Arsenal know they'll need a miracle now if they want to get their hands on the Premier League title come the end of the season, with Liverpool closing in on their first English title under Arne Slot.
The Reds have a 13-point lead on the Gunners heading into the final 11 games of the season, with Mikel Arteta's side having a game in hand on their title rivals.
Arsenal were unable to take advantage of Manchester City's miserable season, allowing Liverpool to storm into title contention, but with a points deduction for the Reds in recent days, have the Gunners been handed a lifeline?
Reds' boss Slot was accused of an expletive-laden rant towards referee Michael Oliver following their draw with Everton at Goodison Park last month, with the Liverpool boss fined for his outburst and given a touchline suspension. However, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has called for stronger punishments in the form of points deductions.
"I would like to see referees at the final whistle moving towards the tunnel rather than standing in the middle looking for handshakes and any complimentary comments," Hackett told Football Insider. "This will I feel reduce any tensions that have built up in the game. I hope that the level of fines will receive a more controlled approach by the manager and his assistant.
"If these fines going forward do not have the desired effect then we may see points deductions coming into play. The last time they used that sanction for an on-field mass confrontation was in the game between Manchester United v Arsenal (in the 1990s) where I was the man in the middle."
"It happened a lot and the emotions got the better of me," Slot admitted of his behaviour. "If I could do it differently, If I look back at it, I would love to do it differently. I would do it (differently) next time as well."
There are currently no rules in place regarding points deductions for outbursts at officials, with Arsenal not set for any title lifeline at Liverpool's expense. But what are the current rules that would warrant a points deduction? Rather than bore you with all the technical terms, football.london has taken a look at the current rules regarding points deductions.
What are the current rules that warrant points deductions?
Football clubs across the English pyramid can be deducted points for various reasons, the most prominent of those including financial irregularities, breaking league rules, or misconduct.
Financial irregularities
Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)
One of the most common reasons clubs can be deducted points is for for breaking the Profit and Sustainability Regulations, which limits spending on transfers, wages, and agents' fees. Only recently, Everton were deducted 10 points in 2020-21 for exceeding permitted losses, while Nottingham Forest were also given a four points deduction similar rule breaches.
Providing accurate financial information
Premier league clubs can be also deducted points for failing to provide accurate information about sponsorship deals, player and manager payments, and more. Manchester City's ongoing legal battle with the top flight after they were alleged to have broken 115 rules would likely fall into this bracket.
Breaking league rules
Administration: Less common in the top flight with Portsmouth becoming the first Premier League club to enter administration in 2010, clubs can be deducted points for administration issues with Bury, Bolton, Derby County and Wigan some high profile clubs given points deductions in recent seasons.
On-pitch incidents: As Hackett alluded to in his comments, clubs can be deducted points for on-pitch incidents, such as fights, with Arsenal and Manchester United were deducted points in 1990 following a brawl.
Misconduct
Clubs can also be given points deductions for of discrimination, a ssault and or physical contact or attempted physical contact against a match official.