Liverpool emerged victorious against Brentford with a late rally to secure a 2-0 win, while Arsenal faltered in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa after leading by two goals. The outcomes of these matches have significantly impacted the Premier League title race, boosting Liverpool's chances of clinching the title. Liverpool now leads Arsenal by six points and has a game in hand, greatly enhancing their position in the race.
Liverpool's triumph over Brentford marked a historic moment as they recorded their 37th shot on goal, setting a new Premier League record for an away team. The match showcased Liverpool's depth and resilience, particularly in their ability to sustain pressure. Darwin Nunez's late double secured the victory, with Harvey Elliott providing a crucial assist from the bench for the second goal. Liverpool's manager, Slot, now sees his team's title-winning prospects at 77% according to bookmakers.
In contrast, Arsenal's draw with Aston Villa exposed vulnerabilities in their squad. Without William Saliba, Arsenal struggled defensively, conceding two quick goals that nullified their early lead. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, suggested the need for reinforcements in the January transfer window to bolster their squad. This result represented a missed opportunity for Arsenal to solidify their position in the title race.
"Not the result. When you look at the performances, I don't know how many teams are playing at this level on the league, but when you look at the bench, probably you say, I think we are very short." – Mikel Arteta
The physical toll of the match was evident as Arsenal appeared drained after surrendering their advantage. Arteta commented on the high level of play but acknowledged that something was missing, hinting at the thin line between success and failure.
"In attack and defending, the level we are playing is so high. We were so good but there is something missing, that line is so thin." – Mikel Arteta
Liverpool's depth proved crucial in their victory over Brentford, with fresh legs off the bench making a significant difference. This depth could be a decisive factor in their pursuit of the title. Thomas Frank, Brentford's manager, recognized Liverpool's superiority, acknowledging their complete team performance and work ethic.
"I think we just played City and Arsenal and now Liverpool, in a short amount of time. For me, [Liverpool] are a level above the two teams. They're complete. Their work ethic, the way they track back, are good indicators." – Thomas Frank
Sky Sports' Gary Neville emphasized the significance of Liverpool's win over Brentford as a pivotal moment in the title race. Similarly, Paul Merson expressed confidence in Liverpool's ability to secure the title following Arsenal's lackluster performance.
"I'd be shocked if Liverpool didn't go on to win the title from here. For me, it was too easy from Arsenal, too lackadaisical." – Paul Merson
The results underscore the importance of squad depth and resilience in the Premier League title race. Liverpool's bench strength and ability to maintain pressure were key factors in their success against Brentford. As Oli Yew from Sky Sports noted:
"If Salah doesn't get you, the bench will" – Sky Sports' Oli Yew
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