BIG DEBATE: The Premier League had paused for the final time in 2025 as a struggling Liverpool side aim to reset and keep up with the top two whilst West Ham and Nottingham Forest have made things much more interesting at the bottom
Man City came up with a timely reminder on Sunday as they dismantled Liverpool
Man City came up with a timely reminder on Sunday as they dismantled Liverpool
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The landscape of the Premier League appeared to shift this weekend and both ends of the table after results that saw the pack tighten at one end - but stretch at the other.
Arsenal's draw on Saturday opened the door for one of Manchester City or Liverpool to close in and it was Pep Guardiola's side who took the initiative. They have looked back to their best in recent weeks and dismantled the Reds to sit within four points of top spot.
City chasing Arsenal is nothing new in recent years but the loss for Liverpool, and the manner of it, poses more questions for Arne Slot, who has now seen his team lose five matches in the opening 11 games. They can hardly afford any more slips up - but are they already out of the title picture?
But whilst the gap is growing at the top it is shrinking at the bottom. Nottingham Forest beat Leeds on Sunday and West Ham downed Burnley to leave just two points between 16th and 19th. Wolves' misery goes on - and history suggests they are beyond saving.
Another loss for both Newcastle and Fulham means that only one win separates Forest from Eddie Howe's side in 14th with pressure piling up on the Magpies boss.
With attention now on England teams have a chance to take stock for the last time this calendar year and review where they are at. For some there is renewed hope, others are feeling the pressure whilst some must be wondering what is actually achievable this year.
Mirror's writers have given their take on the title race and who could be waving goodbye to their Premier League status come May - albeit there's plenty of twists and turns to come yet.
Sam Meade
For Liverpool the gap is just too much and history suggests you can't win the league when you lose more than six games. It leaves them with next to no margin for error and they don't look remotely like they are about to click into gear.
Liverpool have lost five of their last six in the league and are in danger of being cut adrift at the top
Liverpool have lost five of their last six in the league and are in danger of being cut adrift at the top
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It leaves us with a familiar story - City chasing Arsenal. Those from the Emirates will be hoping this episode doesn't end the same way as the last two, when the Manchester outfit managed to pip them late in the day.
At the bottom, it is certainly getting more entertaining and it has the feel of a battle that will go on all season. Wolves look doomed, and good luck to Rob Edwards if he does take over. Forest, with Sean Dyche, might be streetwise enough to stay up. Burnley could be one of the ones to drop down.
West Ham haven't enjoyed a huge bounce since bringing Nuno Espirito Santo on board and, despite their quality, there's a danger the ill-feeling around the club could yet send them down.
Daniel Orme
Arsenal are still the overwhelming favourites to claim the title for me. They’ve simply got it all. They score goals from everywhere and their staunch defence gives them an excellent platform for success.
There’s just one problem - and it’s quite a major one. They’ve got a relentless winning machine in the form of Guardiola’s City on their tail. And with Erling Haaland currently at his lethal best, anything looks possible for City this season.
Sean Dyche's appointment could yet save Nottingham Forest
Sean Dyche's appointment could yet save Nottingham Forest
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I think it’s going to be too much of a push for Liverpool to retain the title given the fragility they’ve displayed so as it stands, it’s a two-horse race.
When it comes to the drop, Wolves have all the hallmarks of a team destined for the Championship. But then it’s slightly more difficult when it comes to predicting the other two to drop - they’ve all got their strengths - and some appear to have got their act together over recent weeks.
Leeds are the joint-second lowest scorers in the league and that could end up costing them, while I still think West Ham will be in major trouble given their leaky defence.
Andy Dunn
is no longer a three-horse title race, that is for sure. And that is not just because Liverpool have slid to five defeats in six Premier League matches, it is because Arsenal are not as formidable as so many pundits are making them out to be.
I reckon this could be the most open title race in recent history. Liverpool will fire again, that is for sure and Chelsea have a squad that is capable of putting a serious run together.
Daniel Farke is a man looking over his shoulder with Leeds winning one of their last six
Daniel Farke is a man looking over his shoulder with Leeds winning one of their last six
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And in Manchester, City looked something like their best on Sunday while United - yes, United - can dream of an unlikely tilt at the top because of their lack of European commitments and improving form. I’m seriously hopeful of seeing as many as five teams still in with a shout when we get to Easter.
Unfortunately, the bottom three will probably be more clearcut. Wolves will go down and, on the evidence of the season so far, Leeds United and Burnley will join them.
Nathan Ridley
A three-horse race between Arsenal, City and Liverpool definitely isn't out of the question. It'd obviously take something special from Liverpool but they're capable of doing so.
I backed Arsenal from the start and I'm confident that they'll get over the line - even with a few slip-ups along the way, as this isn't the same City juggernaut of old. Also, a draw at Sunderland may well go down as a decent result in the context of the season.
As for the bottom three, I can't look past Wolves, Burnley and Leeds. Nottingham Forest and West Ham both have stronger squads and managers who've been there and done it.
I think Fulham will come good, too - look at the slow start Crystal Palace had last year. Everton are in a precarious position and if they lose Jack Grealish or Iliman Ndiaye to injury, they'd be at risk, although I can't see them going down over the aforementioned trio thanks to their solid defence and the nous of David Moyes.
John Cross
The title has surely become a two-horse race. Liverpool are down to eighth place, eight points off the top and that gap should rule them out of the title race - and probably does - but it is hard to rule them out just yet with such talent in the squad.
Arsenal conceded a stoppage time equaliser at the Stadium of Light on Saturday
Arsenal conceded a stoppage time equaliser at the Stadium of Light on Saturday
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But Arsenal and City look a class apart from the rest while three points separate Chelsea in third to Crystal Palace in tenth. That speaks to quite an average Premier League - or fiercely competitive depending on your level of cynicism - and the most staggering aspect of that is Manchester United were up to second at one point on Saturday when they were winning at Tottenham.
They ended up drawing, they slipped down to seventh but this United is a long way from the glory days.
At the other end, I fear for Leeds and Burnley. After promising starts, they are both slipping into a familiar pattern. West Ham have the ace card of Nuno who has guided a very poor squad to two straight wins.
Do Leeds stick or twist with Daniel Farke? Leeds should not be in this amount of trouble again. But they’ll go down with Wolves and Burnley if they’re not careful…
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