Arteta Refuses to Surrender Title Race to Liverpool Without a Fight
Mikel Arteta remains defiant as Arsenal face the fading hope of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race, with only a mathematical chance left to deny the Reds their 20th league crown.
The title could be officially decided as early as Easter Sunday if Arsenal fall to Ipswich and Liverpool defeat Leicester, which would create a 16-point gap with just five games to go.
Even should Arsenal beat Ipswich, a midweek loss to Crystal Palace or a win for Arne Slot’s Liverpool over Spurs next weekend would likely seal the title — assuming Liverpool take care of business at the King Power Stadium.
Arteta Determined Not to Hand Liverpool the Title
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, Arteta made it clear that Arsenal have no intention of making things easy for Liverpool. With Ipswich also fighting hard to avoid relegation, the Arsenal manager stated (via The Independent): “We will make sure that we win the game against Ipswich, and that [Liverpool winning the league] doesn’t happen.”
Reality Sinking In as Liverpool Close In on the Title
Though Arteta publicly insists Arsenal are still in the race, it’s becoming clear that their real hopes now lie in the Champions League. Even if the Gunners take maximum points this week, Liverpool only need to do the same to secure the title — they simply have to match Arsenal’s results.
Liverpool players like Conor Bradley are visibly thrilled by the prospect of being crowned champions soon, and Dominik Szoboszlai appears unconcerned by Arsenal’s results.
Arteta will surely be dreading the prospect of his side giving Liverpool a guard of honour at Anfield on May 11 — something they already did back in the 2019/20 season after Liverpool had sealed the title.
Liverpool Must Remain Focused
Despite their dominant position, Liverpool can’t afford complacency. Last weekend’s nervy draw with West Ham is a reminder that the job isn’t quite finished yet. Leicester may be on the verge of relegation, but they still have enough fight to pose a threat — though their fate could be sealed before kick-off depending on other results.
In the end, Liverpool control their own destiny. Whatever Arsenal do from here on out, the Reds have the power to decide the title — and should waste no time in putting the final nail in the coffin.
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