Trip to Man City extends tough run for Liverpool - Arsenal enter English Premier League title talk

February 21, 2025

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Everton’s James Tarkowski reacts during the English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool in Liverpool, England, on Wednesday, February12.

Are Liverpool showing cracks in their pursuit of the English Premier League title?

Arne Slot doesn't think so.

"Not a dip at all," the Liverpool manager said after his team dropped two points in a match for the second straight midweek.

First there was last week's 2-2 at Everton, which equalised with virtually the last kick of the game -- in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

Then, on Wednesday, there was another 2-2, this time at Aston Villa where Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez shot high and wide in front of an open goal in a late opportunity for a winner.

Look at it with the glass half full, Liverpool have emerged with points from two tough away games, against a resurgent local rival playing the final Merseyside derby in their soon-to-be-demolished long-time home and then a team, in Villa, owning one of the strongest home records in the league.

With the glass half empty, Liverpool have squandered four points from three last three games -- there was a nervy 2-1 win over Wolverhampton at Anfield in between -- to allow second-place Arsenal back in the title conversation.

Eight points separate Liverpool and Arsenal in what looks to be a two-way fight for the league. Arsenal have a game in hand, and also the chance to put real pressure on Liverpool this weekend.

On Saturday, Arsenal host struggling West Ham before Liverpool head for what is likely to be a testing match at Manchester City on Sunday for the third and final difficult away game in a four-match run.

"Arsenal plays before us, but that doesn't make the game easier or more difficult against City," Slot said on Thursday. "We know we have 12 games to play and Arsenal have 13 to play, and if we constantly look at Arsenal or what other teams are doing, that would not help us."