Liverpool’s commanding lead at the top of the Premier League table took a hit this weekend, as Arsenal closed the gap with a dramatic late winner from Gabriel against Newcastle United. The Reds, who had been sitting pretty with 15 points from a possible 18, suffered the frustration of dropping points in their own match against Crystal Palace, only to watch their closest rivals snatch victory from the jaws of a draw at St James’ Park. It was a double blow that could have seen Liverpool’s advantage balloon to eight points in an alternate reality—but instead, the race remains tight.
Yet, for all the momentary setbacks, Liverpool fans—and perhaps more importantly, Arsenal’s camp—shouldn’t underestimate the Reds’ position. Both teams have started the 2025/26 season strongly, with Liverpool edging ahead on points and having navigated tough early fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle, and Everton. Arsenal, for their part, bounced back from a loss to Liverpool and held their own against Manchester City, culminating in that pivotal late goal on Tyneside. As Gary Neville described it, the moment felt “huge,” especially for those rooting for the Gunners to finally claim the title he’s long predicted.
With 32 games still to play, the table could shift dramatically, and Manchester City lurks as a potential disruptor. However, if the current top two maintain their trajectories through to May, the burning question is who finishes where. Liverpool’s recent stumbles might give Arsenal hope, but Arne Slot’s side holds a unique “ace card” in the title race: an attack brimming with untapped potential that could propel them to another level, making even the most optimistic Arsenal supporters wary.
At the heart of this optimism is Liverpool’s forward line, which, despite contributing to the team’s league-leading goal tally (only surpassed by Manchester City so far), has key players still finding their rhythm. Florian Wirtz, the £116 million German sensation acquired in a blockbuster deal, is gradually acclimating after a disrupted pre-season. “When I have the ball, I might be lacking a little bit,” Wirtz candidly admitted this week. “That it will simply come step by step, as I play more games, get fitter, be able to do things more easily, and then, when I have the ball, be fit enough and recovered enough to push.” His glimpses of brilliance against Crystal Palace, even in defeat, hint at the creative force he could become once fully integrated.
Similarly, Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s British record signing at £125 million, is on a personal “mini pre-season” after missing much of the summer due to fitness issues. Slot noted after Isak’s outing against Atletico Madrid: “Alex did feel his body maybe more than ever before after the 60 minutes he played.” As his match sharpness returns, the Swedish striker’s pace and finishing could transform Liverpool’s counter-attacks into a lethal weapon.
Then there’s Mohamed Salah, whose form has been uncharacteristically subdued this season. Well below par at Selhurst Park and yet to truly ignite, the Egyptian king’s quality remains unquestionable. History suggests it’s only a matter of time before he “clicks,” rediscovering the goal-scoring prowess that has defined his Liverpool career.
These three—Wirtz, Isak, and Salah—represent Liverpool’s “ace card”: elite talents with proven stardust who are yet to hit peak form. In contrast, while Arsenal can point to injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard as reasons for their own room for improvement, Liverpool’s potential uptick feels more explosive. Hugo Ekitike has been in fine fettle (barring a needless red card against Southampton), and Cody Gakpo has provided reliable support, but it’s the big three who could elevate the Reds’ attack beyond what Mikel Arteta’s side can match.
Last season, in 2024/25, Slot’s superior attacking options were the difference-maker in Liverpool’s title triumph. This campaign, despite the weekend’s double dose of bad news, the Reds are poised for a repeat. Arsenal’s late heroics at Newcastle were a timely boost, but they serve as a reminder: Liverpool’s depth and quality in forward areas is a looming threat. If even one of those star attackers finds their groove, the title race could swing decisively in Liverpool’s favor.
As Slot seeks improvements across the board, particularly in attack, the message to Arsenal is clear: don’t get too comfortable. Liverpool’s “ace card” is still in play, and when it’s dealt, it could prove game-changing.