Manchester City restores top four hopes as Liverpool nears title

Liverpool edges closer to the title as Arsenal falters, while Man City regains form.

Erling Haaland celebrates after powering Manchester City past Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, helping the Cityzens to a 2-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Liverpool’s title confirmation can only be delayed, but as things stand, the Reds will wrap it up earlier than expected as Arsenal failed to find a way past Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

Liverpool delivered a professional performance once again, one that was enough to hand Newcastle their latest defeat and one that edges Liverpool closer to that title parade; they can feel it now; it’s closer than ever; they will be champions.

Away from that, you don’t expect Mikel Arteta to throw in the towel whenever he’s asked if his team is still in the title race, but deep down, the Spaniard knows it’s all over and his team will once again be second best.

Speaking of second best, Manchester City’s performance at Tottenham on Wednesday night suggests the champions are on their way to recovery. It was a complete performance, which was accompanied by an important clean sheet.

It also goes to show how amazing they can be upfront with Erling Haaland leading the line; the Norwegian struck in both halves, albeit really late in the second, to keep in touching distance of Mohammed Salah in the race for the golden boot.

Is Manchester City aiming for the second spot now? The Cityzens are only one point behind Forest in third and can now aim higher; is Arsenal’s position in second assured? Can the Gunners hold on to what now seems their customary position?

Nottingham Forest shouldn’t entertain pressure. No one saw them in this position at the start of the season, and what it means is that they’re punching above their weights. It would be a massive achievement for them to finish in the top four; it is still possible.

Away from them, there’s Chelsea, a club swinging from point to point, and their fans must be worried at this point. After all the money spent, the 4-0 win over Southampton doesn’t paper over the cracks; they’re in big danger of missing out on top four. Where will they finish?

Newcastle’s loss at Anfield gave Chelsea some hope, but there are 11 games to play, and on current form, Chelsea is the least favourite in the race; they will have to do more than they currently do to even stay in the top 6.

It’s important to offer some thoughts to the ones down below too. Ipswich lost to ten-man Manchester United and Southampton look condemned already. Leicester City will be away to West Ham on Thursday. Is there anything stopping the trio from going back to where they came from?