Despite Arsenal’s efforts to make it a three-way battle for the title, they ultimately find themselves still chasing after Liverpool.

This game is already developing in a very intriguing manner, but Sunday’s match against Arsenal could potentially be remembered as a significant event.

This upcoming match could potentially be the first time in seven years that Manchester City is not involved in a direct title-race. However, this does not mean that Pep Guardiola’s team will not play a part, but rather that there is a possibility of a multi-faceted title race developing. This highlights the overall excitement surrounding the match, as it is filled with potential. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are considered to be two of the most promising young teams in Europe, and are in a prime position to take advantage of any opportunities left by City.

In other words, if City leaves an opportunity, the outcome of the entire season could be affected. It ultimately hinges on whether the reigning champions are able to secure a significant lead that overshadows any other factors.

Currently, the match between Arsenal and Liverpool holds more importance than just being another highly anticipated game between two of the top six teams. It has the potential to greatly impact the race for the title and is elevated by the rich history and promising future of both clubs.

These are two of the three most successful clubs in England, with 32 titles between them. As with Manchester United and Liverpool, however, it is almost one of those historic quirks that their challenges or good periods have so rarely overlapped.

Despite Arsenal or Liverpool finishing in the top two for nearly half of all English seasons, they have only faced off directly in four of those seasons. Interestingly, Arsenal has emerged victorious in all but one of those encounters.

One of the most well-known title showdowns was when Michael Thomas secured the league win for Arsenal in the final minute of the season against Liverpool at Anfield. The 1973 season was close, but not as close, with Liverpool winning by three points in the era of two points for a win. In 1991 and 2002, the London side dominated, showing a significant distance between the two clubs. This suggests that there has typically been a gap between the clubs.

Not now.

It is possible to argue that this competition has been enhanced by the mutual influence between the two teams. Mikel Arteta, in his efforts to create a strong team, closely studied Jurgen Klopp’s methods at Liverpool, given the challenge of keeping up with their level of play. One influence that stands out is the resemblance of Arsenal’s front three to Klopp’s renowned front three, where the “false nine” acts as a connecting point for the wingers to make runs and score goals.

Sometimes, there is a feeling of frustration when it comes to Gabriel Jesus’s skill in creating opportunities, as it is overshadowed by his struggles with scoring goals. This was also seen with Roberto Firmino. However, the more experienced Brazilian eventually found his rhythm and began scoring more frequently and impressively, especially against the Gunners.

The Arsenal victory in the previous game showed signs of this upcoming match. Arteta’s team secured the win at Nottingham Forest with a goal from Jesus, although he did miss a significant opportunity earlier. The Arsenal team is confident that he can continue to perform well.

He effectively sets up the game for both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, who are regaining their momentum.

The main contrast between the two and the prime duo of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane is their ages. When Klopp’s initial successful team was formed, both African forwards were 26 years old, while the Arsenal players are currently only 22. Their youth suggests that they still have room to grow, which may explain their slight decrease in performance this season.

An important distinction from previous weeks is the return of freshness. Members of the club believe that the decline in performance in December was largely due to mental fatigue, and that the break in January has helped revitalize the team.

The enthusiasm surrounding Arsenal’s potential to challenge City has been dampened by Liverpool’s recent resurgence.

Klopp recently stated in an interview on Sky that he has been pleasantly taken aback by how rapidly his new team has gelled. It’s understandable if Arsenal feels a bit frustrated by this, as they have been diligently working to reach that level under Arteta’s careful planning, only to be surpassed once again by Liverpool.

Maybe it highlights Klopp’s expertise in constructing a team, as well as the exponential impact that occurs when he has a well-functioning team. It’s not only that there’s a sense of strength in Liverpool once again, but there’s also a newfound depth, evident in the seamless integration of some of the younger players. Most notably, Conor Bradley.

This enhances the significance of Sunday’s match. It also adds a deeper emotional aspect to the major decision that Klopp made in November. This team signifies the beginning of a new era, but it also marks the end of an era.

Those players now want to do this for Klopp, to give him the second title they feel he deserves. Manchester City have barred the way for all of that time. Arsenal are now in view.

Perhaps, towards the end of Klopp’s tenure at the club, after achieving all possible victories and witnessing nearly every scenario, there may be something unexpected. It’s possible that there could even be a competition for the title that doesn’t involve City. The outcome of Sunday’s match may reveal if this is true.

Source: independent.co.uk