Liverpool are entering a crucial phase in the Premier League title race after failing to secure a win in two consecutive league games for the first time this season – with Arsenal hot on their heels following a significant 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
The Reds have only managed to clinch three wins out of their last seven matches across all competitions, sparking concerns that Arne Slot’s squad might be experiencing a slump for the first time this season, especially after a challenging 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Securing a win at the City Ground was always going to be a tough task, given Nuno Espirito Santo’s team’s current second-place standing in the table after an impressive season so far. However, this result followed a disappointing home draw with Manchester United and a Carabao Cup defeat.
On the other hand, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had been without a win in three games across all competitions before their North London Derby showdown but have now regained momentum and closed the gap to just four points behind their rivals following Wednesday night’s triumph, reports the Mirror.
Here, we examine the next six fixtures for both Liverpool and Arsenal, which could prove pivotal in the title race.
Liverpool and Arsenal are set to face a defining period in the Premier League title race after the Gunners closed the gap on their rivals to just four points.
Liverpool are entering a crucial phase in the Premier League title race after failing to secure a win in two consecutive league games for the first time this season – with Arsenal hot on their heels following a significant 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
The Reds have only managed to clinch three wins out of their last seven matches across all competitions, sparking concerns that Arne Slot’s squad might be experiencing a slump for the first time this season, especially after a challenging 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Securing a win at the City Ground was always going to be a tough task, given Nuno Espirito Santo’s team’s current second-place standing in the table after an impressive season so far. However, this result followed a disappointing home draw with Manchester United and a Carabao Cup defeat.
On the other hand, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had been without a win in three games across all competitions before their North London Derby showdown but have now regained momentum and closed the gap to just four points behind their rivals following Wednesday night’s triumph, reports the Mirror.
Here, we examine the next six fixtures for both Liverpool and Arsenal, which could prove pivotal in the title race.
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s team face some significant yet very achievable upcoming Premier League games after navigating through a difficult series of fixtures that included clashes with Manchester United, Tottenham and high-flying Forest.
First up, they travel to Brentford, who staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the dying minutes. Thomas Frank’s side have proven to be a formidable opponent this season, having netted 40 goals so far.Following a Champions League clash with Lille, they’ll have a quick turnaround before squaring off against relegation-threatened Ipswich on January 25 – a match that is undoubtedly a must-win for them against a team teetering on the brink of the drop zone.
A challenging journey to Bournemouth awaits on February 1, following another European encounter with PSV, before the much-anticipated rescheduled showdown with local rivals Everton at what is set to be the final match at Goodison Park.
There may be some weary legs for that one, given they face Spurs in the Carabao Cup and Plymouth in the FA Cup within a six-day period prior to the Merseyside Derby.
Liverpool will then host Wolves at Anfield on February 16, in another crucial game against a team fighting for their Premier League survival.
A daunting trip to Manchester City concludes their six-game run in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola aiming to reignite their season after a disappointing spell before the New Year.
Liverpool’s next six Premier League fixtures are as follows:
Brentford (a) – January 18Ipswich (h) – January 25Bournemouth (a) – February 1
Everton (a) February 12Wolves (h) – February 16Manchester City (a) – February 23
Arsenal
Like Liverpool, the Gunners have had to navigate some challenging matches after suffering losses to Newcastle and Manchester United in the cup before their North London Derby victory over Spurs, which is always a tough game.
Their upcoming six games are no stroll in the park either, starting with a home match against former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who’s doing a stellar job at Aston Villa.
Next up is an away game against Wolves on January 25, followed by a home clash with last year’s title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates on February 2, just days after a trip to Girona.They’ll enjoy a brief respite between their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle on February 5 and their journey to struggling Leicester City on February 15, before hosting Graham Potter’s West Ham in north London.
Arsenal’s next six Premier League fixtures:.Aston Villa (h)Wolves (a)Manchester City (h)Leicester City (a)West Ham (h)Nottingham Forest (a)