Liverpool held Arsenal to a goalless draw on Thursday; however, Arsenal preserves a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. This maintains their status as the title frontrunners this season.
Arsenal’s defense was impressive again, limiting Liverpool to no shots on target and an expected goal value of just 0.36 at the Emirates Stadium. On their part, Arsenal made nine attempts, landing four to target but finished with low expected goals of 0.52. Their modest attacking performance prevented them from increasing their lead to eight points, which might have solidified their title ambitions further.
Fortunately for Arsenal, their title prospects remain strong thanks to Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Brighton. Arsenal retained the six-point cushion in their standings, their largest lead at this juncture of the season.
The current Gunners’ performance stands superior to last season’s champions, Liverpool, who had a five-point lead over Arsenal at similar points in the season and continues to outpace several previous champions.
Recent Premier League Champions Last Ten Seasons
| SEASON | TEAM | TOTAL POINTS | POINTS PER GAME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Liverpool | 84 | 2.21 |
| 2023-24 | Manchester City | 91 | 2.39 |
| 2022-23 | Manchester City | 89 | 2.24 |
| 2021-22 | Manchester City | 93 | 2.45 |
| 2020-21 | Manchester City | 86 | 2.26 |
| 2019-20 | Liverpool | 99 | 2.61 |
| 2018-19 | Manchester City | 98 | 2.58 |
| 2017-18 | Manchester City | 100 | 2.63 |
| 2016-17 | Chelsea | 93 | 2.45 |
| 2015-16 | Leicester City | 81 | 2.13 |
Arsenal is currently on track to achieve 89 points by season’s end at their current average of 2.33 points per game, outpacing three of the last ten Premier League winners which include Liverpool last season and the 2020-21 Manchester City team.
The Gunners hold a solid six-point lead, a significant one, but not unprecedented. Notably, eight teams in Premier League history have held a lead of seven or more points through 20 games, with the 2017-18 Manchester City’s record 15-point lead over Manchester United leading the pack.
Premier League teams will participate in FA Cup matches during the weekend and then return to league play consequently. Arsenal will face relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on January 17, while Manchester City is set for a pivotal Manchester derby earlier that day.
