Kevin Keegan can attest that 12 points is not an insurmountable margin in the Premier League.
That was the buffer that Keegan’s Newcastle United surrendered to Manchester United during the 1995/96 campaign, albeit doing so over the course of six months and not eight weeks.
Liverpool find themselves with the exact same cushion heading into the final nine matches of the Premier League season, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal their chasers. The title looks destined for Merseyside but things are rarely so straightforward in England’s top flight.
Arsenal will be eager to push Liverpool until the very last kick, hoping and praying for slip-ups along the way that could cut the gap and unnerve those on Merseyside. It remains extremely unlikely, but anything is possible.
Here are the matchdays that could prove decisive in the Premier League title race.
Having exited the FA Cup in underwhelming fashion, both Arsenal and Liverpool return from the March international break with midweek Premier League action. They enjoy the luxury of home fixtures, with the Gunners able to apply some light pressure to the table toppers on Tuesday evening.
Arsenal welcome Fulham to the Emirates Stadium and victory would see them close the gap to nine points before Liverpool turn out the following night. They have a poor recent record against the Cottagers – without victory in their last three – but will be well-rested in comparison to their London foes.
Anfield will be rocking for the visit of Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday but after a traumatic week prior to the international break in which hearts were broken in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, there may be a few nerves on the red side of Stanley Park.
David Moyes’ Toffees have proven to be a tough side to beat – they have lost just twice since his return – and showcased their scrappy mentality by earning a last-gasp draw with Liverpool at Goodison Park in February. Another point for Everton midweek would leave their rivals sweating.
Fixtures are reversed on Matchday 31 when Liverpool face Fulham and Arsenal clash with Everton, both potential banana skins for the title adversaries. Again it’s the Gunners who take to the field first, allowing them to turn the screw.
For Arsenal, the trip to Everton will not be straightforward. They have lost four of their last seven visits to Goodison Park and could struggle against the Toffees’ low block given their attacking struggles in recent outings. Their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Real Madrid follows just three days later, too.
Still, if Arsenal can secure three points on the Saturday, the pressure will mount on Liverpool at Fulham the following day. The Reds have drawn two of their last three trips to Craven Cottage and Marco Silva’s men earned a precious point at Anfield earlier this season. It will not be a simple outing for Arne Slot’s side.
The Premier League title race could be finished by the time Matchday 35 comes around, but presuming Arsenal can reduce Liverpool’s advantage somewhat in the coming weeks, then the first round of fixtures in May could prove pivotal.
The Gunners are once again the side in action first, hosting Bournemouth at the Emirates. The Cherries ended their five-game losing run against Arsenal earlier this season as they profited from William Saliba’s red card to earn victory. On home soil, however, Arteta’s side will be significant favourites.
Liverpool have a much sterner test the following day as they visit Chelsea, who are fighting tirelessly for Champions League qualification. The Reds narrowly beat the Blues at Anfield earlier this term but the London giants will be a different proposition at Stamford Bridge, even if their recent form is underwhelming. Could Enzo Maresca’s side throw a spanner in the works?
If Arsenal still find themselves in the title picture come Matchday 36, tensions will be sky high for their visit to Anfield. The third-last game of the Premier League season sees Liverpool host the Gunners in what could prove a tantalising clash or a dead rubber.
Arsenal will do well to keep the title race alive heading to Merseyside but Liverpool have shown they’re far from impenetrable this season despite their commanding lead. Mistakes between now and May’s meeting are possible.
Of course, Arsenal will have to be more or less perfect to keep their slim title hopes alive, but the Gunners have proven their resilience in the face of adversity over recent campaigns. They will fancy their chances of upsetting the Anfield crowd – regardless of whether or not they can still secure top spot.
