Premier League Weekend Recap 2013-14: Liverpool in Firm Control of Title Race; Can Luis Suarez & Company Hold On?
The Premier League title race has been one of the most fascinating in years. Early on, it looked like Arsenal would run away with it but after a string off poor losses on the road, Chelsea emerged as the top dog in the EPL. But now the tables have turned and Liverpool has seemingly taken over the title race. Will the Reds win their first championship since 1990?
With its 3-2 win over Norwich City on Sunday, Liverpool finished the weekend with a league-leading 80 points. The team entered Sunday's game in complete control of first place as Chelsea suffered a 2-1 home loss against Sunderland. Chelsea currently has 75 points with only three games and is no longer in control of its own destiny. Chelsea and Liverpool play next weekend in a game that was expected to determine the championship of the league. However, with five points separating the two sides, it is unlikely that this match will do anything to change the outcome of the standings. A Chelsea win would pull the Blues within two points of Liverpool; the team would then need Liverpool to lose one of its two games against Crystal Palace and Newcastle. While the latter match is possible, it is also unlikely considering the fact that it takes place at Anfield, where Liverpool has been virtually unbeatable. Chelsea would also need to win its final two games, which is no guarantee with the way the team has played of late.
Manchester City has two games in hand on Liverpool as it has only played 33 matches this season and has 71 points. However, City would only have 77 points if it made up those two matches at this juncture in the season and the team would also need Liverpool to lose two of its final three games in order to have any hopes of winning the crown. However, the team would also need Chelsea to stumble in two of its final three.
In the battle for the fourth and final Champions League spot, Arsenal managed a 3-0 win over Hull City while Everton embarrassed Manchester United 2-0 at home. That race will likely go down to the wire. Arsenal has Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and lowly Norwich left on the schedule while Everton has to overcome Southampton, Manchester City and Hull City. Arsenal plays two of its three games at home and has no title contenders to worry about; Everton has one home game against a top contender and plays its other two games on the road. At this point it seems that only a colossal slip-up by Arsenal will give Everton a Champions League berth.
Meanwhile, the 2-0 loss has essentially killed any hope for David Moyes and United of making the Europa League next season. It is likely that the team will make some changes behind the bench in order to avoid another failed season in 2014-15.
Who do you think is going to win the Barclay's Premier League in 2013-14? Will Liverpool hold on or will Chelsea manage a huge surprise down the stretch?
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