Villa surge, Arsenal extend lead, Spurs eye home revival
Liverpool are under immense pressure to end their alarming losing streak as they host Aston Villa on Saturday, while Manchester City face a stern test against Bournemouth, and Arsenal aim to tighten their grip on the Premier League title race.
The Gunners currently hold a four-point lead at the top ahead of their trip to Burnley. Meanwhile, third-placed Tottenham are eager to break a three-game winless home run when they welcome London rivals Chelsea.
Slot under pressure as Liverpool spiral continues
Liverpool manager Arne Slot finds himself in a difficult position after being knocked out of the League Cup by Crystal Palace, adding to a string of poor results that have derailed their title defence.
Slot made 10 changes in midweek, resting key players ahead of a demanding schedule that includes clashes with Real Madrid and Manchester City. However, the decision backfired as a youthful Liverpool side suffered a 3–0 defeat at Anfield.
“I don’t think it is possible if you lose six out of seven that there is even more pressure,” said Slot. “If you are on a run like this at Liverpool, you know the pressure is there.”
Once 12 points ahead of Villa, Liverpool now sit level on points but behind on goal difference. Villa, led by Unai Emery, have climbed back into the Champions League race with four straight wins — including against Tottenham and Man City.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher didn’t mince words:
“To see the champions lose four league games in a row with their summer spending — we’re in crisis time right now.”
Liverpool’s record £450 million outlay has failed to stabilize the squad, with injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz further compounding their defensive woes.
Bournemouth’s unbeaten run faces Etihad test
Bournemouth — the Premier League’s surprise package — head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday with the league’s longest unbeaten streak, having not lost since opening day against Liverpool.
Manager Andoni Iraola has transformed the Cherries into European hopefuls, but a trip to face Pep Guardiola’s side is the ultimate test.
Man City trail Arsenal by six points after their 1–0 defeat to Aston Villa ended a nine-game unbeaten run. Guardiola admitted concern over over-reliance on Erling Haaland, with no other player scoring more than once in the league so far.
The midweek 3–1 League Cup victory over Swansea offered relief, with Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki returning from injury and finding the net — boosting City’s attacking options.
Tottenham seek home comfort against Chelsea
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has impressed on the road, securing big wins at Manchester City, West Ham, and Everton, but home form remains a concern.
Spurs have collected 13 of their 17 points away from home, with Bournemouth and Aston Villa both winning in north London.
“We would like our home to be a fortress,” said Frank. “It cannot only be the team or the fans — it needs to be both. We need to bring energy to each other.”
Only a second league victory over Chelsea since 2018 would reestablish Tottenham’s home dominance and boost their title hopes.
Weekend Fixtures (GMT)
Saturday:
Brighton v Leeds, Burnley v Arsenal, Crystal Palace v Brentford, Fulham v Wolves, Nottingham Forest v Man United (1500)
Tottenham v Chelsea (1730)
Liverpool v Aston Villa (2000)
Sunday:
West Ham v Newcastle (1400)
Man City v Bournemouth (1630)
Monday:
Sunderland v Everton (2000)
