As the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, the race for the coveted title has reached fever pitch. With each matchday, the battle at the summit of English football becomes more enthralling, captivating fans worldwide. Currently, the league table is ablaze with excitement as Liverpool leads the pack with 57 points, closely pursued by Manchester City with 56 points, and Arsenal trailing just behind with 55 points. The stage is set for an electrifying finish as these three footballing powerhouses showcase remarkable form, making it a neck-and-neck contest towards the climax of the season. Amidst the fervour and anticipation, the burning question looms large: Who will emerge triumphant and clinch the Premier League crown? In this article, we delve into the intriguing dynamics of the title race, analysing the strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes for each contender, attempting to forecast the eventual champion amidst this thrilling spectacle.
For years, the league has been decided by a runaway winner or a runaway pair. In the last six seasons, there have been three times in which the gap between 1st and 2nd has been larger than 12 points. In the two seasons in which Manchester City and Liverpool were split by just one point, the gap to third place was 25 points at its greatest, and 18 points at its slimmest. Essentially, there has not been a three-team title race in an extremely long time.
There have been rare seasons where the title race unfolded as a nail-biting three-way tussle, captivating fans with its unpredictability and drama. One such memorable campaign occurred during the 2007/08 season, where Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal engaged in a relentless battle for supremacy. Manchester United eventually clinched the title on the final day, finishing just two points ahead of Chelsea and four points clear of Arsenal, in a heart-stopping conclusion that showcased the sheer competitiveness of the league.
The 2013/14 season stands out as another exhilarating chapter in Premier League history, as Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea engaged in a fierce battle for top honors. With just four points separating the top three heading into the final day, the title race went down to the wire. Ultimately, it was Manchester City who emerged victorious in a thrilling finale, securing the title with a dramatic 2-0 victory over West Ham United, leaving Liverpool and Chelsea trailing by two and four points respectively. These instances serve as poignant reminders of the electrifying spectacle that unfolds when three heavyweight contenders lock horns in a battle for footballing supremacy.
This season, the three-team title race is back. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal are all in electrifying form as they go from strength to strength each week. What’s more, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Manchester United aren’t even lightyears behind, at least in terms of points.
Liverpool, even with an entire overhaul of their midfield in the summer and a few key departures, have been fantastic this year. With only two losses, one of which was extremely controversial, they have been the team to beat and are running rampant in Jurgen Klopp’s final season. The news of the legendary German manager’s departure will certainly have galvanized his team into action. A tremendous manager needs a tremendous send-off, winning the Premier League for a second time would certainly be the way to do that. Luckily for them, Mo Salah seems to have got the memo and is currently in career-best form. Despite being MIA for a month with AFCON and injury, Salah, with 24, still leads the league in combined goals and assists, just ahead of Ollie Watkins. Darwin Nuñez has finally hit a consistent run of form and he is joint 7th in the combined goals and assists list. Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing sensationally, Virgil van Dijk is almost back to his peak and Conor Bradley has been a welcome addition to the squad.
Manchester City are seeking to make history. No team has ever won four consecutive Premier League titles. Already on three, the Sky Blues could well be the first. Unbeaten in the league since early December, City are rampant. With the return of Kevin de Bruyne who’d been suffering an injury since the Champions League Final in June, City have taken their football up a whole level and the combination of the Belgian and his teammates is devastating. Rodri has enjoyed a sensational season of football, arguably one of the best the league has ever seen, and Phil Foden has entered the realm of ‘world-class’. Even when Haaland was out for a month, City found a way to consistently win games and he remains the league’s top goalscorer.
Arsenal are in scintillating form. They have scored 21 goals in their last five games. Their defence is formidable as well. They haven’t allowed an opponent to generate more than 0.5 xG in a match in any of the last five matches played. Opponents have created just 1.7 in total over that span. They dominate games. Declan Rice, even at £100m, has looked like a bargain and Bukayo Saka has scored six in his last four games, demonstrating his superstar qualities. Arsenal will be hungry to win, considering how they conceded the league title last year. All eyes will be on Mikel Arteta and his young Gunners!
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
Man city is going to make history in EPL