Liverpool Take Charge as Arsenal Slip While Champions League Challenges Loom

Darwin Nunez (photo credit: Getty)

Liverpool’s thrilling 2-0 win at Brentford on Saturday, courtesy of Darwin Nunez’s stoppage-time goals in the 91st and 93rd minutes, could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal’s subsequent 2-2 draw with Aston Villa after leading by two goals only added to the drama, leaving Liverpool in a commanding position.

With six points separating Liverpool from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest—and a game in hand—the Reds now look poised to take control of the league.

This momentum boost is crucial as they prepare for a decisive Champions League group stage match against Lille at Anfield.

Without Nunez’s heroics, scrutiny would have fallen on Liverpool’s shaky form, with just one win in their last five matches prior—a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley. Recent league draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, plus a 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Tottenham, had raised concerns. Now, the narrative shifts to one of resurgence and dominance.

In Europe, Liverpool’s form has been impeccable. With six straight wins and just one goal conceded, they top their Champions League group and need a win—or even a draw—to secure their spot in the knockout stages.

Lille, currently third in Ligue 1, arrive at Anfield on an impressive 21-match unbeaten streak. However, ten of those have been draws, and they’ll face an entirely different challenge under the Anfield lights.

Jonathan David (photo credit: Getty)
Jonathan David (photo credit: Getty)

Canadian striker Jonathan David, Lille’s talisman and a transfer target for several English clubs, poses a threat.

Still, Liverpool’s defensive prowess and superior depth should see them through. Odds favor Liverpool to win by more than one goal, with bookmakers offering 5/6 for this outcome.

Liverpool’s depth has been vital recently, as seen with Diogo Jota salvaging a point against Nottingham Forest and Nunez delivering the late winner at Brentford.

Diogo Jota (Photo Credit: Getty)
Diogo Jota (Photo Credit: Getty)

Though Jota missed the Brentford clash due to injury, Cody Gakpo is ready to shine. Bookmakers list Gakpo at 11/2 to open the scoring and 13/8 to score anytime, while a 2-0 Liverpool victory is a popular 13/2 bet.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s collapse against Aston Villa highlighted the Gunners’ inconsistency. Villa, under Unai Emery, have rediscovered their form, following wins against Leicester, West Ham, and Everton. They now head to Monaco for a crucial Champions League encounter.

With Monaco winless in four games, Villa, sitting fifth, can strengthen their position in the group with a win. At 9/5, they are tipped for victory on the French Riviera. Striker Ollie Watkins, who equalized against Arsenal, is 11/2 to score the game’s first goal and 9/5 to score anytime.

Elsewhere, Tuesday’s Football League fixtures feature Blackburn, QPR, Sheffield United, and Wigan in an intriguing accumulator lineup for fans and bettors alike.

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