Liverpool's title defence is over - only one man can stop Arsenal from glory now

Liverpool FC have seen their hopes of winning their second successive Premier League title dashed after whimpering to a fourth consecutive league defeat. The Reds could be seven points off top spot by the end of the weekend and may need an almost perfect run of results over the rest of the season to beat the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City to silverware.

Liverpool fell behind five minutes into their clash with Brentford in the evening kick-off on Saturday as Dango Ouattara pounced on a flick-on from a long throw. Kevin Schade raced through to double his side's advantage before the break, with Milos Kerkez pulling a goal back moments later. The Bees restored their two-goal lead courtesy of an Igor Thiago penalty, before Mohamed Salah set up a nervy climax with a strike in the 89th minute. But Liverpool ultimately left west London empty-handed.

Liverpool's lack of points after nine games indicates they may already be out of the title race.

And their abysmal form means they are unlikely to turn things around any time soon, unless Arne Slot can solve his team's problems at the drop of a hat.

Arsenal's strong start to the season saw the Gunners enter the weekend with a three-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. And they are already the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy after narrowly missing out on silverware time and time again during Mikel Arteta's reign.

Manchester City appear to be Arsenal's closest rivals this season, despite enduring their own struggles over the last year.

And Citizens boss Pep Guardiola has Erling Haaland to thank for his side's early successes this term.

Haaland is the Premier League's top scorer and, ahead of his side's trip to Aston Villa, the Norway international had been responsible for 11 of City's 17 top-flight goals since the campaign got underway.

His world-class finishing ability has yet again proven to be the difference in a number of tight games. And he is the only man who can stop Arsenal cantering to their first Premier League title since 2004.

If Haaland can surpass the 36 Premier League goals he scored during his maiden season at the Etihad Stadium following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, City have a chance of usurping Arsenal at the top of the table and winning the title in May.

But if the 25-year-old's form drops, Guardiola's side could fall away from their rivals at the top.

And that would leave Arsenal to cruise to a long overdue title, with the Gunners showing they have what it takes at both ends of the pitch to take the spoils with ease.