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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| APYonhap News |
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The pursuers are sliding on their own.
Chelsea and Arsenal drew the same score on the same day. Chelsea drew 1-1 against Crystal Palace in the 20th round of the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2024-2025 season at Selhurst Park in London on the 5th (Korea time). Chelsea, leading by Cole Palmer's first goal in the 14th minute of the first half, conceded an equalizer through Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 37th minute of the second half. This resulted in a winless game (two draws and two losses) for the fourth consecutive game. Chelsea, ranked fourth with 36 points (20 games), narrowed the point gap with Liverpool (45, 18 games) from 10 points to 9 points. The mid-December gap was only two points.
Arsenal also took the lead in Brighton's away goal in the 16th minute of the first half with Lee Sun-Wan Ye-ri's first goal. Wan Ye-ri, a rookie born in 2007 who had a difficult chance due to Bukayo Saka's long-term injury, scored his second goal of the season following a match against Nottingham Forest (3-0 win) in November last year. Arsenal, who had previously won three consecutive games and boasted their best pace, allowed João Pedro to equalize in the 16th minute of the second half with a penalty kick. Brighton had four consecutive draws, including that day, but for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, they fell into a "winless swamp." Arsenal (40 points, 20 games), who have been undefeated in 10 consecutive league games, lost the opportunity to pursue the lead. Five points behind Liverpool, who have played two less games.
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Liverpool had a chance to run away. If they win the match against Manchester United at Anfield on the 6th, they can solidify their lead by opening the gap between second-place Arsenal and fourth-place Chelsea to eight points and 12 points. Liverpool has been on a three-game winning streak with its destructive power of scoring a total of 14 goals in the last three league games. There has been no loss in 14 consecutive games since losing 0-1 to Nottingham on September 14.
Liverpool missed the trophy for the fourth year after winning the league title for the first time in 30 years and the first time in the 2019-2020 season led by manager Jurgen Klopp. If he wins this year, his first season as manager of Arne Slot, he will be the 20th star in the club's history.
However, there are variables. Manchester City, a team that always cares about, has rebounded by winning two consecutive games in the new year. Elling Holan's scoring shot came to life. On the 5th, he scored his 15th and 16th goals at the same time in a 4-1 victory over West Ham. Manchester City, which is ranked sixth with 34 points (20 games), is on the rise little by little.
It is unclear whether Liverpool and Manchester United will also be held on time due to heavy snow hitting England. Another variable is that three key resources, striker Mohamed Salah, defender Virgil van Dijk and fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold, face 'FA risk' at the same time. The three have yet to sign a contract renewal, with their contracts expiring side by side this summer.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
