The Premier League title race is intensifying, with Liverpool maintaining their seven-point lead at the top of the table following a nerve-wracking 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. The tension was palpable as Liverpool secured the win despite not managing a single shot on goal in the second half - a first in their Premier League history at home since records began in 2003-04.
"Everyone gets nervous," admitted Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson after the match. "The players get nervous, the crowd gets nervous - that's only natural. But another game down. This result is big."
The Reds' performance, while not their most spectacular, demonstrated their ability to grind out results when necessary. They established a two-goal advantage in the first half through Luis Diaz's finish and Mohamed Salah's penalty, but faced increased pressure from Wolves after the break.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot embraced his team's versatility, telling BBC Match of the Day: "We had to show a different mentality, which we did and got it over the line. In a season like this we have played so many great games, but in a season if you want to win something you have to win the difficult ones as well when you are not playing your best."
The statistics strongly favor Liverpool's title chances, with Opta's supercomputer predicting them to finish on 87 points, seven clear of Arsenal, giving them an 87.65% probability of claiming the championship. Arsenal's chances stand at 12.35%, while all other teams have been mathematically eliminated from contention.
The coming weeks present significant challenges for both title contenders. Liverpool face a demanding schedule with league games every three days until the end of February, including crucial away fixtures at Aston Villa and Manchester City. Their March schedule eases with only one league game, though they'll also contest the EFL Cup final against Newcastle and begin their Champions League last-16 campaign.
Arsenal, currently on a 15-match unbeaten streak in the league (W10 D5) - their longest under Mikel Arteta - face their own challenges with six top-half teams remaining on their schedule. The May 10 clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield could prove decisive in determining the title's destination, with both teams having three matches remaining afterward.
As the season enters its final straight with 13 games to go, both teams' resilience and consistency will be tested to the limit. Liverpool's ability to secure results even when not at their best could prove crucial, while Arsenal's impressive unbeaten run suggests they won't relinquish their title hopes without a fight.
