By Cameron Andrade
As the Premier League season edges closer to the end, it looks like it will likely give us an all-time ending towards the end of the season. As it is a three-horse race for the Premier League title, the point gap between first and third is separated by three points with seven games left to go.
This is the first time we have seen a three-way race for the title this far into the season in 10 years. As significant implications for each club are involved, whoever lifts the Premier League trophy will go down in history. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City fight for the prestigious award, with Liverpool in first currently with 70 points, Arsenal second with 68, and Man City following in third with 67.
Looking at the fixture lists for each of the three teams, none stands out from the others, making it an even better watch for fans this season. In addition, each team shares two common opponents with its title rivals. Both of those include fourth-place Aston Villa and fifth-place Tottenham. As both Villa and Tottenham seem out of reach for the title, they still have enormous implications for the title winner.
None of these three play each other before the end of the season; the last time two of them paired up was recently, in fact. Last Sunday, Arsenal traveled to the Etihad Stadium to face Man City, and the result ended in a 0-0 draw, giving each team a point.
Regarding Liverpool, the Reds control their destiny as they stand alone at the top of the Premier League. If they win all eight of their remaining fixtures, then they will be Premier League champions. However, it will be challenging as they head to Old Trafford next to face sixth-place Manchester United. Liverpool looks to end Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool career with a Premier League trophy.
Despite this being his final season, the German manager isn’t focused on the distractions that could come with this.
“Let’s give it a proper try, and that’s all we can do,” said Klopp. “Yes, this might be a little like the Last Dance, but many dances are coming up; we better focus on all of them until the final matchday, and that’s what we will do.”
Last season’s runner-ups, Arsenal, sit in 2nd place as they put silence on their critics from last season. The Gunners currently lead the league in every advanced statistic in defense, with a center-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel. Arsenal leans on them as their backbone, along with their captain, Martin Odegaard, who has led the Gunners to the top-scoring attack in the Premier League.
Manager Mikel Arteta has brought Arsenal from depths that few people thought the club could strive away from. However, the Spaniard is looking to win the club its first Premier League trophy in 20 years.
“The margins are so small. Let’s see those numbers at the end of the last game, and hopefully, if those are maintained, I think we have a good chance,” said Arteta in an interview with Sky Sports. We’re still not at the top, and we have to transform that into winning and winning and winning, and that’s the only way to have the chance in the last game of the season to do it.”
After last season, Arsenal’s resurgence to the top shocked all. The Gunners led the Premier League for 92% of the season, running out of form in the final ten games and falling to the inevitable Manchester City.
Finally, three-time defending champions Manchester City are looking to cement their dynasty in the history of the Premier League. Legendary manager Pep Guardiola is looking to usher his team to an astounding fourth Premier League title in a row.
Following their treble-winning season, City handled quite comfortably in the first half of the season. Considering the team was riddled with injuries early on, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne only recently came back into the starting 11 after undergoing hamstring surgery in mid-August.
Many analysts have had their say on who will lift the Premier League when it’s all said and done.
“It’s written in the stars for Arsenal to win the Premier League.” said former Barcelona and Liverpool striker Gary Lineker
Who is destined to win is still a mystery. Three points and eight games separate the Premier League winner. Two clubs will be devastated, and one will be edged in history.
No matter who becomes victorious, a story will be told. Will the last dance prevail? Will a 20-year drought be splashed with glory? Or will the throne remain untouched?
There’s no room for error as each team looks to answer that question.