2023/2024 Premier League title race this season so far big guns separated by 2 points

2023/2024 Premier League title race this season so far big guns separated by 2 points

Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal all walked away with wins at the weekend
Man City are favourites but are still to face the rest of the sides in the top four
Will Harry Kane regret joining Bayern Munich? The Bundesliga champions looked broken in Leverkusen –

The Premier League title race looks to be one of the most hotly-contested in history, with three sides who all look more than capable of lifting the trophy on May 19.

Manchester City are once again hitting their stride with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne back on form. Liverpool meanwhile will be looking to end the Jurgen Klopp era on a high and win the title in front of fans to give him the best possible send-off.

There have been fears whether Arsenal have enough firepower compared to their rivals, though the Gunners sent a real statement of intent with their 6-0 demolition of West Ham.

Man City are still to travel to Anfield and play Arsenal at the Emirates, while all three sides play Tottenham in consecutive games towards the latter stages of the season.

With that in mind, Mail Sport takes a look at the run-in of what looks to be the first true three-horse race in years – while also keeping an eye on Tottenham to see if they could also get themselves involved.

Manchester City are title favourites with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne now fully fit
Manchester City are title favourites with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne now fully fit
Liverpool and Arsenal though will be looking to stop City from making it four titles in a row
Liverpool and Arsenal though will be looking to stop City from making it four titles in a row

Gameweek 25

The title contenders continue their relentless form with all three picking up impressive victories in the next weekend of fixtures.

Manchester City – inspired by an on-song Haaland – put in the most impressive performance of the weekend with a 4-1 victory over Chelsea – piling more pressure on the struggling Blues and their manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Gunners make light work on the road again but only score half the amount of goals that they did against West Ham, when they face relegation-threatened Burnley.

Liverpool meanwhile make another slow start away at Brentford, with the Bees taking the lead through Ivan Toney.

Their expansive array of attacking options though proves too much for Thomas Frank’s side, with Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz all netting again.

Tottenham keep the gap to the top at seven points with a hard-fought victory over Wolves.

Brentford 1-3 Liverpool

Burnley 0-3 Arsenal

Tottenham 2-1 Wolves

Man City 4-1 Chelsea

Liverpool – 57 points (GD 34)
Man City – 55 points (GD 34)
Arsenal – 55 points (GD 34)
Tottenham – 50 points (GD 16)
Liverpool hope to end the Jurgen Klopp era with a second title victory under his helm
Liverpool hope to end the Jurgen Klopp era with a second title victory under his helm

Gameweek 26

Going into Gameweek 26, Man City take the lead in the title race with a comfortable victory over Brentford with their game-in-hand.

Liverpool briefly take top-spot back as they see off Luton in their final game before they play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final – with Mohamed Salah starting his first game since the victory over Newcastle at the beginning of January.

Dominic Solanke gives City a scare by netting the opener for Bournemouth, but Guardiola’s side ultimately have too much fire-power for the Cherries and re-take the top spot.

Meanwhile there is tricky matches for both north London sides with Arsenal hosting Newcastle and Tottenham visiting bitter rivals Chelsea.

Arsenal snatch a late winner against the Magpies, while Chelsea up their game in a fiery contest at Stamford Bridge to take two points off Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Man City 3-0 Brentford

Liverpool 3-0 Luton

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham

Bournemouth 1-3 Man City

Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

Man City – 61 points (GD 39)
Liverpool – 60 points (GD 37)
Arsenal – 58 points (GD 35)
Tottenham – 51 points (GD 16)
Tottenham’s trip to Stamford Bridge to play rivals Chelsea will serve up another spicy contest
Tottenham’s trip to Stamford Bridge to play rivals Chelsea will serve up another spicy contest

Gameweek 27

Man City make it 10 wins in a row as they see off a resurgent Manchester United in the local derby at the Etihad Stadium.

But the two sides below them continue to keep up their relentless hunt of the champions with comfortable victories over Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United respectively.

Tottenham meanwhile return to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, but need a miracle to get themselves back into title contention.

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Liverpool

Tottenham 3-1 Crystal Palace

Man City 3-1 Man United

Sheffield United 0-2 Arsenal

Man City – 64 points (GD 41)
Liverpool – 63 points (GD 39)
Arsenal – 61 points (GD 37)
Tottenham – 54 points (GD 18)

Gameweek 28

There is a new team at the top of the table as Jurgen Klopp gets the better of Pep Guardiola in their final Premier League outing against each other.

Salah scores his first goal since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and injury to give the Reds the lead only for Haaland to equalise.

But it’s on-form Jota who proves to be the match-winner and send the Reds two points clear at the top of the standings.

A draw would have been better for Arsenal, though Mikel Arteta’s side make it eight league wins on the bounce and they are still within range to pounce on any dropped points from the sides above them.

Tottenham’s title chances seem to be all but over however after they drop two vital points away at Villa Park – with Unai Emery’s side still holding hopes of a top-four spot.

Arsenal 3-1 Brentford

Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham

Liverpool 2-1 Man City

Liverpool – 66 points (GD 40)
Man City – 64 points (GD 40)
Arsenal – 64 points (GD 39)
Tottenham – 55 points (GD 18)
Next month will see Klopp and Pep Guardiola face each other for the last time in the Premier League
Next month will see Klopp and Pep Guardiola face each other for the last time in the Premier League

Gameweek 29

Frustration for Liverpool fans as after picking up what could be a season-defining win they drop points in the Merseyside derby.

Sean Dyche successfully annoys Klopp in the German’s last meeting against Liverpool’s local rivals – with the Reds held to a 1-1 draw.

Manchester City meanwhile appear to be rattled from their defeat last weekend, and they have more points taken off them by an impressive Brighton side – even if the reigning champions are able to salvage what could prove a vital point.

Arsenal meanwhile make it three different teams to top the standings in as many weeks, as they see off Chelsea 2-0 at the Emirates.

That’s now nine wins on the bounce for Arsenal, who next play an off-form Man City at the Etihad.

Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea

Fulham 0-3 Tottenham

Everton 1-1 Liverpool

Brighton 2-2 Man City

Arsenal – 67 points (GD 41)
Liverpool – 67 points (GD 40)
Man City – 65 points (GD 40)
Tottenham – 58 points (GD 21)
Arsenal jump to the top of the table in Gameweek 29 – just before their trip to the Etihad
Arsenal jump to the top of the table in Gameweek 29 – just before their trip to the Etihad

Gameweek 30

Just two weeks after perhaps the biggest game of the season between Liverpool and Man City, we have another with the reigning champions in need of a victory after taking one point in their last six.

Arsenal are the on-form side going into the contest but they fail to take their chances and are punished in the second-half by Man City – and the Gunners drop from first to third.

Liverpool, after one week off the top, overcome Brighton in a five-goal thriller as their attacking fire-power again prevails despite some deficiencies in defence.

Tottenham meanwhile are now nine points off the top after back-to-back wins over Fulham and Luton.

Tottenham 2-0 Luton

Liverpool 3-2 Brighton

Man City 1-0 Arsenal

Liverpool – 70 points (GD 41)
Man City – 68 points (GD 41)
Arsenal – 67 points (GD 40)
Tottenham – 61 points (GD 23)
Manchester City end Arsenal’s nine-game winning run to move ahead of them in the title race
Manchester City end Arsenal’s nine-game winning run to move ahead of them in the title race
Arsenal drop from first to third – showing just how close this title race will be
Arsenal drop from first to third – showing just how close this title race will be

Gameweek 31

A bit more of a settled week at the top of the standings, with Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal all prevailing.

Liverpool get a huge boost to their goal difference which could prove to be the determining factor over where the title goes at the end of the season – with a 5-0 win over Sheffield United.

Arsenal have a slow start against Luton but score two second-half goals to take three points.

While Man City get revenge for their defeat at Villa Park earlier this season, with a 1-0 win over Unai Emery’s side – who are by now off the pace in the top-four hunt.

Arsenal 2-0 Luton

West Ham 1-3 Tottenham

Liverpool 5-0 Sheffield United

Man City 2-0 Aston Villa

Liverpool – 73 points (GD 46)
Man City – 71 points (GD 43)
Arsenal – 70 points (GD 42)
Tottenham – 64 points (GD 25)

Gameweek 32

Liverpool are yet again frustrated by one of their biggest rivals, as they are held to a 1-1 draw away at Old Trafford – in a game reflecting their result with the same scoreline against Everton.

Man City, who have been off the top since Gameweek 27, are back in front after they smash Crystal Palace 4-1 with Haaland netting a hat-trick.

However, they are only ahead of Liverpool on goals scored with 79 compared to 75.

Arsenal look like they will be frustrated with a 2-2 draw at Brighton, much like the Seagulls did to Man City.

But Declan Rice scores another late winner to help them keep the pace with the sides above them.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are now just seven points off the top after a dominant home win against Nottingham Forest.

Their next four fixtures however are Newcastle away, Man City and Arsenal at home, and Liverpool away.

Brighton 2-3 Arsenal

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

Man United 1-1 Liverpool

Tottenham 4-0 Nottingham Forest

Man City – 74 points (GD 46)
Liverpool – 74 points (GD 46)
Arsenal – 73 points (GD 43)
Tottenham – 67 points (GD 29)
At the end of Gameweek 32, Man City are only top of the table by goals scored ahead of Liverpool
At the end of Gameweek 32, Man City are only top of the table by goals scored ahead of Liverpool

Gameweek 33

No change at the top as Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal all take victories.

Man City and Liverpool cruise to victories against Luton and Crystal Palace respectively, with the former now ahead in terms of goal difference.

Arsenal are involved in another five-goal thriller, and again come out victorious this time against Aston Villa at the Emirates.

Tottenham’s resurgence is halted away at Newcastle – who are showing improvements with a mostly fit squad to choose from finally.

Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa

Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace

Man City 5-0 Luton

Newcastle 2- 1 Tottenham

Man City – 77 points (GD 51)
Liverpool – 77 points (GD 49)
Arsenal – 76 points (GD 44)
Tottenham – 67 points (GD 28)

Gameweek 34

Now starts a run of games where Tottenham could influence the outcome of the title race.

First up, they welcome Manchester City, having held an impressive record against Guardiola’s side at home in recent seasons.

However, City have learnt from their past lessons and overcome the acid test to their title defence with a 2-1 victory.

Liverpool struggle away at Fulham but still have enough to take a 2-1 victory.

But Arsenal suffer a huge dent to their title hopes as they are held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves led by an inspired Pedro Neto.

Arsenal now go into a game against Tottenham which has become a must-win for their title chances.

Fulham 1-2 Liverpool

Tottenham 1-2 Man City

Wolves 2-2 Arsenal

Man City – 80 points (GD 52)
Liverpool – 80 points (GD 50)
Arsenal – 77 points (GD 44)
Tottenham – 67 points (GD 27)
Tottenham face Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in consecutive games towards the end of the season
Tottenham face Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in consecutive games towards the end of the season

Gameweek 35

Arsenal’s title challenge looks all but over and it is thanks to their biggest rivals as Tottenham take a 2-1 victory to leave the Gunners six points off the top – with three games to play.

The Gunners have the better of the chances but fail to put them away and the need for a striker becomes ever more clear.

Man City’s 5-1 victory over Nottingham Forest is even more significant as it gives them a huge boost in terms of goal difference over Liverpool – who could only net two in a win away at West Ham.

Nottingham Forest 1-5 Man City

Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man City – 83 points (GD 56)
Liverpool – 83 points (GD 52)
Arsenal – 77 points (GD 43)
Tottenham – 70 points (GD 28)
Tottenham could be out to end Arsenal’s title hopes when then they play in the final weeks
Tottenham could be out to end Arsenal’s title hopes when then they play in the final weeks

Gameweek 36

Liverpool are the next side lined up with the challenge of overcoming Tottenham.

Their defeat by Spurs earlier in the campaign is one of the biggest talking-points of the season, and could be the game that costs them the title.

But regardless they make no mistake this time putting away Tottenham as their narrow 1-0 win keeps them hot on the heels of Man City who come from behind to beat Wolves.

Arsenal bounce back from their back-to-back games without a victory with a 5-1 thrashing against Bournemouth but it seems too-little too-late for the Gunners who need both sides ahead of them to lose their final two games.

Arsenal 5-1 Bournemouth

Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham

Man City 3-2 Wolves

Man City – 86 points (GD 57)
Liverpool – 86 points (GD 53)
Arsenal – 80 points (GD 47)
Tottenham – 70 points (GD 27)

Gameweek 37

The title-race drops down to two teams as Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United is not enough to keep them in the hunt.

They have a glimmer of hope with Aston Villa and Fulham making Liverpool and Man City work hard away from home – with both sides having their chances to take a victory over the title contenders.

Both Liverpool and Man City are able to score winners deep into the second-half though meaning that again we are going down to the final game of the season between the two sides.

The Reds have lost the title by one point twice to City in the last five years, could this be the year they finally prevail over City?

Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool

Fulham 0-1 Man City

Man United 0-2 Arsenal

Tottenham 4-0 Burnley

Man City – 89 points (GD 58)
Liverpool – 89 points (GD 54)
Arsenal – 83 points (GD 49)
Tottenham – 73 points (GD 31)

Gameweek 38

Liverpool do not get the fairytale ending in the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp, as both sides win on the final day – with City taking the title on goal difference.

The Reds run rampant against Wolves knowing that it will go down to goal difference, and West Ham bag a goal against Man City which offers a small glimmer of hope.

But ultimately, City’s goal difference of +60 compared to Liverpool’s +58 is enough to win them the title with Liverpool having to rely on other trophies to give Klopp some silverware to finish off with.

Arsenal and Tottenham round out the top four, with the Gunners disappointed to miss out for the second season in a row with their lack of fire-power proving decisive in games where they dropped points against City, Wolves and Tottenham.

Man City are favourites to win their fourth title in a row in what could be one of the best title races of all time
Man City are favourites to win their fourth title in a row in what could be one of the best title races of all time
Liverpool have fallen short to City twice before but will hope they give Klopp the perfect sending off
Liverpool have fallen short to City twice before but will hope they give Klopp the perfect sending off
Arsenal 4-2 Everton

Liverpool 4-0 Wolves

Man City 3-1 West Ham

Sheff United 0-2 Tottenham

Man City – 92 points (GD 60)
Liverpool – 92 points (GD 58)
Arsenal – 86 points (GD 51)
Tottenham – 76 points (GD 33)