s Arsenal caused a significant upset by defeating City, with Leon Bailey’s 74th-minute goal sealing a 1-0 win.
Following that loss, Manchester City have maintained an unbeaten record, while Aston Villa have managed to retain their fourth-place standing despite pressure from Tottenham.
Manchester United vs Liverpool, April 7
Liverpool are preparing for a revenge mission ahead of their clash with arch-rivals at Old Trafford, spurred by their devastating 4-3 loss in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Guided by Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool surged ahead with scores of 2-1 and 3-2 towards the end of regular and extra time, respectively. However, Amad Diallo’s late winner shattered their hopes, halting their pursuit of a quadruple.
Despite the setback, Liverpool plan to bid farewell to Klopp’s final season memorably by clinching victories in the Premier League and Europa League, adding to their League Cup triumph in February.
A victory at Old Trafford holds significant importance for Liverpool, aiming to equal United’s impressive record of 20 English titles, marking the first win there since 2021.
Tottenham vs Arsenal, April 28
With the upcoming north London derby, the rivalry between these age-old foes intensifies.
Arsenal celebrated memorable league victories at White Hart Lane in 1971 and 2004, clinching titles in those years. Now, with their rebuilt stadium standing on the grounds of those historic wins, Arsenal are eager to take another significant step towards potential championship glory by defeating their enduring rivals.
Despite Arsenal’s recent dominance in north London derbies, with just one loss in the last six encounters, their resolve was tested in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in September, where they conceded leads twice.
Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou in his first season, Tottenham Hotspur have seen a resurgence, displaying an attacking flair that promises to shine as they aggressively pursue a coveted top-four finish.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool, May 11
Liverpool secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Villa at Anfield in September. However, as they gear up for the rematch, they expect a stiffer challenge.
The upcoming match signifies Jurgen Klopp’s final away league fixture as Liverpool’s manager. Klopp is aiming to notch a fourth consecutive win at Villa Park before his tenure concludes.
Villa last triumphed over Liverpool in 2020, during a memorable 7-2 win. This loss prompted Klopp to admit that his team had “lost the plot.”
With Liverpool nearing a potential title win after four years, they are acutely aware of the need to avoid repeating the errors that led to their previous collapse.
Judgement Day
If the title contenders remain closely matched after those matches, the season’s last day on May 19 will see Arsenal hosting Everton, Manchester City playing against West Ham, and Liverpool confronting Wolves.
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