After 27 rounds of the Premier League, Liverpool has extended their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, making their title victory this season almost certain. While they have only secured three more points compared to the same stage last season, the 13-point gap is particularly striking. This can be attributed to two main factors:
1. Liverpool’s Own Success
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool’s tactical system hasn’t undergone major changes, but Slot has added his own ideas to Jürgen Klopp’s foundation. For example, he has revitalized Ryan Gravenberch, turning him into a key defensive midfielder and solidifying the team’s core. Additionally, Liverpool’s attack remains as potent as ever, with the team surpassing 100 goals across all competitions this season. Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 52 of those goals (scoring and assisting). Although Salah didn’t score in the latest match, he provided an assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s goal. This season, Salah has not only been a prolific scorer but also the driving force behind Liverpool’s attack, arguably having his best season since joining the club.
2. The Decline of Their Rivals
Arsenal and Manchester City have significantly underperformed compared to last season. Arsenal’s recent 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest and their 0-1 loss to West Ham United have exposed their struggles in front of goal. Compared to the same stage last season, Arsenal have seven fewer points and 17 fewer goals. Their injury crisis, particularly in the attacking department, has been a major issue. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have been sidelined, forcing Mikel Arteta to rely on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom have also suffered injuries.
Arteta has tried tactical innovations, such as using Riccardo Calafiori as a hybrid full-back and striker and dropping Mikel Merino deeper, but these experiments haven’t solved the team’s fundamental problems. Additionally, their set-piece strategies have become predictable, with 11 corners in one game resulting in just one headed chance.
Arsenal’s struggles are also linked to poor decision-making. Their failure to sign a striker in the January transfer window has left them short-handed. Even if Martinelli returns for the Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, Saka’s absence remains a concern. If Arsenal advance, they could face Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid in the quarterfinals, making their prospects bleak. Arteta may need to give opportunities to young talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to prepare for the future.
Manchester City, despite a recent 1-0 win over Tottenham thanks to Erling Haaland’s goal, have fallen 20 points behind Liverpool. Their dramatic decline has made Liverpool’s path to the title much smoother.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s success this season is a combination of their own stability and the struggles of their rivals. With only one match in March, against bottom, placed Southampton, Liverpool are likely to enter April with a double-digit lead. Given the underperformance of Arsenal and Manchester City, Liverpool’s title victory seems all but assured.