Liverpool are now just a single point away from clinching the Premier League title following Arsenal’s midweek stalemate against Crystal Palace. The Reds, managed by Arne Slot, earned their sixth win in seven league outings with a 1-0 victory over Leicester last weekend.
That result has left Liverpool on the cusp of a 20th top-flight title, which would equal the English record. They can secure the trophy with a draw or better against Tottenham on Sunday at Anfield (kick-off 16:30 BST). A point would move them to 80, while Arsenal – currently second – can reach no more than 79, even if they win every remaining fixture.
After Arsenal’s result against Palace, they are now 12 points behind with only four matches to play. Given Liverpool’s significantly stronger goal difference, a draw would effectively guarantee the title.
Questions over dominance answered
There’s been debate among fans and pundits this season about how impressive this Liverpool side really is. Some critics have pointed to a general dip in quality among the league’s usual contenders.
Manchester City are set for their lowest points return since Pep Guardiola took charge, Manchester United are facing one of their poorest Premier League campaigns, and Arsenal have failed to match last year’s pace – trailing by eight points compared to this stage last season. Meanwhile, both Chelsea and Tottenham have experienced inconsistent form.
Despite that, Liverpool has delivered where others have faltered. If Arsenal had matched their 74-point tally from this point last year, they would still trail the Merseyside club by five.
Slot’s team needs 12 more points from their remaining five fixtures to surpass the 90-point barrier – the same total Arsenal’s Invincibles finished with in 2004. Across 32 seasons of the Premier League, only 14 sides have reached 90 or more. One of those, Manchester United in 1993-94, did so in a 42-game campaign.
Liverpool have twice surpassed 90 points under Jürgen Klopp and still missed out on the title. That makes their current position even more remarkable, as only 12 past champions have finished with such a total.
The run-in for the Reds
Liverpool’s final five matches of the season are set, though dates may be subject to change. They host Tottenham on 27 April before heading to Chelsea on 4 May. A high-stakes clash with Arsenal at home follows on 11 May, and they visit Brighton a week later on 18 May. The season concludes at Anfield with a match against Crystal Palace on 25 May.
With just a point needed, fans at Anfield this Sunday could be celebrating another league title – the first under Arne Slot.
