Liverpool on the Brink: Arsenal and Chelsea Ignite the Title Race

Liverpool on the Brink: West Ham Awaits

Is Liverpool heading to rock bottom, or merely entering the early stages of a rebuild? That serious question faces manager Arne Slot as his side travels to West Ham United in the 13th round of the Premier League this weekend.

The defending champions have lost six of their last seven league games, casting fresh doubt on Slot's ability to steady the ship. In contrast, Arsenal sit top of the table and enjoy their best spell of the season, while they prepare to face Chelsea in a match that underlines the Gunners' potential to end a drought of league titles since 2004.

Arsenal on a Multi-Front Charge as City Struggles

Liverpool have lost nine of their last twelve across all competitions, a stretch that marks the worst run in decades for a club of their size. It increases pressure on Slot just months after he guided them to a historic 20th top-flight title.

Slot admitted he slept poorly after the heavy 1-4 defeat to Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday. The team also suffers a clear shortage of chances, continuing defensive mistakes, as they have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season, 34 in all competitions.

Liverpool's trip to West Ham on Sunday is risky, with West Ham regaining sparkle under Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter in September. Despite the catastrophic run, Liverpool sit 12th, three points off Aston Villa in fourth, offering a glimmer of hope for a revival.

Arsenal on more than one front

Aston Villa started the campaign slowly, failing to win any of their first five matches, but coach Unai Emery has engineered a dramatic comeback. If results go their way this week, Villa, facing neighbor Wolverhampton, could move into second behind Arsenal. The side has scored eight of its 15 league goals from outside the box, though they haven't created a large number of chances.

Wolves, with only two points from 12 games, are struggling to overcome Villa's challenge, especially since they have not lost at home since August.

Punchline: If Liverpool's defense were a sniper target, it would still miss the point—and the ball.

Punchline: Arsenal and Chelsea are so hot right now that even a sniper would need sunscreen to watch the finish.