LONDON: Liverpool´s charge towards the Premier League title has slowed ahead of a trip to Manchester City on Sunday, giving Arsenal hope of closing in on the leaders.
The Gunners can move to within five points of the Reds should they see off lowly West Ham at the Emirates. Behind the top two, the race is on for a place in next season´s Champions League.
Only six points separate third-placed Nottingham Forest from Newcastle in seventh before they face off at St James´ Park. AFP Sports looks ahead to the pick of Premier League action this weekend:
Arne Slot´s men appeared to be cruising towards a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. However, two 2-2 draws at Everton and Aston Villa in the past 10 days have brought the title race alive again.
But Manchester City, the dominant force in English football during the last decade, were outclassed by Real Madrid in midweek as they crashed out of the Champions League before the last 16 stage for the first time since the 2012/13 season. The English champions may also be without Erling Haaland, who did not get off the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu due to injury.
But Pep Guardiola´s men showed what they are still capable of in a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle last week and are in need of points themselves in the top-four race. “They´ve had maybe one or two months in the seven or eight years he´s (Guardiola) there now that weren´t the best, maybe partly because of injuries as well,” said Slot.
“Injuries come back, they´ve signed three or four players, I can see them coming back already if you look at the result against Newcastle.” Arsenal have the chance to up the pressure when they face West Ham 24 hours earlier.
Mikel Arteta´s side will be without a recognised striker for the rest of the season but have won 23 points from a possible 27 to remain in the race. “If we constantly look at Arsenal or what other teams are doing, that would not help us,” added Slot.
“We already know how difficult it is to go to the Etihad, so we don´t need Arsenal to get involved in that even more.” Chelsea need to bounce back quickly if they are to retain hope of Champions League football next season. The Blues flirted with a title challenge towards the end of 2024 but have won just twice in their last nine league games and crashed out of the FA Cup. e on it,” said Howe.
