A quick glance at the current Premier League table led me to ask myself a question: when was the last time there was a genuine three-horse race in the quest to be crowned kings of England?
Once I delved into the memory bank, I got something of a shock.
Leicester City’s 2016 miracle appeared such a race with North London rivals Spurs and Arsenal in the mix for a long spell.
Likewise, Chelsea and Arsenal were also in contention for the most part alongside eventual champions Manchester United in 2008.
Yet when I considered in detail, the penny dropped that the last time a genuine three-horse race occurred – when three teams still had title hopes going into the final week of the season – was probably before the millennium (1998/99).
Now I am not saying this season’s top three will go into the final week of the campaign in with a shout but there’s a good chance they might.
And that’s why most of the Premier League 2024 highlights between now and late May will probably involve contests featuring leaders Arsenal, Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City.
This weekend’s events just added to the intrigue and, depending on who you talk to, any one of the three sides are favourites (a position that will likely change a few times over the next few months).
Some fancy Liverpool to claim the prize and secure the perfect send-off for the soon-to-depart manager Jurgen Klopp.
Others back the Gunners to seal a first title since their “Invincibles” went through the league season unbeaten exactly 20 years ago.
And then there’s perennial winners City bidding to become the first team in English football history to be crowned champions four years in succession.
The current SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds reflect the close nature of the race with City available outright @ 2.15 compared to the Merseysiders @ 3.25 and Arsenal @ 3.50.
That is in reverse to the positions at the moment with Arsenal at the summit on goal difference from Liverpool with City a further point behind, yet my instincts are the same as my wise betting colleagues.
Of course, injuries and suspensions may play a part, as could the demands of European football on all three sides.
Arguably another key component could be the respective goalkeepers.
On Saturday evening, Arsenal saw off Brentford but were fortunate to do so.
Kai Havertz, who netted a late winner, should not have been on the field but escaped a second yellow card for diving and, much to Brentford’s anger, was able to head home the 86th minute clincher.
Mikel Arteta’s side would probably not have been in that position but for an uncharacteristic clanger from goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale which had allowed the Bees to draw level.
Arsenal were in utter control when Ramsdale allowed Brentford back into the game, dawdling on a back pass under little pressure and taking an extra touch which allowed a sliding Yoane Wissa to block the attempted clearance.
Ramsdale could only watch aghast as the ball looped back into his goal, leaving him looking distraught and stunning the 60,000 home fans into silence.
Sympathetic teammates comforted Ramsdale when he returned to the dressing room at the half-time whistle.
He made amends with some fine saves in the second period, although it seems certain David Raya – unable to play in that game as he is on loan from Brentford – will return in time for Arsenal’s next league match against City.
City have now got a potential goalkeeping issue of their own.
Brazilian Ederson was hurt in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool and, after receiving treatment, had to soon be replaced by Stefan Ortega.
Ortega fared well when called upon and, with the news that Ederson is set to miss up to a month after sustaining a muscle injury, he will need to prove his worth over a run of games.
That is exactly what has happened at Liverpool too with Ederson’s international compatriot Allison out of action for the moment and replaced by number two Caoimhin Kelleher, who has also proved his worth to date.
Whatever happens next will be intriguing, will bring joy to some and despair to others.
As the Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson so eloquently points out, inflammatory and obfuscatory comments from managers won’t help.
The title will be won by the side which deserves it and deals with adversity the best.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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