English Premier League title race: Liverpool and Arsenal are closing in!

30/09/2025 07:27:00 GameGladiator

Football remains thrilling due to the intense drama in the dying minutes, where one moment can completely alter the situation, as the recent Premier League fixtures clearly demonstrated.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal experienced games decided in added time, though each followed a distinct storyline.

The decisive moments at the end

While Liverpool fell to Crystal Palace in the 7th minute of stoppage time, Arsenal celebrated wildly thanks to Gabriel’s decisive header also scored in the final added minutes at St James' Park.

This contrast marked a major turning point in the title race. For Arsenal, the late goal not only secured 3 points but also proved their ability to win by any means, especially through their most potent weapon — set pieces. In a season where every point counts, maintaining composure to win under pressure is a hallmark of a true champion.

Conversely, Liverpool seemed to have escaped danger with Federico Chiesa’s equalizer in the 87th minute. However, their recurring weakness in defending set pieces, a problem since the season’s start, cost them dearly. This isn’t the first time Arne Slot’s team conceded from dead-ball situations. The Dutch coach openly admitted Palace deserved the win and candidly highlighted the issues: not only defending set pieces but also counterattack resistance and handling long balls.

Without goalkeeper Alisson’s outstanding performance, Liverpool would have conceded even more. This serves as a warning to a team known for resilience and comebacks. Last season, they earned 23 points from losing positions, a Premier League best. Yet, the match at Selhurst Park reminded them they can’t rely solely on emotional turnarounds forever.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s victory showed their real growth. Under immense pressure at one of England’s most hostile venues, Arteta and his squad didn’t collapse like in previous seasons. Instead, they found a new approach: boldly adjusting tactics by introducing Eberechi Eze to spark creativity, then bringing on Merino and Martinelli to shift the play style. This flexibility led to their equalizer from a short corner routine, before Gabriel’s header sealed the win.

Arsenal capitalized well on Liverpool’s slip to close the gap in the standings.

Unlike last season when they faltered as rivals stumbled, this time Arsenal seized the opportunity. Turning psychological advantage into actual points could be the decisive factor for the entire campaign.

Golden chance for Arsenal

Liverpool’s unexpected defeat narrowed the points gap (Arsenal now just 2 behind), making the title race intense as early as September. More importantly, the upcoming schedule offers Arsenal a golden opportunity to take the top spot before clubs enter the FIFA international break.

According to the calendar, on Saturday 4/10, Arsenal will play early at home against West Ham, a team clearly struggling with form. This is an ideal chance for Arteta’s side to claim victory and temporarily lead the table. If successful, they will put immense pressure on Liverpool, who play their late match at Stamford Bridge shortly after.

With Chelsea still mired in crisis and struggling under Enzo Maresca, many see this as Liverpool’s chance to bounce back. However, Stamford Bridge has never been an easy venue for any big club. Another slip-up there could cost Arne Slot’s team their advantage.

Arsenal know that a win over West Ham is worth more than just three points. It would deliver a psychological blow to Liverpool, forcing their rivals into a high-pressure situation as the chasers. The mindset difference between the pursuer and the leader is enormous. If Arsenal manage the schedule well, the psychological balance of the title race could tilt in their favor right before the international break.

Of course, the season still has over 30 rounds left, so it’s too early to draw conclusions. But the opening matches always shape mental strength. Arsenal have shown maturity, winning in nerve-wracking moments and maximizing opponents’ mistakes. Liverpool, meanwhile, face tough questions about defensive consistency and focus.

Just one goal or error in stoppage time can create a psychological ripple effect lasting weeks or even months. Therefore, the recent round could be a pivotal moment in this season’s championship battle.

The gap between the two sides is now only 2 points, and the upcoming fixtures could prove decisive. Liverpool face a challenging run: on 4/10, they travel to Stamford Bridge against Chelsea before hosting fierce rivals Manchester United (19/10). Afterward, they face Brentford (25/10, away), Aston Villa (1/11, home), and notably a tough away trip to Manchester City on 8/11.

Arsenal appear to benefit from a more favorable schedule. They will play the London derby against West Ham (4/10, home), then face Fulham (18/10, away), Crystal Palace (26/10, home), Burnley (1/11, away), and finish with an away match at Sunderland (8/11). These opponents are outside the direct competition group, providing a great chance for the Gunners to accumulate points.

Vu Manh

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