Liverpool strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League table with a narrow yet crucial victory over Wolves, extending their lead over Arsenal to seven points. After an emotional Merseyside derby, Arne Slot’s team had to dig deep at Anfield, holding on to a 2-1 win after Matheus Cunha’s stunning second-half strike put pressure on the league leaders. Despite a comfortable first-half performance, Liverpool found themselves defending desperately in the final stages, but the three points ensured they remained in control of their title ambitions.
The victory provided a valuable cushion, but with a challenging run of fixtures ahead, the battle for the Premier League crown is far from settled. Slot’s squad faces a tough stretch in the coming weeks, with back-to-back away games against Aston Villa and Manchester City. Villa, despite being held by Ipswich at home, have remained unbeaten at Villa Park since Matchday 2, making them a formidable opponent. Manchester City, though no longer the invincible force of previous seasons, will still pose a major threat, especially with their Champions League commitments against Real Madrid potentially affecting their squad rotation. However, Liverpool’s record at the Etihad has been poor in recent years, with their last Premier League victory there dating back to 2015.
Following these difficult away matches, Liverpool will enjoy a series of home games, starting with a visit from Newcastle. The Magpies, who are set to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next month, managed to snatch a late point in the reverse league fixture. Southampton follow shortly after, a side that has struggled throughout the season but delivered one of their strongest performances against Liverpool earlier in the campaign. A lengthy break due to the Carabao Cup final and international fixtures will precede what promises to be a fiery Merseyside derby under the lights at Anfield in early April.
Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
| Date & Kick-Off Time (GMT) | Fixture |
|---|---|
| 19/02/25 – 19:30 | Aston Villa vs Liverpool |
| 23/02/25 – 16:30 | Man City vs Liverpool |
| 26/02/25 – 20:15 | Liverpool vs Newcastle |
| 08/03/25 – 15:00 | Liverpool vs Southampton |
| 02/04/25 – 20:00 | Liverpool vs Everton |
While Liverpool focus on their title push, Arsenal must navigate their own set of challenges. Mikel Arteta’s squad, dealing with multiple injuries, has still managed to stay within touching distance of the leaders. Their latest win against Leicester, albeit unconvincing for much of the game, showed resilience, with Mikel Merino stepping up as an unlikely goal-scoring hero. However, sterner tests await in the coming weeks.
West Ham’s visit to the Emirates will be followed by a tricky away fixture against third-placed Nottingham Forest, a team that has proven to be tough to break down at home. Arsenal then face a significant test at Old Trafford, where they secured a rare win last season in front of a crowd for the first time since 2006. The fixture list does not get any easier, with a home clash against Chelsea and a meeting with a well-organized Fulham side. Additionally, Arsenal must also manage their Champions League commitments, making squad rotation crucial in the coming months.
Arsenal’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
| Date & Kick-Off Time (GMT) | Fixture |
|---|---|
| 22/02/25 – 15:00 | Arsenal vs West Ham |
| 26/02/25 – 19:30 | Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal |
| 09/03/25 – 16:30 | Manchester United vs Arsenal |
| 16/03/25 – 13:30 | Arsenal vs Chelsea |
| 01/04/25 – 19:45 | Arsenal vs Fulham |
Despite Liverpool’s consistency, Arsenal have quietly been the stronger side in recent weeks. The Gunners have won four and drawn two of their last six league games, scoring one more goal than Liverpool while conceding the same amount. While injuries have raised concerns, Arteta’s team has shown resilience, adapting to setbacks with solid performances. However, with key attackers like Kai Havertz ruled out for the season and Bukayo Saka suffering a setback in his recovery, Arsenal’s attacking options are severely depleted. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus also remain sidelined, leaving the Gunners short of firepower in a crucial period.
Liverpool may not be in their best form, but they have the experience and squad depth to overcome their upcoming challenges. Their next few fixtures are difficult, giving Arsenal hope of closing the gap. However, with Mohamed Salah and other key players back in the squad, the Reds remain favorites to maintain their lead at the top. The next month will be decisive in the title race, with both teams facing critical tests that could determine their fate in the battle for Premier League supremacy.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Premier League Form Table
| Position | Team | Goals For & Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 14:6 | +8 | 14 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 13:6 | +7 | 14 |
With both sides level on points over the last six games, the coming weeks will be crucial. Liverpool must navigate a testing period while Arsenal attempt to stay in contention despite their injury woes. The Premier League title race is heating up, and every match from here on out could be pivotal.
