Liverpool edged closer to a historic 20th league title with a resilient 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton at Anfield, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a commanding 16 points over nearest challengers Arsenal.
Arne Slot’s men have shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, amassing an impressive 70 points from 29 games. With just nine matches remaining, the Reds now need only 18 points from a possible 27 to mathematically secure the championship, regardless of what their rivals achieve.
The victory against Southampton, which saw Liverpool overturn an early deficit with clinical efficiency, has reinforced the growing belief that the Premier League trophy will soon be returning to Anfield for just the second time in 34 years.
Arsenal, currently with 54 points and two games in hand, could potentially reach a maximum of 87 points if they win all their remaining fixtures. However, the substantial gap means Liverpool’s grip on the title grows stronger with each passing matchday.
For the Merseyside club, the question has shifted from whether they will win the league to when they will officially be crowned champions. The earliest mathematical possibility for Liverpool to clinch the title comes on April 6, though this would require an unlikely sequence of events – Arsenal would need to lose all four of their upcoming matches while Liverpool would need to win against both Everton and Fulham.
A more realistic timeline emerges if both teams maintain their current form. Should Arsenal win their games in hand against Manchester United and Chelsea, while Liverpool continue their winning ways, the gap would stand at approximately 10 points heading into April. Under this scenario, Liverpool could potentially secure the title against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 3.
The fixture list appears to favor Liverpool’s run-in, with only one of their next five Premier League opponents currently sitting in the top half of the table. Three of these matches will be played at Anfield, where Liverpool have been virtually unbeatable this season.
If Liverpool do clinch the title at Stamford Bridge, it could set up an intriguing scenario for their subsequent match against Arsenal at Anfield on May 10. Tradition would dictate that the Gunners would need to provide a guard of honor for the newly-crowned champions – a potentially uncomfortable gesture for a team that harbored their own title ambitions.
The impressive campaign under new manager Arne Slot has surprised many observers who questioned whether Liverpool could maintain their competitive edge following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. The Dutch coach has seamlessly transitioned the team into a slightly different tactical approach while maintaining the high-intensity pressing style that became synonymous with Liverpool under his predecessor.
Mohamed Salah has once again been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, contributing crucial goals and assists despite missing several weeks while representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. His consistency in front of goal, combined with the emergence of players like Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz as regular contributors, has given Liverpool a multifaceted attacking threat that opponents have struggled to contain.
The defensive solidity provided by Virgil van Dijk’s leadership at the back has been equally important, with Liverpool conceding fewer goals than any other team in the Premier League this season. This balance between attacking flair and defensive resilience has been the foundation of their title charge.
For Liverpool supporters, the prospect of a 20th league title carries special significance as it would draw them level with Manchester United’s record of English top-flight championships. The achievement would further cement the club’s status as one of English football’s most successful institutions.
While the Premier League title appears increasingly secure, Liverpool remain active on multiple fronts. Their attention now temporarily shifts to European competition as they prepare to host Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash.
Following that European encounter, a trip to Wembley awaits for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday. This presents an opportunity for Slot to secure his first piece of silverware as Liverpool manager and potentially kickstart what could become a memorable trophy-laden season.
The remarkable turnaround in fortunes from last season’s disappointment to this campaign’s dominance highlights the resilience within the Liverpool setup. Many predicted a transitional period following Klopp’s departure, but instead, the club appears stronger than ever under Slot’s guidance.
As the season enters its final stretch, Liverpool fans will be calculating the potential dates when they might officially claim the title, while the players and coaching staff maintain their focus on the immediate challenges ahead. The message from within the camp remains consistent – take each game as it comes and don’t celebrate until the mathematics make it inevitable.
For now, the Anfield faithful continue to dream of league title number 20, with each passing week bringing them closer to what increasingly looks like an inevitable coronation as Premier League champions.
