The weekend was one other intriguing chapter within the Premier League title race, with each Arsenal and Liverpool securing essential wins however not fairly within the style that had been anticipated.
Arsenal secured a slim 2-0 win away at Leicester Metropolis with two late objectives from super-sub Mikel Merino, working as a makeshift striker within the absence of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Sunday noticed Arne Slot’s Liverpool additionally safe a tricky three factors with a slim 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield. The hole between the 2 golf equipment within the league desk stays seven factors, with Liverpool going through two essential away fixtures at Aston Villa and Manchester Metropolis this week.
A win at Villa Park would see that hole develop to 10 factors forward of Arsenal’s residence conflict with West Ham United on Saturday.
Former Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant spoke completely to EPL Index and shared his thoughs on their title probabilities…
“Worrying Instances for Arsenal”
Reflecting on the Gunners’ 2-0 win at Leicester Metropolis, Pennant stated: “It was a extremely tight one and it regarded prefer it had 0-0 wrote throughout it. I simply couldn’t see Arsenal scoring.”
“Clearly, they obtained the objectives in the long run, which is large, however I feel it’s worrying instances for Arsenal.”
“Nwaneri regarded like their solely brilliant spark actually and he’s solely a 17-year-old.”
It’s honest to say that Arteta’s facet struggled to create alternatives all through the sport, maybe understandably when taking a look at their present damage listing.
Their entrance line has took fairly the hit with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined by way of damage. For this one, it was Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri working because the front-three, creating simply 1.38xG throughout the 90 minutes.
As Pennant talked about, Nwaneri is definitely their greatest attacking risk in the meanwhile and at such a younger age, the sky actually is the restrict for the gifted teenager.
“They’ll be Anxious” – Wanting Forward
“They’ll be nervous, particularly with their upcoming video games,” continued Pennant, “Over the following few weeks they face the likes of Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton.”
“All of these groups will likely be stronger on the again than Leicester, so enchancment will likely be wanted to get three factors in opposition to these sides.”
“Clearly, Man United are on a foul run in the meanwhile, but it surely’s nonetheless Manchester United! They’ll be up for it.”
There’s little doubt that enchancment will likely be wanted over the upcoming weeks if Arsenal are actually desirous to overtake Liverpool within the Premier League title race.
Arsenal can discover some consolation within the anticipated return of each Saka and Martinelli, with the duo each anticipated to return in March. Nevertheless, each Havertz and Jesus are dominated out for the rest of the season.
The important thing will likely be conserving tempo with Liverpool till the return of Saka and Martinelli and that’s when Arsenal’s push will actually hit full throttle…
