From commanding to crumbling – is Liverpool’s lead under threat?

A FEW weeks ago, I predicted the title race was far from over—and both Everton and Fulham would play key roles in the “Title Run-In.”

This weekend proves that there is still a lot of football to be played. Before the weekend fixtures, the gap at the top was 12 points. Now, it’s down to 11. Still double digits, yes, but doubt is creeping into Liverpool.

For the first time in a year— and only the second time this season —Liverpool suffered a Premier League defeat. And this one hurts.

The red half of Merseyside took the lead with a wonder strike from Alexis Mac Allister, but things fell apart fast.

For once in 31 games, Liverpool abandoned their usual control-style football. In just 14 minutes, Fulham equalised, took the lead, and then doubled it, exposing a Liverpool defence in complete disarray.

It highlights areas that need to be addressed by the management ahead of next season.

Virgil van Dijk is clearly not at his best. His overly relaxed attitude cost Liverpool the third goal.

Perhaps this is his version of a protest performance, with his contract extension still unresolved.

Mohamed Salah is probably relieved this was the last time he has to face Fulham this season.

Once again, he was firmly in Antonee Robinson’s pocket. He squandered a golden opportunity to close the gap —skyrocketing his shot into Row Z. Is the uncertainty surrounding his contract causing his frustration?

The biggest disappointment in the first half, however, was Dominik Szoboszlai. Liverpool’s current No. 8 seems to be riding on the memory of his performance against Manchester City. He was poor—pressing like a headless chicken, with no real impact. It took Fulham just one pass to create an overload that punished Liverpool badly.

While the second-half performance showed improvement, Arne Slot must address this slide and the lingering doubts within the squad. Liverpool need to rediscover the brand of football that saw them march to the top of the table. If not, this could go down as one of the biggest bottle jobs the Premier League has ever seen.

ARSENAL FAIL TO CAPITALISE

Fortunately for Liverpool, Arsenal failed to take advantage of their slip. Mikel Arteta’s men could only manage a 1–1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park. Despite a dominant first half, Arsenal let the referee’s call decide the result. Yes, you can moan all you want, Mr Arteta but real title challengers make sure the outcome is in their own hands, not the referee’s.

Sure, the penalty was soft but your squad should’ve been two goals up before that even mattered.

Arteta should still take some positives from the result but the gap is now just 11 points, with everything still to play for. With Bukayo Saka gradually returning to the fold, anything is possible. Arteta needs to instil that belief into his squad. This current Liverpool team isn’t exactly a “mentality monster.” With a bit more pressure, they could crack.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BATTLE HEATING UP

Meanwhile, the race for Champions League qualification is intensifying. Aston Villa are quietly closing the gap on the teams above them. Unai Emery’s side are building momentum, and their January signings have played a key role in this winning run, a proof that smart business in the winter window can pay off.

Nottingham Forest clearly missed Chris Wood, but their second-half performance showed that they can play attacking football, not just sit back and counter. If only they had a recognised No. 9, Forest could have stolen a point at Villa Park, given how many chances they missed.

With Chelsea drawing against Brentford, the battle for third, fourth, and fifth places is wide open.

MANCHESTER DERBY ENDS IN STALEMATE

As for the Battle of Manchester between United and City, it ended all square as Pep Guardiola continues his search for a first win against Ruben Amorim this season.

Has Amorim figured Guardiola out tactically? This was their third meeting and so far, Amorim has had the upper hand.

As for the game itself, some might consider it a snoozefest, but there were moments of entertainment within the 90 minutes.

Rasmus Hojlund, however, might need a loan move away from United. He looks out of place in the current squad, and perhaps his transfer to

United came too soon. If this continues, it could affect his confidence long-term.

MORE DRAMA TO COME

The drama continues this weekend, with even more to come in the weeks ahead.

With European football back on the menu, teams must rotate wisely to stay fresh for weekend fixtures.

Perhaps Liverpool hold the advantage here, with no European commitments, while Arsenal have a massive showdown with Real Madrid.

Which of the two contenders can hold their nerve in the “Title Run-In?”