Premier League: Liverpool edging closer to glory?

The Premier League title race is entering its decisive phase, with Liverpool maintaining their grip at the top of the table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

The gritty victory at Anfield extended the Reds’ lead to seven points, but the tension is palpable as the season approaches its climax.

*A nervy contest

Liverpool’s victory over Wolves was far from straightforward. Despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah (penalty), the Reds failed to register a single shot in the second half—a first in Premier League history at Anfield since records began in 2003-04.

Wolves fought back with a goal and dominated possession after the break, but Liverpool held firm to secure a crucial three points.

Japanese international captain, Wataru Endo’s 30 minutes cameo in the second half earned him the Match of the Match award.

Endo, 33, literally harassed and disrupted Wolves with hard tackles and marking.

Head coach Arne Slot praised his team’s resilience: “We had to show a different mentality today. In a season like this, you have to win even when you’re not at your best.

It’s not just about playing beautiful football; it’s about grinding out results when it matters.”

Andy Robertson, Liverpool’s left-back, admitted to the growing tension among players and fans alike. “Everyone gets nervous—the players, the crowd. That’s natural. But this result is big. We’re another game closer.”

*Opta’s Supercomputer backs Liverpool for the title

According to Opta’s statistical models, Liverpool are overwhelming favorites to lift the Premier League trophy.

The supercomputer predicts the Reds will finish on 87 points, seven clear of second-placed Arsenal, and gives them an 87.65% chance of winning the title.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are given a 12.35% chance, with all other teams effectively ruled out of contention.

The Opta Supercomputer has correctly predicted the Premier League winners in the past five seasons.

*Key fixtures loom

Liverpool’s path to the title includes several challenging fixtures.

They face back-to-back away games against Aston Villa on February 19 and defending champions Manchester City on February 23, followed by a home clash with Newcastle on February 26.

March offers a lighter schedule, with just one league game against bottom-placed Southampton, but the Reds will also contend with the EFL Cup final against Newcastle on 16 March and the Champions League last-16 ties.

Arsenal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their last 15 league matches (W10 D5)—their longest run under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners face a tough run-in, including trips to Manchester United (9 March) and Liverpool (10 May), as well as a home game against Chelsea (16 March).

Their final match of the season is away to Southampton, who could already be relegated by then.

*Who has the easier run-in?

Liverpool’s remaining fixtures include six games against teams in the top half of the table, but they have the advantage of hosting Arsenal in what could be a decisive encounter.

Arsenal, on the other hand, face seven top-half opponents, including Liverpool.

Historically, teams with a seven-point lead after 25 games have rarely faltered. Only once in Premier League history has a side (Newcastle United) failed to win the title from such a position.

In 1995-1996 season, Newcastle United, managed by Kevin Keegan at the time, crumbled and finished second to Sir Alex Ferguson’s tutored Manchester United.

*The run-in

With 13 games remaining, Liverpool are in pole position to secure their second Premier League title in five years.

However, Arsenal’s resilience in the face of mounting injuries to key players mean the race is far from over.

Both teams will need to navigate a grueling schedule while managing the tension that come with a title chase.

The drama of the Premier League ensures that nothing is certain until the final whistle blows on 25th May, 2025.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain: blue ribbons will not adorn the trophy in May.

It’s a two-horse involving Liverpool and Arsenal, two clubs with Red coloured home jerseys.

Manchester City, the team from the blue half of Manchester, currently occupying fourth position on the log, are way off the pace this season.

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