Has Liverpool finally ended Arsenal's title hopes?

  • Arsenal's title hopes have been dashed after Liverpool defeated Manchester City 2-0.
Arsenal FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Arsenal FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League | Visionhaus/GettyImages

Arsenal is now 11 points adrift of the league leaders, likely signaling the end of their title chances with 12 games left in the season.

The Gunners' title charge was on life support ahead of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City having lost 1-0 at home to West Ham, and Arne Slot's team delivered a dagger to the heart of Arsenal's title hopes.

The 2-0 win at the Etihad now moves Liverpool a whopping 11 points clear of Arsenal and while Slot's team has played a game extra, nothing about Arsenal's recent form suggests that it can overcome this mountain.

Now, we aren't saying it's impossible, but more so unrealistic, and given the Gunners' current attacking options, which were woeful against the Hammers, as of 20 shots, just two were on target.

Plus, we add in the lack of creativity from the front line, and it almost feels like Liverpool finally put Arsenal out of its misery.

Yes, they are still mathematically in the title hunt; over the next 12 games, it would take a colossal drop-off from Liverpool and Arsenal, who will now be devastated at what has transpired, to suddenly transform into a league juggernaut for the title chase to even be compelling.

But as things stand, Liverpool is running away with it and deservedly so.

FBL-ENG-PR-ARSENAL-WEST HAM
FBL-ENG-PR-ARSENAL-WEST HAM | IAN KINGTON/GettyImages

Perhaps the worst thing for Arsenal is that there is still so much football left to play, and while that means there are ample opportunities to try and get themselves back into contention, there is also the other side of the coin.

The Gunners could completely fall apart.

Such was the manner in which Arsenal was defeated, it will no doubt raise concerns going forward and let's not forget, only nine points separates the Gunners in second from Newcastle in fifth, so there is that thread to pull as well.

Champions League football is well within reach, but a poor month could see Arsenal struggling to keep its head above water on that front too. God forbid a collapse so bad that the Gunners tumble out of the top four.

While unlikely, how the Gunners now respond will be fascinating viewing and we imagine that Mikel Arteta will be rallying the troops to get the team to fight to the very end - but 12 games is a long time.

We never say never, but 11 points behind, and not looking like a team challenging for the title, we get the feeling that this race is run.

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