Liverpool and Manchester City received an unexpected boost in the title race ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Etihad, with news that Arsenal dropped points for just the third time this season in the Premier League.
The Gunners drew 2-2 with Sunderland on Saturday, a result that ends their 10-game winning run in all competitions and provides an interesting subplot ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad. Daniel Ballard gave the hosts the lead at the Stadium of Light after 36 minutes, ending Arsenal’s 13-hour run without conceding.
Arsenal then staged a commendable second-half fightback, as Liverpool's and City's hopes looked set to be quashed. Bukayo Saka leveled the score with a sharp, near-post finish, before Leandro Trossard grabbed what looked to be the winning goal via a powerful strike in the 74th minute.
Sunderland did push for a way back into the game and David Raya twice had to be on hand to keep out efforts from Brian Brobbey. At then third time of asking, the striker converted from Ballard's flick-on to score Sunderland's second and ensure Arsenal dropped points for the first time since September.
The 2-2 draw means Mikel Arteta's side now holds a seven-point gap at the top of the Premier League table and is eight clear of Liverpool.
The Reds can reduce the gap on Sunday, as could City, the sides that sat second and third before this weekend's games and have collectively won the last eight Premier League titles.
The result perfectly sets up a game many have billed as a clash between the sides best placed to push Arsenal in the battle for top spot.
Both Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola said in Friday's press conferences that they are not paying attention to the table at this early juncture in the season, with the latter keen to stress that the campaign is less than a third of the way through.
For Arsenal, how it responds to the setback will be fascinating. The London club has finished second in each of the last three season seasons and has often seen promising starts to campaigns dwindle under Arteta.
Following Saturday's results, Liverpool has dropped to fifth, with Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur overtaking the champions.
It could slip even further down the table before kick-off at the Etihad, with the likes of Chelsea, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in action prior to the City encounter.