The big debate: The Premier League took a break until 2025, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest making things more interesting at the bottom, while a struggling Liverpool side aimed to reset and catch up with the top two.
The Premier League landscape appeared to have changed at both ends of the table this weekend, with packs tightening at one end and stretching at the other.
Arsenal’s draw on Saturday opened the door for either Manchester City or Liverpool to go closer, with Josep Guardiola’s side in command. They have returned to their best in recent weeks, pulling away from the Reds to sit within four points of the top of the table.
City have not chased Arsenal in recent years, but Liverpool’s defeat and the manner in which it was played raises further questions for manager Arne Slott, whose side have lost five of their opening 11 games. They can’t afford to fail any more, but are they already out of the title picture?
However, while the disparity at the top is widening, the disparity at the bottom is shrinking. Nottingham Forest beat Leeds on Sunday, while West Ham beat Burnley, leaving them with just two points from 16th to 19th place. The wolves’ plight continues and history shows they cannot be saved.
The pressure is mounting on the Magpies manager after another loss to both Newcastle and Fulham, with just one win separating Forest and Eddie Howe’s side (14th).
read more: Gary Neville tears up at Liverpool star after Manchester City nightmare: ‘That’s a problem’read more: Josep Guardiola reveals dressing room message to Manchester City stars following Arsenal blunder
With all eyes on them now, England’s team have the opportunity to reflect on their current situation at the end of the year and reflect on where they are now. Some of you may have new hopes, others may be feeling pressured, and others may be wondering what you can actually accomplish this year.
Mirror writers give their views on the title race and who will bid farewell to their Premier League status in May – although there are still plenty of twists and turns.
sam mead
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The gap is too big for Liverpool, and history has shown that they cannot win the league if they lose more than six games. There’s little room for error and it doesn’t seem like it’s trying to click into gear.
The familiar story remains, with City chasing Arsenal. People at the Emirates will be hoping this episode doesn’t end the same way as the last two times, where the Manchester side were able to torment them later in the day.
relegation scrap
The underlying story certainly gets interesting and has a battle-like atmosphere that continues throughout the season. Wolves seem doomed, but they will be lucky if Rob Edwards takes over as manager. Forest, with Sean Dyche, might be enough of a streetwife when they’re awake. Burnley could be one of the teams to be relegated.
West Ham have not enjoyed a great run of form since bringing in Nuno Espirito Santo, and despite their quality, the bad feeling around the club still threatens to tear them apart.
daniel ohm
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For me, Arsenal are still the overwhelming favorites to win. They just had it all. They can score from anywhere and their solid defense gives them a great foundation for success.
There’s just one problem. That’s a very big problem. They are chasing down Guardiola’s relentless winning machine, City. And with Erling Haaland currently at his deadly best, anything seems possible for City this season.
Given the vulnerabilities that Liverpool have shown, I think it would be too much for them to retain the title, so as things stand, it will be a two-horse race.
relegation scrap
When it comes to relegation, Wolves have all the hallmarks of a team aiming for the Championship. But when it comes to predicting the final two to drop out, things get a little trickier. They each have their strengths. And some seem to have gotten their act together in recent weeks.
Leeds are the second lowest scoring team in the league and that could end up hurting them, but I still think West Ham will be in big trouble given their leaky defence.
Andy Dunn
title race
It is certainly no longer a three-horse title race. And that’s not just because Liverpool have lost five of six Premier League games, but also because Arsenal aren’t as formidable as many pundits claim.
I think this could be the most open title race in recent history. Liverpool are certain to fire again and Chelsea have the squad to put together a serious team.
And in Manchester, City looked almost like their best on Sunday, but United, yes United, can dream of an unlikely tilt at the top of the table due to their lack of European contribution and rising form. I really hope we can still see five teams cheering as we get closer to Easter.
relegation scrap
Unfortunately, the bottom three are probably more obvious. Wolves will be withdrawn and, based on the results of the season so far, will be joined by Leeds United and Burnley.
nathan ridley
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A three-horse race between Arsenal, City and Liverpool is never going to happen. It obviously requires something special from Liverpool, but they have the ability to deliver it.
I’ve been rooting for Arsenal from the start and am confident they can get over the line, even if there are a few missteps along the way. This is because they are not the powerhouse that City once was. Also, the draw against Sunderland may be seen as a decent result given the way the season has gone.
relegation scrap
As for the bottom three teams, you can’t ignore Wolves, Burnley and Leeds. Nottingham Forest and West Ham both have strong teams and experienced managers.
I think Fulham will do well too – look at Crystal Palace’s slow start last year. Everton are in a precarious position and would be at risk if they lost Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye to injury, but thanks to their solid defense and the excellence of David Moyes, I don’t think they will be able to outperform the aforementioned trio.
john cross
title race
The title was definitely a two-horse race. Liverpool are now eighth, eight points behind the leaders, and that gap should – and probably will – rule them out of the title race, but with so much talent in their squad it’s still difficult to exclude them.
However, Arsenal and City look to be on a different level, with Chelsea in third place and Crystal Palace in tenth place separated by three points. This speaks to a very average Premier League, or, depending on your level of cynicism, fierce competition, but the most surprising part of it all is that Manchester United were at one point as high as second in the table when they beat Tottenham on Saturday.
Although they eventually drew and dropped to seventh, United are far from their glory days.
relegation scrap
At the other end, Leeds and Burnley are worrying. After a promising start, both are falling into familiar patterns. West Ham have an ace in Nuno who led a poor team to two consecutive wins.
Will Leeds stick with Daniel Farke or twist it? Leeds shouldn’t find themselves in such a predicament again. But if we’re not careful, we’ll lose to Wolves and Burnley…
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