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Liverpool’s Commanding Lead: Can the Midweek Fixtures Change the Tide?
As Liverpool sit 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, football enthusiasts are left wondering whether the upcoming midweek fixtures might spark a twist in the title race. With the end of February fast approaching and most teams still facing a dozen more matches, many are already calling the Premier League title race over.
The convincing manner in which Liverpool dismissed four-time reigning champions Manchester City, coupled with the shock defeat of injury-hit Arsenal at home to West Ham United, has further solidified the Reds’ lead atop the table. However, the question remains: How decisive could this midweek round of fixtures prove to be?
Anfield: A Fortress for Liverpool
Little over a week ago, there were concerns that Liverpool might be buckling under the strain of leading the Premier League table by such a considerable margin. However, those fears evaporated on Sunday, when Liverpool traveled to the Etihad Stadium and secured a decisive victory over Manchester City.
Next up for the Reds is a Newcastle side who have historically struggled at Anfield. Since losing their first Premier League home game against Newcastle in April 1994, Liverpool have remained unbeaten in their last 28 home meetings with the Magpies in the competition. In fact, Newcastle have not won against Liverpool home or away in the Premier League since December 2015.
Moreover, Newcastle have struggled in their away matches against the teams at the top of the table over a long period, having not won any of their last 20 such matches. With Liverpool scoring at least two goals in each of their last 17 home games across all competitions, the hosts are expected to prevail on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk urged home fans to make Anfield as “horrible” as possible for visiting teams, stating, “How many home games are left? Seven out of 11. So let’s make sure those seven are going to be amazing, as loud as possible.”
Key stats:
- Liverpool have not been beaten in their last 28 home meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League.
- Newcastle have not won against Liverpool home or away in the Premier League since December 2015.
- Liverpool have scored at least two goals in each of their last 17 home games across all competitions.
Arsenal’s Uphill Battle: Can They Reignite Their Title Aspirations?
For Arsenal and any faint title hopes Nottingham Forest might still harbor, there is no remaining margin for error. Anything other than victories will not suffice, and even those might not be enough.
After Saturday’s defeat against West Ham, which ended Arsenal’s 15-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, a frustrated Mikel Arteta acknowledged that the title race is “not in our hands.” With four of his forwards still injured, Arteta must decide whether to stick with Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward as his side look to keep their title ambitions alive.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, have lost three of their last four league games as they look to cling onto a UEFA Champions League spot. Crucially, they are unbeaten in six Premier League home matches, and another win would emulate their late-season 1-0 victory over Arsenal in 2023, which dealt a significant blow to the Gunners’ title aspirations.
If Arsenal seek inspiration from the Premier League annals, the only team to have overturned a vaguely comparable deficit was their 1997/98 predecessors, who clawed back 11 points on leaders Manchester United. However, the current Liverpool squad has tasted defeat just once, making the task an even greater challenge.
Key stats:
- Arsenal are 17 points off the pace, with no margin for error.
- Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in six Premier League home matches.
- The 1997/98 Arsenal team is the only one to have overturned a comparable deficit in the Premier League.
In conclusion, the midweek fixtures hold the potential to either seal Liverpool’s title triumph or reignite the race for the Premier League crown. With the Reds’ formidable home record against Newcastle and Arsenal’s uphill battle against Nottingham Forest, the next few days could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of this captivating season.
Call to Action: Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis as the Premier League title race unfolds. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the thrill of the game’s most enthralling moments.
