Preview: Matchday 22 in the Premier League

Premier League trophy — Matchday 22 in the Premier League begins today. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

The Premier League is heading into its 21st matchday as the season has entered into its deciding half. With Liverpool and Nottingham Forest’s draw on Tuesday, along with Arsenal’s win against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, the title race has become even more intense.

Liverpool stand firm at the top with 47 points, while having a game in hand. Standing in 2nd place, Arsenal have managed to narrow the gap between them and the Reds with a win against Spurs. The Gunners have earned 43 points in 21 games.

The dark horses, Nottingham Forest, managed to restrict Liverpool to just a draw, creating a possibility for themselves and Arsenal to try and catch the league leaders. Nuno’s men currently occupy the 3rd spot, having 41 points in 21 games, trailing Liverpool by 6 points.

Leaders Liverpool will face Brentford away from home in what is expected to be a highly intense clash. It is a must-win game for the Reds, after having dropped points in their last 2 games.

Arsenal will face Unai Emery’s sparkling Aston Villa side in what is the highlight game of matchday 22, while Nottingham Forest will face Southampton, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the table.

A new challenger in the Premier League title race?

While the world has been focusing on Liverpool, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest, Newcastle have climbed through the ranks while being in the shadows, due to their phenomenal run of displays recently.

With 6 wins in a row, Eddie Howe’s men have stormed into the top 4, displacing Chelsea from the 4th spot. The fierce Magpies are led by their record-breaking striker, Alexander Isak, who has now scored in 9 consecutive games in the Premier League.

With their incredible form and being within a gap of just 9 points from Liverpool at the top, it is fair to say that Eddie Howe’s men have emerged as the new challengers in the Premier League title race.

Newcastle United will take on Bournemouth today at St. James Park as they aim to win 7 games in a row to further extend their challenge in the title race.

“We are not a part of the title race.” - Enzo Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has done wonders with his team this season. Standing currently in 5th place with 37 points, the Italian manager has completely turned the club’s fate around, which had been suffering since Thomas Tuchel’s departure back in 2022.

Despite their impressive performance this season, there have been moments of turbulence for the Blues. Since the end of December, Chelsea have failed to win a single game in the Premier League, drawing 3 and losing 2 in 5 matches played.

As the squad is still very young and a bit inexperienced, such moments can be expected to happen. Acknowledging this fact, Maresca has maintained his stance since the beginning that his team is not in the title race, despite their strong displays this season.

The Blues take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Monday to try and get their first Premier League win in 2025.