Premier League news: Three points separate the top three – Liverpool, Man City & Arsenal fight it out in climactic title

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Liverpool lead the way 

This Premier League season is set go down as one for the ages. The division is well on course to smash the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League campaign. Last season actually holds the current accolade with 1084 goals. If this term continues with the same scoring rate we have seen so far, for the run-in, it’s on course for there to be well over 1,200 goals, shattering the achievement set last year.

We have been treated to some sensational games of football. Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City, Brighton’s 4-2 win against Tottenham, and Manchester United’s 3-2 comeback victory against Aston Villa are just some of the enthralling encounters witnessed. There have been numerous games and storylines you simply can’t take your eyes off. And the title race looks like it’s going to be one of the most thrilling climactic battles in years.

There’s eight games to go and everything is to play for. Three teams, who all boast very different qualities will fight it out. The 2019/20 champions Liverpool currently lead the way, and will be doing everything possible to help legendary manger Jürgen Klopp bow out with another Premier League title. Then come the trophy juggernauts Man City, who have won the last three titles under Pep Guardiola, and would become the first ever team to win the English top flight four times in a row, if they were to be victorious once again. Then there’s a new look Arsenal, who are vying to win their first title in 20 years under Mikel Arteta, who would become the first ever boss to win the Premier League in his first managerial job. Three different, but mesmeric stories could be written over the next few months.

Liverpool – 70 points

Last five games – Fulham (A), West Ham (A), Spurs, (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)

Liverpool have lost just two Premier League games this season – both were in North London. The defeat to Tottenham back in May was also mired in controversy after a VAR error denied a Luis Díaz goal. The other at Arsenal slightly more worrying for Liverpool as they were outclassed by the Gunners. However, on the whole, Liverpool have looked back to their energetic best this season with a rejuvenated midfield after the additions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. They’ve already lifted the first domestic silverware of the season, winning the EFL Cup with a depleted squad.

After the news emerged in January that manager Klopp would be stepping down at the end of the season after nine years at the helm, the motivation to win it for the German will be sky high from both the players and the fans. However, the injury list right now is worrying reading for the Liverpool faithful. As many as 12 first team players missed the EFL Cup final. Several key first team players are set to miss important games for the run-in. Right now, they are the bookies favourites with a two point advantage over Arsenal and a three point lead to Man City.

Arsenal – 68 points

Last five games – Wolves (A), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H), Man United (A), Everton (H)

Arsenal were top of the Premier League for 248 days last season, but ultimately a late capitulation meant they couldn’t get over the line in a season where they had been massively overachieving under Arteta. This season they are the chasers. Sloppy points dropped against West Ham and Fulham before the turn of the year left the Gunners behind. However, since the winter break they look right at the top of their game. Arsenal have scored 35 goals and conceded just four in their ten league games this calendar year.

Arsenal have the best defensive record in the entire Premier League, built around the axis of William Saliba, Gabriel and Declan Rice. They’ve conceded just 24 goals all season. In the first half of the campaign scoring was an issue, with many believing Arteta’s team don’t have the natural goalscorer to get them over the line. Although their chance conversion rate has increased drastically in recent weeks, and it will need to continue in that vein. The North London side also still have tough away trips to rivals Tottenham and Manchester United to navigate in their run-in.

Man City – 67 points

Last five games – Spurs (A), Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H)

It’s getting to that stage of the season, where everybody knows what to expect from Guardiola’s City. Wins, wins and more wins. Last season, the Sky Blues went on a 12 game winning run to wrestle the title from Arsenal. A few years back it was the same story, as they made up a seven point deficit on Liverpool in the 2018/19 season. They are currently three points behind the leaders Liverpool, and one behind Arsenal, but still remain many people’s favourites to retain the title.

Their title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal however, may take some hope in that Guardiola’s team have the worst goals conceded per game rate this season that they have ever had under the Spaniard. That’s including Guardiola’s first term in charge where Man City finished third. Going far in the Champions League, which many expect Man City will, could also be a distraction to league form. Nevertheless, having the duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland back fit and firing, as well as the potent form of Phil Foden will be radiating fear to City’s challengers. 

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