Anfield countdown begins: Liverpool on brink of Premier League title

Liverpool fans must wait a little longer — but the party at Anfield is nearly ready to begin.

Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday means Liverpool are now within touching distance of a record-equalling 20th English league title. Arne Slot’s side were hoping to seal the trophy without kicking a ball, had Arsenal slipped to defeat at the Emirates. Instead, they watched from afar as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stunning late equaliser for Palace delayed the inevitable.

Keeping the party on hold

The result keeps the party on hold, but not for long. Liverpool now lead the table by 12 points with five games to go. Arsenal, in second, have just four remaining and a significantly weaker goal difference (+34 to Liverpool’s +44).

A draw against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday will be enough for Liverpool to secure the title — setting up the perfect scenario for fans to witness their side crowned champions on home turf.

Anfield awaits

The timing couldn’t be better. Liverpool have the chance to win the league in front of their home crowd for the first time since their 1990 title, with fans poised to pack the stands in anticipation of a historic day.

The 2020 triumph, though joyous, was celebrated behind closed doors due to the pandemic. Now, the Kop can finally roar in unison for a coronation they’ve been denied for five long years.

Slot’s side have been relentless, and Arsenal’s recent wobble — three draws in their last four league games — has only added to the growing belief on Merseyside. The Gunners delayed celebrations once again, but even Mikel Arteta’s focus seemed split ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal lose ground again

Arsenal looked to be in control when Jakub Kiwior headed home from a Martin Odegaard free-kick just three minutes in — their 16th goal from a set-piece this season. But Palace struck back as Eberechi Eze volleyed in a slick equaliser off the post midway through the first half.

Leandro Trossard restored the lead with a deflected finish just before the break, but Arsenal’s defensive frailties resurfaced in the final minutes. William Saliba lost the ball cheaply and Mateta punished him with a sublime 30-yard chip over David Raya.

Even with Bukayo Saka returning from the bench after an injury scare, Arsenal couldn’t find a winner.

Eyes on the weekend

Palace had rested key players with their FA Cup semi-final looming, but still found enough resolve to frustrate Arsenal — and delight Liverpool supporters.

Now, all roads lead to Anfield. A packed stadium. A title on the line. And a fanbase ready to erupt.

Slot and his players know the job isn’t done yet. But come Sunday, if they avoid defeat to Spurs, Liverpool fans might finally get the title party they’ve been dreaming of — this time, with everyone invited.