There was an expectation that Liverpool would simply have to come out to topple their arch-rivals on Sunday afternoon, and perhaps Manchester United's vast improvement caught them off guard.
The Red Devils were more than competitive at Anfield and more than deserved their point. As a result, Liverpool failed to capitalize Arsenal draw against Brighton on Saturday. Their lead at the summit is six points having played a game less – a margin small enough to suggest there is still plenty of competition left in the season.
Here's what their future looks like Premier League matches are compared to those of Arsenal.
Liverpool have a Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham and an FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley to consider before they are next in Premier League action.
Slott's side have had a tricky few days away against teams that have punched above their weight so far this season. A midweek trip to Nottingham Forest under the lights at the City Ground could be one of the toughest fixtures left on their domestic calendar. Nuno Espirito Santo's side are third in the table after ending 2024 with five consecutive victories.
They are also the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
A visit to Gtech in west London arrives four days later, with Brentford thrives as one of the best performing domestic teams in the division. However, Thomas Frank's side have lost their previous two games at home to Forest and Arsenal.
The league leaders will be expected to enjoy some comfort when they face the relegation-threatened duo Ipswich AND Wolves at Anfield amid a venture south of Bournemouth on February 1. The Cherries have already beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham at home this season.
|
Departure date and time (GMT) |
FIXATION |
|---|---|
|
14/01/25 – 20:00 |
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool |
|
01/18/25 – 2:00 p.m |
Brentford vs Liverpool |
|
01/25/25 – 3:00 p.m |
Liverpool vs Ipswich |
|
01/02/25 – 15:00 |
Bournemouth vs Liverpool |
|
02/16/25 – 2:00 p.m |
Liverpool vs Wolves |
Arsenal's margin of error has long been slim, and they could be out of the title hunt if Liverpool rattle off wins in test environments over the next few weeks.
The Gunners are 13 games unbeaten after the draw at Brighton, but a long-range win is required to potentially close the gap.
They also have a Carabao Cup semi-final to think about and Mikel Arteta would be wise to prioritize those two games with Newcastle. The FA Cup third round tie against Man Utd isn't exactly a step up, despite the Red Devils' struggles.
Arteta's squad has been significantly weakened by Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury and supporters will want to have some attacking reinforcements in the door by the end of the month. However, before that, Arsenal are the hosts Tottenham in the North London Derby triumphing 1-0 in N17.
A Aston Villa team with several key injuries, then visit the Emirates three days later. The Villans won 2-0 in north London last season to thwart Arsenal's title run.
Arteta's side will also face a potential revival Manchester City outfit at the start of February after securing a rare win over Pep Guardiola's side in October 2023. As a result of their horrific relegation at the end of 2024, City are competing for a top-four finish rather than a title fifth in a row.
Importantly, Arsenal's most difficult games are at home. They are not back on their Premier League travels until January 25 when they take part Wolves. After hosting the city, the Gunners travel to Leicester to an early Saturday start.
|
Departure date and time (GMT) |
FIXATION |
|---|---|
|
15/01/25 – 20:00 |
Arsenal vs Tottenham |
|
01/18/25 – 5:30 p.m |
Arsenal vs Aston Villa |
|
01/25/25 – 3:00 p.m |
Wolves vs Arsenal |
|
02/02/25 – 16:30 |
Arsenal vs Man City |
|
02/15/25 – 12:30 p.m |
Leicester vs Arsenal |