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Will Arsenal’s defence be their Premier League title downfall?

Will Arsenal’s defence be their Premier League title downfall?
Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com
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It seems harsh to say that a team conceding eight goals in eight Premier League games is a weak link in a title fight.

Yet, with eight goals conceded in eight games, it could be Arsenal’s defence that ultimately prevents them from winning the Premier League title.

The Gunners conceded goals in each of their last four matches, picking up seven points from 12 points on offer. That run of games saw Arsenal draw 2-2 with Manchester City, win 4-2 against Leicester City, win 3-1 against Southampton, and lose 2-0 against Bournemouth.

It was last weekend’s gutless, heartless defeat to Bournemouth that once again showed the Arsenal many Premier League onlookers have come to know under Mikel Arteta.

While Liverpool were known as the Mentality Monsters under Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal are the exact opposite, with Arteta often calling foul from officials and opposition.

On Sunday, Arsenal will welcome Liverpool to the Emirates, with the chance to take three massive points in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners will begin the weekend four points behind the Merseyside team. A win would point Arsenal right back into the title race.

A loss would likely rule Arsenal out of the title race after just nine games. Liverpool have allowed just one goal on the road this term. However, Sunday’s match will be Arne Slot’s toughest test away from Anfield in the league.

Every Premier League matchday continues to be labelled as Slot’s toughest of the season. This is due to Liverpool having no issues claiming points in Premier League games – except for their match against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal have the league’s joint-best home points total (10). They have outscored opponents 10-4 at the Emirates. This will be Arsenal’s toughest test at home in 2024-25. Other than a draw against Brighton, Arsenal’s home wins have come against teams in 14th place or lower.

In fact, two of Arsenal’s home wins – against Wolves and Southampton – came against teams currently in the relegation zone.

Injuries are an issue for Arsenal currently, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafori all suffering from various issues. Arteta has spent nearly £700 million on players since becoming manager in 2019.

The pressure is on the Arsenal manager, with fans desperate to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004. A win over Liverpool will reignite a title fight. A loss will see Arteta’s big spending likely to once again not produce a title.

Home team
Away team
Probability %
1X2
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
EPL
263044
2
1 - 3
3.48
13°
3.30
2.20 3.30 3.30 no no no
FT
2 - 2(2 - 1)
-
- - -
Premier League
OVERALL TABLE PTS GP W D L +/-
1
Liverpool 28 11 9 1 1 15
2
Manchester City 23 11 7 2 2 9
3
Chelsea 19 11 5 4 2 8
4
Arsenal 19 11 5 4 2 6
5
Nottingham Forest 19 11 5 4 2 5
6
Brighton 19 11 5 4 2 4
7
Fulham 18 11 5 3 3 3
8
Newcastle United 18 11 5 3 3 2
9
Aston Villa 18 11 5 3 3 0
10
Tottenham 16 11 5 1 5 10
11
Brentford 16 11 5 1 5 0
12
Bournemouth 15 11 4 3 4 0
13
Manchester United 15 11 4 3 4 0
14
West Ham 12 11 3 3 5 -6
15
Leicester City 10 11 2 4 5 -7
16
Everton 10 11 2 4 5 -7
17
Ipswich Town 8 11 1 5 5 -10
18
Crystal Palace 7 11 1 4 6 -7
19
Wolverhampton 6 11 1 3 7 -11
20
Southampton 4 11 1 1 9 -14

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