It was just over one week ago that Arsenal faced a nine-point gap to the top of the Premier League table. They now have a game in hand themselves to cut it down to five.
The momentum has started to swing after a tricky run for Liverpool. Although they remain unbeaten in the league since September’s defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield – the only loss of the season – a run of two draws in three have changed matters.
Add in the shock FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle and a Champions League loss at PSV Eindhoven – albeit in a dead rubber – in the last months and there have been signs of frailty from Arne Slot’s men. With Manchester City next up and Newcastle United to follow, this is a key period for the campaign’s long-term leaders.
Despite some turbulence – losing both Carabao Cup semi-final ties to Newcastle and being beaten by Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup third round – there has still been a relentless nature to Arsenal in the league. It is now 15 games since they were bettered by Newcastle (again) at the start of November.
That week, which included defeat at Bournemouth and a draw to Liverpool, is really the only thing keeping Arsenal from being right on top of their rivals. The rest has been strong results-wise. And even now, there is still a big lead to overcome in 14 matches, but the picture is a lot more healthy.
Arsenal still have to go to Liverpool as well in what could be a true decider in May. Before then, the task is to stay within touching distance and to keep the pressure on.
It is a visit from West Ham immediately on the horizon for Arteta’s men as they look to crank things up on Liverpool before their trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Arsenal are the chasers in this scenario and know that anything but perfection will allow a chance for Liverpool to reassert themselves at the summit.
The key factor is that just like Liverpool’s Merseyside derby game in hand, Arsenal do not have the points on the board even if the potential difference is only five. Liverpool know all too well how dangerous counting their chickens too early can be as they squandered the opportunity to go nine clear last week at Goodison Park.