What is highly regarded as the most competitive league in soccer, the race for the Premier League title is coming down the final stretch. With just seven games left, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, and are all trying to win out the rest of the season. City currently leads, with 73 points, and a goal differential of +44. Arsenal is currently in 2nd with 71 points and a goal differential of +49. Liverpool is still in the race as well, with 71 points and a goal differential of +41. Every team feels that to drop any points would be catastrophic to title hopes. One small mistake by any player could cost their club the trophy. The question now becomes who has the advantage, and can they come away with the title?
Man City has been the most dominant club in Europe over the past 5 years. They have come away with the Prem title for 5 out of the last 6 seasons, including the past 3 consecutive (Fox Sports). On paper, they have the most talented squad and they spend significantly more money on wages than Liverpool or Arsenal. Led by stars Rodri, Earling Haaland, Kevin De Bryune, and Phil Foden the squad has no trouble producing goals. They have a million ways to attack every squad they face, and tactician Pep Guardiola is always well prepared to set his team up for victory. This attack is backed up by a sturdy defense led by Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Ruben Dias with keeper Ederson looking to return from injury. This team knows what it takes to win, and they are currently hunting a second consecutive treble win as they fight in the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League in addition to the Premier League title. For City, it becomes a question of if they can keep healthy and energized while fighting on three fronts.
Arsenal had led by a small margin, but they were in this position last year. A title seemed sure for Arsenal until a collapse late on led to Man City surging ahead to snatch the trophy out of their hands. But this year they seemed poised to make amends for their previous mistakes. With new additions Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and David Raya, the Gunners are a formidable squad. Their defense features elite players such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes who are well complemented by fullbacks Ben White and Oleksander Zinchenco. The midfield is headlined by Rice and captain Martin Odegaard who provide excellent play on both sides of the pitch. Arsenal’s attack is full of talent as well, with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus providing solid play in the top third of the field. Of course, the squad is highlighted by the superstar winger Bukayo Saka, who has had an impressive season. Overall, manager Mikel Arteta has found a ton of success as of late and the team seems to be in form down the stretch. While the team holds a slight upper hand, one must wonder if they can keep up their good form or if they will fold under pressure once again.
Liverpool has been a Cinderella story the entire season. They are coming off a severely disappointing season in which they failed to finish in the top four teams, and a summer where they lost key contributors. Midway through the season they also learned that longtime manager Juergen Klopp would be leaving the club at the end of the season. Liverpool has constantly been facing injuries, which led to many young players being forced to step up. The squad is anchored by centerbacks Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil Van Dijk with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertdon creating plays from the fullback position. The midfield has struggled to find consistency, but new additions Alexias Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have shone often. The attacking line caused troubles for everyone with the scoring prowess of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diego Jota, and Mo Salah. The squad seems to be out of energy according to Phil McNutley (BBC ) and it seems that a title is out of reach.
Even though City have the obvious advantage, the Premier League title is still up for grabs with 6 matches left. It is just a matter of if City can hit a hiccup and drop points along the way. JCHS sophomore Spencer Budris says that this is unlikely. “City is a winning machine, and I can’t see them losing a match down the stretch.” As for Arsenal, they would have to overcome their trauma from the previous campaign where they bottled a title. Liverpool is almost out of the question after two embarrassing losses at home. Budris stated that “They (Liverpool) just do not have enough energy and cannot keep up with the pace. Their lack of finishing as of late makes it impossible to win.” It seems like the title should go comfortably to City, but in the Premier League, anything is possible and all three clubs have a shot.
