This weekend is considered the time when the Premier League championship race escaped Arsenal. Liverpool took full advantage of Arsenal's home defeat to West Ham. The "Red Brigade" excellently defeated defending champions Manchester City 2-0 right at the Etihad.
Man City's failure to win at the Etihad Stadium was one of the results that cost Arsenal the championship last season. The Gunners have been very close to the Premier League throne for the past 2 years but in the end still accepted to see Man City crowned. Entering the 2024-2025 campaign, the "Gunners" are expected to mature, especially when The Citizens have declined rapidly.
However, Liverpool have surprisingly emerged to dominate the top flight of English football this season. It is worth mentioning that The Kop has just ended the brilliant reign of Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot facing many doubts. However, all doubts have disappeared as Liverpool are now 11 points ahead of Arsenal in their remaining 11 games.
In theory, of course, Arsenal are still in the title race, especially when playing one match less than Liverpool. However, how can Slot's team lose 9 points from now until the end of the season? Almost impossible.
And even if that happens, the necessary condition is that Arsenal are not allowed to stumble. However, the absence of a real striker is making it difficult for them to score. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will be absent for the rest of the season, forcing Mikel Arteta to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a striker.
The deeper you dig into this issue, the more you will see that Arsenal seem to be fighting for their self-respect. But it raises an interesting question about how Arteta will motivate his players from now until the end of the season.
Remember, if they lose to Nottingham Forest, Arsenal will be narrowed to 3 points by their opponents. And in 3 of the last 4 away trips to City Ground, the "Gunners" have suffered losses. If we look at Nottingham's form this season and Arsenal's injury situation, there is little optimism for The Gunners fans.
A loss to Nottingham would almost see Arsenal bid Liverpool for the Premier League title this season. Not only that, they could even be threatened with a place in the Champions League next season. Obviously, Arteta needs his players to maintain fighting spirit, despite no longer having the right to decide for themselves.
The match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal takes place at 2:30 am on February 27 (Vietnam time).
