Arsenal is 12 points behind Liverpool in the EPL title race | Photo Credit: Imago
Can Arsenal truly catch Liverpool? Pulse Sports Nigeria Analysts have their say
Will Arne Slot and his Liverpool team bottle the English Premier League after suffering back-to-back defeats?
Around this time last week, Liverpool were in the running for three major trophies, but after suffering back-to-back defeats to PSG and Newcastle, Arne Slot’s team has seen their hopes dwindle to just one - the English Premier League.
Liverpool was a heavy favorite against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final, but after falling to Dan Burn’s opener and another strike from Alexander Isak, Liverpool was left chasing shadows for large spells of the game until Federico Chiesa found the back of the net in stoppage time, which was already too little, too late.
Against PSG, it was a similar story - Liverpool was in pole position after snatching a late winner against the run of play in the first leg, but Le Parisien came to Anfield with enough fire and resolve, and had Donarumma to thank for his heroics during the penalty shootout.
Mikel Arteta’s team edged Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who were without talisman Cole Palmer at the Emirates, extending Arsenal’s dominance over the Blues in recent years.
A first-half header from makeshift striker Mikel Merino was enough to hand Arsenal all three points in a tasteless encounter, closing the gap on Liverpool to 12 points with nine games left.
Analysts at Pulse Sports Nigeria have shared their opinion on whether Liverpool’s recent poor run of form can give room for Arsenal to come from behind to win the league.
David Ben
Let’s even forget about the points for a minute. Who’s second on the table? Exactly. There’s nothing to discuss here. Congratulations to Liverpool.
I don’t believe they will bottle the league, and this is not mainly down to their ability but Arsenal’s deficiencies in attack and the point difference.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
With nine matches left and a 12-point difference, Liverpool will have to lose four times for Arsenal to catch up, which I don’t see happening.
Yes, I expect the Reds to lose a couple of matches before the end of the season, but not as many as four. Arsenal are also not locked in to win all of their matches.
It’s normal in football to lose games. I believe for Liverpool to lose these back-to-back games, it will give them more energy to fight for the title. Nothing can stop them from winning the league this season apart from unforeseen circumstances, which I believe can’t even work here. Liverpool are champions already.
Ayoola Kelechi
If Liverpool had this dip earlier in the season, say in December, then there would have been a problem, but with only nine games to go and 12 points between them and their closest challengers, they should be able to get over the line, especially because it’s Arsenal chasing them.
Well, the short answer is no. Disregarding the schadenfreude directed at fans of the club, who have seen conversations of a possible quadruple and historic treble whittled down to just a second Premier League success, is the recognition that Arne Slot's men have one focus for the rest of the campaign.
Undoubtedly fatigued and flagging as the season nears its climax, having zero distractions outside of going over the line and an opposition — Arsenal — probably focused on a deep Champions League run, means Slot's Reds should see this one through.
No, they have such an unassailable lead despite their recent shaky run and form. I think they have done enough to wrap up the league, especially as Arsenal can't even be trusted.
The majority of the analysts at Pulse Sports Nigeria seem to believe that Liverpool have done enough to win the 24/25 Premier League title. To be honest, with 9 games remaining, it's hard to see Liverpool losing four games and Arsenal winning all their matches.
However, this is football and anything can still happen!
#J-18808-Ljbffr