Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot was left frustrated after his side squandered a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table, settling for a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Despite going 22 league games unbeaten, the Reds failed to capitalize on their dominance at Villa Park, allowing their title rivals a glimmer of hope.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning equalizer in the 61st minute salvaged a point, but the mood in the Liverpool camp was far from celebratory. Darwin Núñez’s shocking miss late in the game added to the frustration, as the Uruguayan forward failed to convert an open goal opportunity that could have secured all three points. Slot, visibly disappointed, admitted post-match that he was “not happy at all” with the result, especially considering Liverpool’s superiority in the first half.
Title Race Tightens as Arsenal Eye an Opportunity
Liverpool’s slip-up could have significant ramifications for the Premier League title race. While they remain eight points clear of Arsenal, the Gunners now have a game in hand and could cut the gap to five points with a win against West Ham. With 12 games left in the season, Liverpool’s margin for error is shrinking.
Opta’s predictive model still favors Liverpool to win the league, giving them an 84.79% chance of finishing top, but their probability dropped from 87.65% after the draw. Arsenal, on the other hand, saw their chances increase from 12.35% to 15.13%. No other team is realistically in the title mix, making this a two-horse race between Liverpool and Arsenal.
Tough Fixtures Ahead for Liverpool
Liverpool’s now face a daunting test against reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, a game that could define their title credentials. Slot’s men cannot afford another slip-up, especially with Arsenal playing a day earlier, which means Liverpool could take the field at the Etihad with their lead already reduced.
Beyond City, Liverpool’s schedule remains challenging. They play Newcastle at Anfield next Wednesday before hosting bottom club Southampton in March. However, April could prove decisive, with clashes against Everton, West Ham, Chelsea, and a potential title decider against Arsenal at Anfield on May 10.
Arsenal’s Path to the Title
Arsenal’s recent form has been impressive, with Mikel Arteta’s side unbeaten in their last 15 league matches. Their schedule is also relatively favorable, with games against struggling teams like Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, and Southampton. However, tough away fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool could prove decisive.
The Gunners will also benefit from playing their game in hand against Chelsea on March 16, the same weekend Liverpool contest the Carabao Cup final. If Arsenal can maintain their momentum and pick up crucial points against top-half teams, they could apply real pressure on Liverpool as the season nears its climax.
Liverpool Must Regain Their Clinical Edge
Despite their unbeaten streak, Liverpool’s recent performances have raised concerns. A last-minute equalizer against Everton, a nervy 2-1 win over Wolves, and now a missed opportunity against Villa suggest that Slot’s team is struggling to put games to bed.
Slot himself acknowledged that Liverpool “must not make a habit” of failing to convert their dominance into victories. The upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle will test their ability to bounce back, and with Arsenal closing in, every dropped point could prove costly in the final stretch of the season.
Liverpool remain in the driver’s seat, but their margin for error has narrowed. The title race is far from over, and every game from here on will be crucial in determining whether they can hold off Arsenal’s challenge and reclaim the Premier League crown.
