Paul Merson now says two upcoming games could decide the 2023/24 Premier League title race between Arsenal and Liverpool and the reigning champions Manchester City.
Five points currently split the top four in the top-flight table, with Aston Villa even in second after 20 games. Liverpool lead the way with 45 points as the only team to have only lost one game. While Arsenal are in fourth place with 40, behind Manchester City on goal difference.
The Citizens can slash their deficit to Liverpool and leapfrog Aston Villa, though, as they hold a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side were scheduled to face Brentford in December. But the Premier League postponed that match over Manchester City’s Club World Cup participation.
Arsenal are 10 points worse off after 20 Premier League games than last season
It was Arsenal who led the way after their 20th Premier League game of last season with 50 points. They even held a five-point advantage and a game in hand over Manchester City. Yet the Citizens ultimately sealed their latest title with a five-point advantage over the Gunners.
Arsenal only won 10 of their final 18 fixtures last term compared to their 16 wins from 20 to start the season. Mikel Arteta’s side have also only won 12 from 20 so far this term following four draws and four defeats. They have also only won one of their last five top-flight fixtures.
Paul Merson names the upcoming games that can decide the 2023/24 title race
Now, Merson feels Arsenal face an uphill fight if they are to win the 2023/24 Premier League title. It would be the Gunners’ first top-flight crown since Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles added it to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet in 2003/04. They have been the runners-up three times since.
Merson also doubts Aston Villa will remain a title threat as the season progresses. While the Arsenal legend even feels Manchester City will be the clear favourites if they avoid losing at Newcastle United on Saturday. The Toon beat City 1-0 at home in the EFL Cup in September.
Yet should Manchester City lose at Newcastle, Merson claims the door would swing open for Liverpool to control the 2023/24 Premier League title race if they beat Arsenal. The Reds will return to Emirates Stadium on February 4 after a 2-0 FA Cup win at the Gunners last Sunday.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “In terms of the title race, anything other than a Man City defeat here would make them favourites.
“Liverpool have a bunch of difficult games against Bournemouth, Arsenal and Chelsea coming up and are missing a lot of key players due to injuries and international commitments. So, Pep Guardiola and co will look to capitalise.
“If Man City lose here and Liverpool beat Arsenal when the two sides face each other in three weeks, then the Reds will emerge as favourites as they have been in such situations before and held their nerves.”
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