Liverpool has had its lead at the top of the Premier League cut down to seven points after a dramatic night against Newcastle United.
The Reds looked set to continue their winning run and maintain their nine-point advantage over their nearest challengers after Mohamed Salah’s double put them 3-2 up at St James’ Park, with Alexander-Isak and Anthony Gordon having earlier struck either side of a Curtis Jones goal.
But the hosts managed to rescue a point late on, with Fabian Schar sliding the ball home after a Caoimhin Kelleher mistake from a free-kick to deny Arne Slot a 19th win of the season.
With Liverpool’s closest challengers all tasting victory on the same night, it means the pressure has just been ramped up a little bit more on the Reds. Things don’t get any easier from here either, with another big game on the way on Saturday.
Liverpool
December 7: Everton (A)
December 14: Fulham (H)
December 22: Tottenham (A)
December 26: Leicester (H)
December 29: West Ham (A)
The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park now awaits Liverpool, with Everton on a huge high after claiming a resounding 4-0 win over Wolves to ease their relegation worries.
It’s a tricky set of fixtures over the next few weeks as we reach the end of 2024, with three of the next five league games away from home. A trip to Tottenham just before Christmas certainly stands out as another game where points could potentially be dropped, which the Reds’ rivals will no doubt be banking on.
Chelsea
December 8: Tottenham (A)
December 15: Brentford (H)
December 22: Everton (A)
December 26: Fulham (H)
December 30: Ipswich (A)
Chelsea are now Liverpool’s closest challengers, with the Blues’ 5-1 win over Southampton sending them above Arsenal on goal difference. They also face a trip to Tottenham, and Liverpool might well watch on with interest on Sunday to see if Spurs can do them a favor.
Enzo Maresca’s side is also facing a trip to Everton before Christmas – it might be a little too much to expect the Toffees to do their rivals a favor.
Arsenal
December 8: Fulham (A)
December 14: Everton (H)
December 21: Crystal Palace (A)
December 27: Ipswich Town (H)
January 1: Brentford (A)
On paper, Arsenal’s run-in arguably looks the easiest out of the current top four sides. Having seen off Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta’s side is in good form, with Martin Odegaard’s return clearly making a big difference.
A trip to Fulham on Sunday could pose a tricky test for the Gunners, although they will be clear favorites over their next five games.
Man City
December 7: Crystal Palace (A)
December 15: Manchester United (H)
December 21: Aston Villa (A)
December 26: Everton (H)
December 29: Leicester (A)
Manchester City has finally rediscovered its winning touch, having beaten Nottingham Forest 3-0 for a first win in eight games across all competitions. With Liverpool dropping points, Pep Guardiola’s side has now cut its own deficit to the top to nine points.
It’s still a big ask for the defending champions to get themselves back in the title race, although it’d be a brave person that bets against them. They’ll look to pick up where they left off at Palace on Saturday before a tricky couple of meetings with United and Aston Villa before Christmas.