By 90min | Created at 2024-12-05 17:18:45 | Updated at 2024-12-26 01:04:31
2 weeks ago
Some rare midweek Premier League action has graced our television screens this week and those fortunate enough to tune in have been thoroughly rewarded.
There were 25 goals across six Premier League matches on Wednesday alone, with the division's biggest hitters taking to the field. Liverpool are still the league leaders having established an impressive buffer heading into the festive period, but their lead has been chopped slightly following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.
Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea are all hopeful of more dropped points for Arne Slot's side in the weeks to come as they continue to play catch-up.
Here is how Opta's supercomputer views the Premier League title race after some enthralling midweek matches.
Arsenal are Liverpool's biggest competitors according to Opta / Julian Finney/GettyImages
Opta believe there are just four sides with any chance of winning the Premier League this season and unsurprisingly Liverpool remain significant favourites. The Reds are still seven points clear of second despite a far from convincing draw with Newcastle. Caoimhin Kelleher's late error proved costly for the defensively suspect Merseysiders.
They are given an overwhelming 80.9% chance of winning a second Premier League title despite Wednesday's slip-up. A point away at St James' Park is seldom a poor result but a trip to Everton in the Merseyside derby offers a similarly tricky challenge for Liverpool this weekend. The Toffees are in confident mood after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 last time out.
Arsenal have steadied themselves after the November international break following a surprisingly underwhelming start to the campaign. Martin Odegaard's return has been crucial in the Gunners rediscovering their form and their impressive performances have been reflected in a 12.5% chance of upsetting the odds and catching Liverpool.
Arsenal's set-piece prowess has been evident in recent weeks and a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday has boosted their chances of lifting a first Premier League title since 2003/04. A favourable run of fixtures sees them face Fulham, Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Brentford in their next five league matches.
Despite actually sitting above Arsenal in the table on goal difference, Chelsea are not fancied by the supercomputer. They have been handed a measly one per cent chance of claiming the title in Enzo Maresca's debut season but the club's supporters will still be thrilled with their impressive start to the term after years of uncertainty.
Chelsea too have a kind run on the horizon. Following a difficult journey to Tottenham Hotspur, they face Brentford, Everton, Fulham and Ipswich before New Year's Day.
It's been a traumatic few weeks for Manchester City but they finally ended their winless run on Wednesday evening. A much-needed 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest has seen them close the gap on Liverpool to nine points having been beaten by the Reds comfortably at the weekend.
The reigning Premier League champions still look a shadow of their former selves but the return of Kevin De Bruyne can spark some change. The Cityzens are given a 5.5% chance of retaining their crown and winning a fifth straight title.
1. | Liverpool | 80.9% |
2. | Arsenal | 12.5% |
3. | Man City | 5.5% |
4. | Chelsea | 1% |
