Chris Sutton admits he fears Arsenal and Manchester City ‘cannot afford’ one thing to win the Premier League title in the 2023/24 race given Liverpool’s ‘generous’ run-in.
The Reds now top the table having overtaken the Gunners after Mikel Arteta’s side drew 0-0 away to the Citizens. A share of the points at Etihad Stadium ensured Arsenal did not return to the top after Liverpool claimed a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Liverpool lead Arsenal by two points through 29 games with Manchester City a further point behind their title rivals. Arteta’s side will try to respond to the setback when they host Luton Town on Wednesday as Manchester City host Aston Villa with Liverpool playing on Thursday.
Chris Sutton feels Liverpool have a ‘generous’ Premier League run-in
A home encounter with basement boys Sheffield United is next to come for Liverpool in the Premier League run-in. The Reds face four squads outside of the current top 10 during their final nine games. Arsenal and Manchester City also face four bottom-half sides in the run-in.
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What could help Liverpool is that Tottenham Hotspur have to visit Anfield while Arsenal and Manchester City must visit Spurs. The Gunners and Citizens also both travel to Brighton. But Aston Villa visit Emirates Stadium and Etihad Stadium, while Liverpool will play at Villa Park.
Chris Sutton fears Arsenal and Man City ‘cannot afford’ any slip-ups
Celtic hero Sutton believes Liverpool have the kindest run-in among the Premier League title rivals overall, though. So, the 1994/95 title-winner for Blackburn Rovers feels the 23/24 title may now be the Reds’ to lose. Arsenal and Manchester City also ‘cannot afford’ any slip-ups.
“Overall, I think they’ve got a generous run of games, Liverpool, from now to the end of the season,” Sutton told It’s All Kicking Off. “It’s just holding the nerve.
“And, you know, what did [Sunday] mean going forward? It means that the pressure’s really on Arsenal and Manchester City now because there isn’t any margin of error now for them. They can’t afford another slip.”
Arsenal will take a lot of confidence from drawing at Manchester City having lost each of the Gunners’ previous seven Premier League trips to their title rivals. They will also continue to believe the title is possible if they can avoid any slip-ups against any banana skin opponents.
Their trip to Brighton this Saturday could have a huge say in Arsenal’s chances of lifting their first Premier League title since 2003/04. Arsenal have won two of their past three top-flight visits to the Amex. But Brighton won two and drew two of their past six at home to Arsenal.