How the title race is shaping up with Arsenal, Liverpool & City locked in a three-way battle

The Premier League (PL) title race is heating up as we enter the final stretch, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal leading the charge at the top of the table.

Only two points separate first place Liverpool (60 points) and third place Arsenal (58), the closest the title race has been after 26 games over the past decade.

This season has been a story of redemption, dominance, and a flicker of hope for a team yearning for glory, and we examine just how things are shaping up.

Liverpool’s resurgence and Jurgen Klopp’s swansong

After suffering a slump last season, Liverpool have returned to their very best this season, firing on all cylinders as they look to claim only their second PL honour. 

They have looked like a shell of the tepid team we saw last season. The only blemishes on their record this term are the losses to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham could have been in this discussion, but their early-season promise faded early.

Nevertheless, Ange Postecoglou’s easy-on-the-eye brand of football still attracts large audiences, and fans desperate to keep up with the action can buy sold-out Tottenham tickets from seatsnet.com.

Jurgen Klopp’s imminent Liverpool departure has instilled a sense of urgency and determination in the squad as they look to give their departing manager the perfect send-off with the league title.

Liverpool have been menacing up top, with their front five all netting ten or more goals in all competitions this season.

Leading the way is talisman Mohamed Salah, who has bagged 15 goals and nine assists in the league. He has also created the most big chances in the division (18).

While he was away for the Africa Cup of Nations, Diogo Jota admirably deputised in his absence, showing that the Reds have ever-reliable players to call upon. 

The Portuguese attacker had five goals and two assists in his last seven appearances before picking up a knee injury in their 4-1 win over Brentford.

Coady Gakpo has also been solid when called off the bench, while Luis Diaz has been a constant threat on the left wing, terrorising opposition defenders with his frightening pace and fleet foot.

Darwin Nunez is Klopp’s battering ram. Despite his profligacy in front of goal (21 big chances missed in the league), his energy makes him a force to be reckoned with.

With these stars firing with a vengeance, it is no wonder Liverpool have scored the most goals in the league.

At the back, Liverpool’s full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, continue to outdo each other for the PL record for the most assists by a defender. Conor Bradley has emerged as a more than capable deputy for the former. 

Ibrahima Konate has been dominant, and Virgil Van Dijk is back to his imperious best. Liverpool’s defence has been solid, boasting the second-best record in the division.

Liverpool’s run of games is the easiest among the contenders. They face Nottingham Forest first before a cracking match against City, which could decide where the trophy heads come May 19.

After City, they face rivals and whipping boys Everton before welcoming Brighton & Hove Albion and Sheffield United. Liverpool will back themselves to go all the way, but it is never so straightforward with City lurking.

Manchester City and the relentless pursuit of perfection

While Liverpool have surprised many with their resurgence, Manchester City remain the dominant force they’ve always been.

The Cityzens displayed their usual sluggishness in the early parts of the campaign but have begun to build steam following the return of Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Braut Haaland to full fitness.

City are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, (W9, D2). They know how to win the title, having won it three times on the spin and are looking to become the first side to bag the trophy four consecutive times.

Their hopes will rest on the goalscoring prowess of Haaland, who has not been at his clinical best but still leads the league scoring chart with 17 goals.

Manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping he keeps on his shooting boots as we enter the crucial stage of the season.

Supplying Haaland will be the masterful De Bruyne, who continues to roar strong with some scintillating performances, bagging two goals and six assists in his last nine appearances. 

De Bruyne will be a key piece in City’s fight for the title, and so will Phil Foden, who has been their shining light in the absence of Haaland and the Belgian.

Foden is putting together a fine campaign and will play a vital role in City’s challenge.

Meanwhile, passing metronome and big game difference-maker Rodrigo will look to continue performing at his now standard world-class levels while chipping in with clutch goals.

City have some massive matches coming their way, including this weekend’s must-watch tie against city rivals Manchester United before the potential title decider against Liverpool.

The following games will see them take on Arsenal, Aston Villa, and nightmare side Tottenham. They have the toughest run of fixtures heading into the final phase.

The ultimate difference-maker will be Guardiola, whose big brain continues to design insurmountable schemes leading to victory. 

The Spaniard will be desperate to get a final one over his archnemesis Klopp and further cement his PL legacy, but they are not alone in this battle for supremacy.

Can Arsenal finally end their title drought?

Arsenal are still scorned after topping the league table for over 200 days without clinching the title, extending their two-decade wait for the Premier League trophy.

Mikel Arteta’s troops have sprung out of the blocks, and despite some hiccups along the way, they remain in the running for the trophy.

The affable Bukayo Saka continues to spearhead Arsenal’s charge, bagging 13 goals and seven assists in 25 league appearances.

Declan Rice’s arrival has strengthened the midfield, making them a more solid outfit, reflected in their unparalleled defensive record in the league.

Arsenal have also designed another potent weapon, with the Gunners unstoppable on set-pieces. They have netted 18 goals from dead-ball situations, with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover earning plenty of plaudits for his outstanding work.

Arsenal have been in remarkable form domestically and will take on strugglers Brentford, Sheffield United, and Chelsea in the coming weeks with momentum on their side. 

They will hope to secure maximum points from these fixtures before facing City at the Etihad Stadium in the potential title decider.

After the City game, they have more winnable match-ups against Luton Town, Brighton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a crunch clash against Aston Villa wedged in between. 

There are more pivotal games ahead when they travel to face Manchester United and an Everton side possibly fighting for survival.

Arsenal will believe they have enough in their tank to get them across the finish line. They will be desperate to banish the ghosts of past failures and secure that elusive 14th league title.