Liverpool have strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race, extending their lead at the top to a commanding 15 points over Arsenal.
The Reds secured an impressive 3-1 victory at home against Southampton on Saturday, piling the pressure on Arsenal, who faltered with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford the following day.
Liverpool’s latest triumph saw them come from behind after Will Smallbone had given Southampton the lead just before halftime. However, Darwin Nunez quickly responded, and two second-half penalties converted by Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool’s win. The result solidified Liverpool’s dominance in the title race, leaving their closest challengers scrambling for second place.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, fully aware of Liverpool’s victory, struggled to keep pace. Despite dominating possession with 69%, Arsenal found themselves trailing after Bruno Fernandes curled in a stunning free-kick on the stroke of halftime. The Gunners pressed relentlessly and eventually found a breakthrough in the 74th minute when Declan Rice slotted home the equalizer. However, the dropped points mean Arsenal’s focus may now shift to securing a runners-up finish rather than mounting a serious challenge to Liverpool.
Elsewhere in the league, Chelsea continued their resurgence with a 1-0 win over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Marc Cucurella’s 60th-minute thunderbolt was the difference, propelling Chelsea above Manchester City and into the top four. The game was far from a spectacle, with Chelsea dominating possession and missing a penalty through Cole Palmer, whose poor run of form continued. Nevertheless, Cucurella’s goal proved crucial as Leicester sank deeper into relegation trouble.
Tottenham staged a dramatic comeback to snatch a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Despite leading 2-0 in the 65th minute through goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson, Bournemouth were undone by a Pape Sarr strike and a late penalty from Son Heung-Min following a reckless challenge by Kepa. The result left Bournemouth frustrated, as they missed out on a crucial victory.
Nottingham Forest strengthened their grip on third place with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City, courtesy of Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late strike. Brighton kept their top-four ambitions alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham, sealed by Joao Pedro’s 98th-minute penalty.
Liverpool’s title charge continues to gather momentum, and with their current form, it appears increasingly likely that the Premier League trophy will return to Anfield at the end of the season.