Liverpool’s progress to the Carabao Cup final may inadvertently offer a psychological boost to Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta‘s side feel like heavy underdogs to win their first league title since 2004 this season. The Gunners sit six points off league leaders Liverpool, having also played a game more than Arne Slot’s team.
Whilst such a margin would not usually see swaths of neutrals declare the Reds as likely champions at this stage, Liverpool’s domestic dominance has offered very little hope to Arsenal that they can be caught. The Merseysiders have lost just once in the league this season and dropped points in just five other fixtures.
It’s been a staggering level of consistency which should land them a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title come May. But their progress in other cup competitions may offer hope to Arteta’s men.
The Carabao Cup final will be played on Sunday, March 16, meaning Liverpool’s league fixture that weekend, currently undecided, will be postponed. Having another game in hand will allow Arsenal to gain ground that weekend before their title rival plays another league match.
Of course, Slot‘s side could then follow that up by winning the game in hand, but having a team closer to you in the table creates pressure, even if you have one more game to play than them. There will also be the uncertainty of whether Liverpool will be in the same form by the time their game in hand comes around.
The Merseysiders dropped off under Jurgen Klopp last term, going from title challengers to finishing a distant third. Could similar struggles happen again this season? It becomes more likely as they continue to progress in other competitions, with fatigue growing and injury problems potentially mounting.
Liverpool are also likely to have another game in hand over Arsenal after this weekend. Plymouth Argyle, currently bottom of the Championship, will host the Reds on Sunday in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will have their feet up this weekend, enjoying a rare period to rest after a gruelling run of fixtures. As time goes on and with Liverpool having more games in hand, Slot’s men could soon be the team playing catchup.
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